With flag on forehead, this IT staffer celebrates freedom everyday

The 56-year-old moved to the city from Thirukoilur in Viluppuram district after marriage and currently resides in Medavakkam with her husband, son and daughter. She says that she conceived the idea of painting her forehead as a child. “I’ve been following this routine for as long as I can remember. I feel that it is only because of freedom fighters like Gandhiji that we’re sitting here today enjoying our independence and privileges. This is my way of expressing gratitude to them — if not for their efforts, India would have still been in the clutches of colonisers,” she says.

Jayanthi sources the materials and colours from different places. “The green kumkum can be found outside a Lord Kubera temple, since it is considered auspicious for that God. The white colour comes from vibhuthi, which Lord Muruga applies on his forehead and the saffron paste symbolises my devotion for Sai Baba,” she explains adding, “Instead of blue for the chakra in between, I use a black paste.”

When asked if her co-workers have ever ridiculed her for this practice, she replies, “No one has ever made fun of me; they actually respect the fact that I still have regard for our freedom fighters.” As for her family, she says that they haven’t stopped her from exercising her freedom wisely. “My family is proud that I am making the right use of my freedom. Even the choice to paint this flag is me exercising my freedom. I conduct myself in such a way that they don’t question my actions, but support my endeavours,” Jayanthi says.

And what does this independence mean to her? “It is the ability to perform my duties, whatever it may be, without the interference of an outsider. Back then, the British tortured and exploited us and it was our forefathers, who retrieved our freedom. They wished for all of us to live in peace and prosperity — that’s what I’m doing,” she concludes.