From Sita to Siya: The Quiet Guardians of Our Lives

I have been sitting on this draft for a few days now, typing a few lines, deleting them, and starting over. But tonight is Diwali, and as the house begins to fill with the smell of sweets and fresh marigold flowers, I knew I had to finish and publish this before the diyas are lit, and I head towards firecrackers.

Diwali always brings back the familiar story: Lord Ram returning home to Ayodhya, light winning over darkness, and everyone celebrating with fireworks and laughter.

Yet, every time I think of the story, my mind pauses at Sita.

Growing up, we were taught that Sita was the ultimate symbol of silent sacrifice. She walked into a 14 year exile without complaining, stayed strong in captivity, proved herself through tests of fire, and still ended up raising her children all alone in a small forest cottage. When people asked for another test, she chose not to argue. She simply let the earth take her back.

There is a simple truth from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad that stayed with me:

“Sā vā eṣā devatā etāsāṁ sarvāsāṁ prajānāṁ garbham arakṣat…”
(The feminine spirit is the quiet shield that protects, nurtures, and balances all life around it.)

Our ancient thinkers understood this clearly. Women are not just background support in the story of life; they hold everything together.

Today, that spirit looks a little different. The modern Sita is what I like to call Siya.

A poem I read recently captured this shift so well:

Sita ran for love,
but all she faced was pure hurt.
She cried, she left them.
How are we supposed to come back as Sita?
So we chose Siya…
Might fall, cry, scream, run,
but Siya won’t let Sita down.
“The society will change too,” said Siya to Sita up in heaven.

Siya still loves deeply and gives her best to everyone around her. She takes on the heavy load of modern life. Working hard, keeping families close, caring for children, and carrying expectations with a smile. But unlike the past, she will not just fade into the background when treated unfairly. She does not run away; she stands her ground, backs herself up, and creates her own space in this world.

You can spot Siya everywhere if you simply look around.

She is in our mothers, who magically know where everything is in the house while making sure you never skip a meal. She is in our grandmothers, whose stories are full of quiet courage and whose blessings make you feel completely safe. She is in our sisters, who tease us without mercy, keep us grounded, and call out our silly mistakes before anyone else does. And she is in every other woman around us. The friends, companions, colleagues, and mentors who bring warmth, balance, and fun into our everyday routines.

Let’s be honest: men on their own can easily get stubborn, serious, and full of pride. The women around us keep that in check. They show us how to be kind, how to understand real emotions, and how to bounce back when things go wrong. They protect us in ways we do not always notice. Sometimes from very tough situations, and often from our own big egos.

Siya is not trying to bring anyone down. She simply rises, asks for the respect she deserves, and lifts up everyone around her while doing it.

Tonight, before the firecrackers start and the night gets busy, take a minute to look at the women in your home and life. They are the real light in our world, making our days meaningful, fun, and humane.

Happy Diwali to the memory of Sita, and to all the Siyas who continue to lead the way forward with strength and grace.

Thanks for reading. Happy Diwali again.