The Woman Behind Every Role: Remembering Who We Are | Dr. Bhagyashri Lahane | TEDxSGU

A TEDxSGU talk by Dr. Bhagyashri Lahane, a consultant physician and intensivist, on the roles women take on as doctors, mothers, daughters, wives, leaders and caregivers. She reflects on her path through medical training, critical care, motherhood and work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The talk asks what remains of personal identity beyond these roles. The talk stresses that it does not call for abandoning responsibilities. Instead, it argues that personal dreams, needs and individuality deserve space alongside the people women care for. It touches on boundaries, self-awareness and the emotional weight of always being the strong one.

• Juggling multiple roles as a doctor, mother, leader and caregiver
• Experiences in medical training, critical care and the COVID-19 pandemic
• The hidden weight of responsibility and expectations
• Boundaries, self-awareness and personal identity beyond roles

Who are we when nobody needs anything from us? As women, we often become experts at fulfilling multiple roles- as doctors, mothers, daughters, wives, leaders, and caregivers. We learn to manage responsibilities, meet expectations, and keep moving forward, even when we are exhausted. But somewhere along the way, we may begin to confuse who we are with everything we do for others. In this deeply personal and thought-provoking talk, Dr. Bhagyashri reflects on her journey through medical training, critical care, motherhood, and the extraordinary challenges of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences led her to confront an important question: Where is the woman behind all these roles? Through the powerful idea of choosing herself too, she explores the hidden weight of responsibility, the emotional burden of always being the strong one, and the importance of boundaries, self-awareness, and personal identity. This talk is not about abandoning responsibilities or caring less for others. It is about recognising that our own dreams, needs, and individuality deserve space alongside the people we love. Because being needed is not the same as being fulfilled, and surviving is not the same as truly living. Perhaps the most courageous question we can ask ourselves is not, “What does everyone need me to be?” but “Who am I beyond my roles?” Dr. Bhagyashri Lahane is a Consultant Physician and Intensivist with over nine years of experience in clinical medicine and critical care. She holds an MBBS, MD in Medicine and IDCCM and is the Founder & Director of Vitthal Hospital, Pune, where she combines clinical expertise with healthcare leadership and hospital administration. Beyond medicine, she actively contributes to initiatives focused on girls’ education, confidence-building and empowerment. Her journey across medicine, leadership, teaching and social initiatives has shaped her perspective on women, identity and self-belief. Her TEDx theme, “Fight for My Own Identity,” explores the courage to define oneself beyond professional roles, responsibilities and societal expectations. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx