THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At a time when the world celebrates fictional superheroes, Athmaja Paniker, a recent graduate of MSc Counseling Psychology from Loyola College of Social Sciences, Sreekaryam, has created a digital artwork that celebrates real-life heroes: the incredible women of our times. Her artwork, titled ‘Portraits of Resilience: Women Who Shaped Our Times,’ isn’t your average portrait collection. This black-and-white powerhouse tells the stories of 11 women, each stroke a testament to their triumphs, defiance, and determination. It’s an artwork woven with stories of struggle, triumph, and human spirit.
The piece, originally intended for the women’s cell magazine at Loyola College of Social Science might not have made it to print, but its message speaks far beyond the pages of a magazine.
“I usually draw for the cover pages of magazines. By the time I finished this, it was late and another work was carried on the women’s cell magazine of the college. But this piece stays close to my heart. It is not so often that I create artwork, but when I do, I make sure it is inclusive,” says Athmaja.
The 11 women showcased in her portrait include Justice Fathima Beevi, the first woman judge in the Supreme Court; novelist and activist P Valsala; Bindyarani Devi, the first Indian to win the International Weightlifting Federation World Cup; Sheetal Devi, the first female armless archer to win a medal at the Para World Championships; the first woman to command an Indian warship Lt.Cdr. Prerna Deosthalee; Padma Lakshmi, the first transgender woman advocate in Kerala; Jane Dipika Garrett, who graced the Miss Universe stage with a defiant smile shattering stereotypical beauty standards, Mar Galceran, Spain’s first parliamentarian with Down syndrome; Narges Mohammadi, the Nobel Peace Prize winner who continues to fight for human rights and gender equality in Iran; Bilkis Bano, a survivor of unimaginable tragedy; and Olympic wrestler Sakshi Malik, who is a beacon of hope and courage. These women remind us that even a single voice can inspire hope.
Athmaja reminds us that resilience isn’t just about defying expectations but also about celebrating human potential in all its forms. “I believe that strength lies within each of us and that boundless possibilities await when we dare to dream and defy the status quo,” said Athmaja.