(The Iron Lady of simplicity and struggle, where motherly affection, social consciousness and the embodiment of womanly resolve continued together.)
Santosh Vashisht’s life is a unique example of struggle and simplicity. She started her journey from the kitchen and gave direction to the society by becoming the editor of Dainik Chetna.
Soft-spoken, gentle and friendly, yet firm on this was her true identity. She made Vashishtha Sadan the center of politics and society and looked after the Chetna family like a mother. She was truly the ‘Iron Lady’ of Haryana, whose memories and teachings will always inspire us.
Sometimes life brings us face to face with such personalities who appear ordinary but are filled with extraordinary energy and strength from within. These people do not shine with the help of any stage or light but shine with the dignity of their deeds themselves. Santosh Vashisht ji, born on the land of Haryana, was one such name. People used to call her Iron Lady with affection and respect. But this title was not a recognition of her harsh nature but of her indomitable courage and unshakable principles.
Santosh ji’s life is as simple as it appears, but it is equally profound and inspiring. She was one of those rare women who carried out household responsibilities and social duties simultaneously. Her speech was sweet, her behaviour was polite and her nature was mild, but when it came to principles, she was as firm as a rock. This duality of her personality made her extraordinary.
His life testifies to the fact that the basis of greatness is not grand stages or high positions, but self-confidence and loyalty. He gave equal importance to his family, society and journalism – all three areas and left his mark everywhere.
Journey from kitchen to editor
Santosh ji’s life journey started from the kitchen like any other ordinary woman. She would cook food, manage the house, and fulfill the responsibilities of the family. But destiny did not allow her to remain confined to household chores only. Circumstances, time and the determination within her put her on a path where she had to write and speak for the society.
She entered the world of journalism through Dainik Chetna. The foundation of this newspaper was laid by her husband, late Devvrat Vashisht. But Santosh ji’s contribution to its continuity and strength was no less than a pillar. She would get up from kitchen work and sit at the editorial table, and put the pulse of the society into words. This was the journey which people respectfully call “from kitchen to editor”.
For him, journalism was not just a profession but a medium to express the soul of society. He never craved sensational news but always gave priority to truth, morality, and social welfare. This was the reason that readers accepted Dainik Chetna as family and trusted it.
Vashishtha Sadan: A confluence of ideas
Santosh ji’s house, Vashishtha Sadan, remained the centre of Haryana’s politics and society for years. This house was like an open platform for leaders, thinkers, and social workers. People of every ideology would come here, sit, discuss, and get direction.
Santosh ji was the force that kept this entire environment in balance. She respected everyone, listened to everyone, but remained impartial and principled herself. Due to her easy-going nature and gentle behaviour, every visitor felt a sense of belonging to her. She proved that a home is not just a name of four walls, but can also become a mirror of society.
Chetna is the mother of the family
Santosh ji was not just a mother to her children. She considered every colleague, every journalist, every employee of Dainik Chetna as a part of her family. Encouraging them, standing with them in their difficulties, and providing better opportunities for them – all this was part of her nature.
She considered journalism as a service and inspired every worker with this vision. This was the reason why the Chetna family treated her like a mother.
The image of the Iron Lady
It is easy to say ‘Iron Lady’ but difficult to understand its meaning. Santosh Vashisht earned this title not because of her hard heart but because of her firm resolve. She was soft from within, knew how to manage relationships, but when the time came, she did not bow down to any pressure.
Financial crisis, social protests, and political pressure are common in the world of journalism. But Santosh ji faced every situation with courage. She knew that speaking the truth is never easy, but she did not step back from the truth. This courage sets her apart from others.
The power of simplicity
Her greatest strength was her simplicity. No matter how many ups and downs came in her life, she accepted every situation with a smile. She believed that simplicity is the biggest weapon. This quality of her life impressed people the most.
She used to say, “The real education of relationships is not learnt from books, but from the courtyard of the house. First, take care of your blood relations; only then do you have the right to teach brotherhood to society.”
This sentence is the essence of his life. He not only said it, but also lived it.
A Legacy
Today, when Santosh Vashisht is no longer amongst us, her memories and teachings are like a legacy to us. She taught us that if a woman is determined, she can step out of the house and give direction to the entire society. She also proved that journalism is not just the name of news printed on paper, but it is the heartbeat of the thoughts and future of society.
Her legacy is not limited to the newspaper. Her legacy is integrity, courage, simplicity, and service. This is a legacy that no time can erase.
Immortal memories
Santosh Vashishth’s life teaches us that greatness does not come from position or wealth, but from sacrifice and devotion. She gave the message through her that struggle and service are the true power.
She was not just a woman, a wife, or a mother. She was a movement, an idea, a consciousness. Her departure is the end of an era, but her memories are immortal.
Truly, women like Santosh Vashisht never go away. They remain alive in the consciousness of society, continue to inspire and remind us again and again that—
“The Iron Lady is the same,
Who gives light to society with a smile even after facing a struggle?”
