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Wellness Column
"Stay Connected with the Community, Stay Healthy" By Dipal Patel, Executive Clinical Director, Sunrise After Care LLC
Staying connected with the community plays a vital role in maintaining both mental and physical health in seniors’ lives. Social engagement helps prevent loneliness, reduces stress, and keeps the mind sharp. Seniors can stay connected through social gatherings, volunteer work, or group activities with family or programs like Adult Day Health. Engaging in community activities helps prevent isolation, keeps their minds and bodies active, and gives them a sense of purpose. Community can help foster friendships, offer opportunities for lifelong learning, and advocate for their needs. A supportive community greatly enhances seniors’ quality of life, ensuring they remain happy and healthy.
- Engaging in community activities provides seniors with opportunities to build meaningful relationships, share experiences, and receive emotional support. It can significantly improve mental and physical well-being, giving them a sense of purpose and belonging. Whether through social clubs, volunteering, or local events, staying connected makes a significant difference in their overall quality of life.
- A supportive community creates a sense of belonging where seniors can openly express their thoughts, joys, and concerns without fear of judgment. Being surrounded by people who truly understand their experiences fosters emotional resilience and reduces feelings of loneliness. Whether through friendships, support groups, or shared activities, a strong community helps seniors navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence and companionship.
- When seniors engage with their community, they feel valued and appreciated, which boosts their self-esteem and overall happiness. Volunteering allows them to give back, share their wisdom, and make a difference, while participating in events keeps them socially active. Whether mentoring younger generations, joining day programs or simply sharing life experiences, staying involved helps seniors maintain a strong sense of identity and purpose.
- Studies have shown that staying socially active can improve overall well-being by reducing stress, enhancing mood, and even lowering the risk of age-related health conditions like dementia. Regular interaction with others stimulates cognitive function, keeps the mind sharp, and provides emotional support, which can help prevent feelings of loneliness and depression. Engaging in community activities also encourages physical movement, whether through group exercises, walking clubs, or simply social outings, all of which contribute to a healthier and happier life for seniors.
- Lifelong learning is essential for keeping the mind sharp and fostering a sense of curiosity and growth. Many communities offer classes, workshops, and group activities on topics like technology, art, music, and fitness, allowing seniors to explore new interests or deepen existing ones. Engaging in continuous learning not only enhances cognitive function but also provides social opportunities, helping seniors stay connected and engaged with others who share their passions.
- A strong and united community can be a powerful voice for seniors, advocating for policies and services that support their well-being. Community help enforce access to better healthcare, accessible transportation, and/or affordable housing. Community’s collective action ensures that seniors’ needs are recognized and addressed. By coming together, communities can create positive changes, ensuring that older adults have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Community Conversations
IAGB asked its 13 Women of Shakti, “What does Mission Shakti – Call for Equity and Justice mean to you?”
Read on what they had to say:
Carolyn Passey
Shakti is the empowerment of feminine strength. Throughout the generations much progress has been made to allow women to finally achieve equality in most facets of life. Gone is the occupation of a woman ONLY being a wife and mother. Now, almost every door is open to her. A woman can become a doctor, a CEO, a mechanic, an owner of a company, a General/Admiral in the military and even the President of the United States!
But don’t be fooled! Behind closed doors there are still men who don’t want to take direction from a woman or the husband who uses his feelings of superiority to abuse his wife. Until we can educate all young men and young women, yes women, too, as to what true equality is and how to enforce it, there will never be complete equality and justice!
Dr. Manju Sheth
To me, Shakti is about unlocking the power within each of us to drive meaningful change. As a physician, mother, and community leader, I have witnessed that true shakti lies in empowering others. Through storytelling—whether with Chai with Manju, NECA, Woman of the Year, or Women Who Win—I strive to create platforms where voices are heard, communities are built, and purpose is shared. Together, we can advocate equality and justice. I am proud to contribute to IAGB’s Mission Shakti and its vision for a more equitable future for our Boston Indian community.
Gouri Datta
To me, it means unleashing the inherent Power in a Woman, not only to stand upright and dignified in a world awash both by storms and blue skies, but also to INSPIRE others to be fighters, justice-givers, peace- makers, power beacon lights, protectors, comforters – as needed!!
Jasmine Shah
To me, it is ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for everyone. It’s about empowering those who face barriers in life, it’s about creating a society where everyone is treated with dignity.
Jaya Pandey
Mission Shakti – Call for Equity & Justice’ to me, is empowering moms, daughters, sisters, and friends to stand tall, to access education, and to have a fair chance at every opportunity. Standing by their side in creating a world free from violence and discrimination, without barriers and challenges. Women supporting one another, looking at the bigger picture and a better future. Empowering women and nurturing an inclusive society where everyone has access to opportunities, resources, education, work, and rights.
Jean Ambika Bushnell
Regardless of age, class, gender, race, or disability we all have an equal place in society to shine and we should have an equal opportunity to advance and live our best lives.
Lilian Mageski
I feel that equity and justice are essential for women’s empowerment, ensuring that women have equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources. This enables women to make their own choices and live free from violence and discrimination.
Mei Hung
Shakti is the empowerment of feminine strength. It empowers and sustains women’s independence, equity and justice, and the freedom to express one’s potential.
Poppy Charnalia
Shakti means balance for me. The peaceful power that comes with balance. The balance that appears in Nature. This balance mandates equal opportunity for everyone regardless of gender. This balance creates harmony and success. This balance has been lost and needs to be restored. A musical harmony where all genders are doing their part and no one sound is dominating the other.
