There are two ways to become a princess: being born into royalty or marrying a prince. Or better, polishing your character and shining brightly. 

Today, let’s talk about one such woman, Rukshmani Kumari. This new generation royal’s sincere devotion towards society made us explore her life story.

Childhood

I belong to a family of Politicians from Deodhar, Gujarat. My father used to call me Peena, I never understood why. I was a tom-boy who didn’t love pinks, played basketball and cricket and was the school Captain for the Handball team. Also, hunting was my favorite sport. At that, I was a homely bird.

Life Today

I love wearing pink now! My wardrobe is full of all the shades of this color.

I love Lebanese food though I am good at cooking the Burmese soup Khow Suey.

I love reading. Currently, I am reading books on spirituality. This makes for my self-time.

I am a health enthusiast. I do yoga every day without fail. And, I am a vegetarian.

Marriage

I met Aditya on the day of our engagement. His family belongs to Theekana Chomu that constitutes 125 villages. A sudden shift from a political background into a royal family was interesting for me. Most of husband’s family members are in the Indian Army, and so was my late husband. He passed away four years ago when he was posted in Kashmir. I miss him.

Motherhood

We have a ten-year-old beautiful son who studies in a reputed boarding school of Rajasthan. He made me realize that I am not supposed to sit in one corner of the house wearing a white saree. After his father’s demise, he initiated many dialogues with me and made me understand myself better. That’s how wise my little boy already is!

Life as a single woman

It’s now on tracks. During the initial days, I couldn’t control anything going around me. I was asked to remarry for the sake of my child. I was young and could have taken any decision. I am glad I decided not to remarry. After him, my responsibility was to represent the family then how could have I left? I wouldn’t do that even in my dreams.

Beginning of a new life

My husband’s family is the greatest thing that happened to me. They are blissful, especially my father-in-law. I am in awe of his fighting spirit. We have turned our home into a heritage hotel, a favorite among tourists. Most of my days are dedicated to handling the property along with the rest of my family.

Life between Jaipur & Chomu

Since we are based in Chomu and have our heritage home there, we visit the place often. After my husband’s death, we’ve put our energies into developing the villages constituting Chomu. The place is just 20 kilometers away from Jaipur, but is backward in many senses. So much so, that people there are yet to be convinced to send their girls to school and not marry them off as soon as they hit their puberty. Other problems like the lack of proper transport system from village to school, the inhuman behavior towards widows, etc also top my list.

We visit the village every second day and indulge in one to one conversation with people. Maybe, my life can become an example for them. And you know what, it comes as no surprise that 80% of their problems are solved once they have someone to listen to them. 

In the future, we’re planning a space where women of the villages can come together, create handicrafts they are good at making, and sell them. In this way, we can help generate employment and make these women financially independent.

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