Chandro Tomar Dead At 89: Here's Why India's Oldest 'Shooter Dadi' Was An Inspiration

Chandro Tomar dead at the age of 89 after battling coronavirus. The octogenarian was upheld as India's oldest sharpshooter, a trailblazer and an icon of women's rights and dignity.

Also known as 'Shooter Dadi,' Chandro Tomar along with her sister-in-law Prakashi, set the course of feminism in the rural corners of the country, by encouraging girls to never lose sight of their dreams - despite age, gender or other barriers. Read more about the duo here.

Chandro Tomar Dead: Here Are 5 Ways She Inspired Women

1. 'Shooter dadi' was brought up and existed in a patriarchal setup where household was the only space reserved for women. Male members of her family and society tried to curb her independence and sporting choices. She defied all those odds and dared to step out of her house to follow her passions of shooting.

2. Her shooting career began when Chandro Tomar was well into her 60s, relaying that age is not a barrier to either begin honing your skills or to kickstart your journey of championing whatever your dreams desire. Read more such stories here. 

3. Chandro Tomar and Prakashi Tomar were brought down many times for being women, especially old ones, in a male-dominated field such as shooting. It is said that once after Prakashi defeated DIG Delhi Police in a competition, he refused to get clicked with her for the "humiliation" caused by a woman's win. But the two sisters persisted, never bowing down to toxic standards.

4. Chandro won over 25 titles through her professional shooting career, setting new benchmarks and records every time as the oldest sharpshooter India had. When she was profiled by the prestigious The New York Times, she revealed her mantra: "Your body might grow old, but keep your mind sharp."

5. 'Shooter dadi's pursuits for success however did not stop at her own. She envisioned an unshackled, ambitious life like her own for other young girls in the Johri village, where she was based. Along with her sister-in-law, she urged other families in the area to let their daughters live independently.