Published 18:16 IST, September 30th 2024
Divine Gifts: Parizad Shaikh’s Spiritual Venture Inspired by the Lost Child
In Kimaya, she openly discusses her failures in academics, the struggle to meet societal expectations, and the toll that both marriage and divorce took on her.
Parizad Shaikh made her debut as an author with her book titled Kimaya, a memoir that offers a raw and personal look into her life. The book covers her journey through love, failure, marriage, divorce, and personal growth. Parizad narrates the story of how she fell in love, got married to the person she believed to be her soulmate, and eventually had to endure the emotional turmoil of divorce. In Kimaya, she openly discusses her failures in academics, the struggle to meet societal expectations, and the toll that both marriage and divorce took on her mental and emotional health.
Parizad describes herself as a strong and independent woman who, for the sake of her marriage, gave up her personal freedom to conform to traditional domestic life. As she navigated her role as a wife, she encountered unforeseen challenges that slowly started eroding her sense of identity and autonomy. When the marriage began to falter, Parizad sought comfort and help from her close friends, but to her dismay, many of those around her failed to offer any meaningful support. Instead of receiving compassion or assistance, she was met with indifference and judgment, highlighting the isolating experience of marital difficulties in a society where women are often expected to bear these burdens silently.
Parizad did not allow herself to be defeated by the obstacles in her path. She writes about how people in her life — many of whom she had trusted — had tried to impose a stereotypical narrative upon her: that of a divorced woman who is expected to live a diminished life, conforming to social norms that limit her potential and stifle her growth. However, Parizad rejected this notion. She was determined not to be defined by her divorce or the failures in her personal life. Instead, she worked tirelessly to break free from the expectations others had of her, choosing to write her own story of self-recovery and success. Parizad's mental health took a severe blow during this time, and she experienced a period of intense depression that affected her both physically and emotionally. She speaks of how the depression felt like her body and mind were in shock, almost as though her very organs had been paralyzed by the overwhelming sadness. This phase of her life was marked by deep introspection, but also a determination to heal and emerge stronger. Parizad recognized that the society she was surrounded by — particularly some of her closest acquaintances — would rather see her remain stagnant than succeed. She highlights the painful reality that people in her community did not want her to progress or rise above her struggles, preferring instead that she stay confined to the limitations they had set for her.
But Parizad's story is one that is making noise with her success. She refused to be broken by the judgments or limitations imposed upon her. Instead, she embarked on a journey of self-improvement and empowerment. Through sheer determination and effort, she regained her strength and silenced her dear ones who left her in the middle of the ocean. One of the most inspiring aspects of her story is her decision to face the very subjects she had previously failed in, including marriage. Not only did she master those subjects, but she now teaches them, a testament to her perseverance and intelligence. Additionally, Parizad became a karate black belt, an achievement that symbolizes both her mental and physical empowerment. This accomplishment served as a powerful metaphor for how she took control of her life, turning her weakness into strength and breaking through the barriers that had once held her back.
Through Kimaya, Parizad also reflects on the painful accusations and labels that her former partner had placed upon her. She recalls the hurtful things that were said about her, the misunderstandings, and the misconceptions that clouded her reputation. Yet, instead of allowing these accusations to define her, Parizad used them as motivation to prove her worth and rebuild her life. She emphasizes the idea that time is not a static force; it can be transformed and shaped by our actions and choices. In her case, she decided to take control of her own narrative, spinning the tables on those who had doubted her, and showing them that she was capable of far more than they ever imagined. Parizad’s journey from heartbreak to healing, from failure to mastery, serves as an inspiring example for anyone facing similar challenges. She reminds her readers that while life may not always go according to plan, it is within our power to take control and rewrite our stories. Time, she suggests, can be our ally if we choose to act with courage and conviction.
Parizad Shaikh, a gifted clairvoyant, has launched her own company called Divine Gifts, which operates both in India and Australia. The company derives its name from "Kimaya," a symbol of the lost child, representing a deep, personal connection in Parizad’s life. Through Divine Gifts, Parizad offers her clairvoyant services, helping individuals connect with their inner selves and navigate life’s challenges with spiritual insight. This venture reflects her commitment to guiding others while integrating the profound meaning behind Kimaya into her professional journey.
In conclusion, Parizad Shaikh's memoir Kimaya is a poignant and powerful account of a woman who faced tremendous adversity but refused to be defined by it. Through her writing, Parizad not only shares her personal struggles but also offers a broader commentary on societal norms, particularly how divorced women are often marginalized and expected to conform to limiting stereotypes. By sharing her story of overcoming depression, societal judgment, and personal failure. Her story encourages readers to believe in their own strength, to take control of their own lives, and to never allow the opinions of others to dictate their paths.
Updated 10:16 IST, October 1st 2024