Food Quote by Ismat Chughtai
““How as a young girl, Ismat Chugtai convinced her father to excuse her from learning how to cook, and give her instead the opportunity to go to school and get an education: “Women cook food Ismat. When you go to your in-laws what will you feed them?” he asked gently after the crisis was explained to him. “If my husband is poor, then we will make khichdi and eat it and if he is rich, we will hire a cook,” I answered. My father realised his daughter was a terror and that there wasn’t a thing he could do about it.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “Lihaaf” by Ismat Chughtai, 1942
She persuades her father to prioritize education over domestic duties by arguing that a woman's value isn’t limited to cooking.
In simple terms: Education over cooking
Key Takeaway
Choose education, not chores
Themes
women’s rights
education
family dynamics
Mood
determined
hopeful
Type
inspirational
advocacy
When to use this quote
- seeking schooling
- family negotiations
- career planning
Key Concepts
gender roles
empowerment
social expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you argue for education in a traditional setting?
- What alternatives exist when family expectations clash with personal goals?
A Different Perspective
May face cultural resistance or lack of support
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