The other Pillay at the Geneva pharmacy

A coincidence of surnames in Switzerland brought back memories of the reporter's parents' generation, highlighting the opportunities opened to some women and denied to others. In Geneva, the journalist had a brief encounter with Judge Navi Pillay, who was not there. The journalist shared a surname with the judge but were not related. Judge Pillay's achievements were entirely her own, while the journalist's contribution to the story was needing medication.

During the Swiss winters, the journalist's details were recorded by the pharmacy, leading to an unexpected meeting with the judge years later. When asked if he knew Judge Pillay, the journalist replied that he did, but there was no personal connection. The Swiss surname "Pillay" had briefly acquired a distinction the journalist had not earned.

As the journalist reflected on Judge Pillay's Nobel Peace Prize in 2026, she remembered her own parents' generation. She pondered the opportunities denied to her mother and grandmother due to racial discrimination, poverty, and societal expectations. Judge Pillay belonged to a generation that experienced restrictions, but her journey was remarkable.

Growing up in apartheid-era South Africa, the journalist understood the challenges her mother and grandmother faced. In the 1960s, a young Indian woman seeking education and a legal career had to overcome poverty, racial discrimination, and societal expectations. The journalist wondered about the family decisions that enabled Judge Pillay's education and success.

Judge Pillay credited her parents for encouraging her to remain in school, despite the challenges. Her mother's role in insisting on her daughter's education was particularly noteworthy. Denied schooling herself, her mother insisted on sending her children to an English school.

The journalist recognized the value of the journalist's mother's insistence on her education. Her mother had not attended university, but she recognized the importance of education. The journalist found it extraordinary that Judge Pillay's mother, despite facing significant obstacles, prioritized her daughter's education.

The journalist's story highlights the differences between generations and the varied responses to restrictions. While some parents upheld conventions, others questioned them. Neighbors might share conservative expectations while contributing to send a young woman to university. The journalist recognized the opportunities denied to others and expressed sadness that many women might have flourished with the chance to continue their education.