Adu and Ajju soon after coming back from school went in search of grandpa wanting to share their day at school. It was an exciting day for Ajju for the little girls and boys in his class had wrestling time to establish superiority over each other. Ajju told grandpa with a glee that the girls lost to the boys , since according to him boys are stronger than girls. Grandpa helped the children to change from their uniforms and took them to the dining table for their evening snacks. While eating he started telling them a story.
"Boys, strong boys, do you want to hear about a little strong girl who lived long ago" asked gramps.
" Yes , Yes, " chorussed the boys. " Very very long ago, nearly 1800 years back lived a little girl by name Auvai , pronounced as 'au' as in audio and 'vai' as in vain. Auvai's parents were very proud of their beautiful little girl as she was very intelligent and showed interest in learning. The girls were allowed access to education in those days under the supervision of their parents. When Auvai turned thirteen or so her parents started looking for a groom for her, as it was a custom in those days to marry young. Auvai did not want to marry and lead life like everyone else. She wanted to learn more and wanted to tour and meet the uneducated and poor. She wanted to spread awareness about education amongst people. Her parents opposed her proposal for women were not allowed to remain unmarried. They told her that it was not safe for young beautiful woman to stay single. Auvai tried to convince them but then her parents were horrified at the very thought of Auvai's idea of travelling for women did'nt travel much in those days. Friends and neighbours advised Auvai not to go against her parents' wishes and they literally called her a fool after hearing about her proposals. As for Auvai all her efforts in convincing her parents went in vain. The little girl was also very religious and she sought help of her favourite God Ganesha. She prayed fervently to Him seeking His guidance and help. In her prayer she also requested Him to remove her youth and beauty as she felt that with an aged look no one would want to marry her. And the next moment her skin started drying up , her hair turned white and she even lost stability needing the support of a stick to stand and walk. Ganesha had heeded to her prayers. Auvai's parents understood her determination and supported her in her mission. From that day Auvai's mission was to travel widely all over south India which was ruled by Chera, Chola, Pandia kings. Even though the three kings were rivals she was welcome in all the three kings' courts. She was held in high esteem by those kings and she used that influence to help the poor people by creating employment opportunities. She enjoyed the status of a intellectual friendship with the kings. She lived amongst the poorest of poor bringing in awareness about basic ethics, cleanliness, lifestyle, education and so on. To her, Kings' courts and homes of poor peasants were same. She loved children and was of strong view that good values should be taught when young. Hence she composed many poems for children through which she taught them good values and ethics. Singing is part of any culture, you'd find farmers ,weavers, potters, priests of yore good at composing and singing while going about their routine jobs. Children also followed suit, they were also good at composing songs spontaneously while playing . Some of those compositions have survived till today. She was and is lovingly called 'Auvai Patti' , meaning grandma. If she had married as her parents had proposed she'd have got only a small family to call her own, but now you see she is patti to millions and she will remain patti for centuries to come.
Now what do you have to say about this little strong girl" asked grandpa.
" Amazing grandpa, girls are stronger" said the kids.
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