Sahana Purohit
Mission Shakti – Call for Equity & Justice’ is a powerful reminder of the deep need for fairness and equality in our society. To me, it represents the essential belief that every woman, and every person, deserves to live with dignity, free from bias, violence, or discrimination. It’s about ensuring equal representation and providing the same opportunities and resources for all.
As the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi once said, “You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.” This speaks to the power of unity, understanding, and the need for open hearts and minds in the fight for justice and equality. I hope that together, we can continue to advocate for a world where justice, understanding, and respect are not just ideals, but everyday realities for everyone. We can continue to build a world where dignity and respect are at the heart of every decision and action.
Sonal Khakhar
To me, “Mission Shakti” is all about celebrating the incredible strength and resilience of women – the true driving force behind progress and change in our communities. It’s about breaking barriers and building a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has the dignity, opportunity, and fairness they deserve to thrive.
“Here’s to strong women: may we know them, may we be them, and may we never underestimate their ability to multitask!
Tara Rachel Jones
Mission Shakti- A Call for Justice and Equity reminds me of how sacred, divine feminine animates beauty, grace and all of life. Empowering women to anchor a steady balance and loving connection on our earth with one-another.
As Women- we represent the archetype of the divine mother who is the protector of innocence, the loving presence in acceptance of her children, ensuring that they follow their dreams and their inner self in all names and forms.
Usha Vakil
I was brought up with the ancient myths of great Indian Goddesses, their Shakti, energy, power, and capability to do. To me Shakti means potent energy, knowledge, and ability to care and act and I have tried to apply this to empower women in all levels of society through my work with Saheli and rural women in India so they can participate with equal footing in any society and economies.
Thank You Note – Republic Day 2025
Our wonderful Indian American community of Greater Boston and beyond,
Since its founding in 1962, the India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB), the oldest and the largest Indian American community organization in the New England area, has been the single largest unifying force for the 100 thousand plus in the Indian American Community. IAGB has helped maintain a strong sense of heritage and community for Indian Americans of all ages and backgrounds by helping them come together and celebrate traditions.
This past Saturday, IAGB proved yet again, how to dedicatedly hold on to the ethos of community building as manifested through its vision, mission, aspirations, charters, and the spirit of equity and acceptance. At our grand Republic Day Mela, as we celebrated India’s 76th Republic Day, our event saw the pledge of stronger collaborations between Indian, Asian American and other community achievers and drew them towards the Indian American community in the Boston area as we pitched the compelling theme for our Cultural Program – ‘Mission Shakti – Call for Equity & Justice’.
We represented the pressing need for gender equity, justice, and empowerment as we called for the need of recognizing the persistent inequalities that women and marginalized communities face and to actively work towards dismantling these barriers.
Through our cultural program, we not only advocated for legal and social reforms but to foster a deeper cultural shift—one where respect, dignity, and rights are universal. Whether it’s addressing gender-based violence, advocating for equal access to education and healthcare, or ensuring women’s participation in decision-making at all levels.
We hope that the community went home that night thinking hard about what the world needs today, the call to action for equity & justice that transcends borders, communities, and generations!
Saying “thank you” is a powerful and meaningful way to express gratitude, building stronger relationships, acknowledging efforts and contributions, boosting morale and above all, strengthening community and connection.
So here we are, humbled, as we do our dues….please read on…
OUR CHIEF GUEST: SMITA AMIN PATEL
It was a true honor for IAGB to have had this remarkable woman as our Chief Guest, whose accomplishments speak volumes about her dedication, resilience, and vision. She has not only excelled in her field but has also shattered barriers, inspiring countless others along the way. Through her achievements in the field of art and education, she has proven time and time again that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible. THANK YOU, SMITA AMIN PATEL!
OUR COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD RECIPIENT: Danielle Kim, Executive Director – Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation
Congratulations Danielle! IAGB values Danielle’s extraordinary contribution as a community activist, her thorough understanding of the critical issues surrounding racial and social equity, housing, economic empowerment and education, and her meaningful pursuits to bring Asian Americans together in support of the systemic changes much needed to make our community stronger are forces to reckon with!
Danielle Kim stood tall, in perfect and compelling alignment with IAGB’s event theme this year: “Mission Shakti – Call for Equity & Justice”.
IAGB salutes Danielle Kim, our much-loved COMMUNITY CHAMPION!
PAST PRESIDENTS OF IAGB
We are so humbled that at our opening event of the new year of 2025, we acknowledged and felicitated the past presidents of our beloved organization IAGB!
We value their extraordinary contribution to the refinement of the Indian American community engagement & community spirit and their meaningful pursuits to bring the community together as well as presenting the community in a bright spotlight to the mainstream. THANK YOU & CHEERS to all the Presidents of India Association of Greater Boston!!!
JUDGES FOR OUR COMPETITIONS: THANK YOU!
Your thoughtful evaluation, insightful feedback, and professional perspective played a pivotal role in making this competition a success. We deeply appreciate the effort you put into reviewing each participant’s work and making the event fair, engaging, and memorable.
- Art – Java Joshi, Rahul Ray
- Chess – Michael Howell
- Math – Samidha Sane
- Teeny Tiny Junior & Shark Tank – Anu Chitrapu, Manny Arora, Thomas Arul
- Story Telling – Aditi Taylor
OUR SPONSORS:
- CORPORATE SPONSOR – Atamian Honda – Pranav Gill
- EVENT SPONSOR (Gold) – CloserLook.AI – Thomas Arul, Manny Arora
- EVENT SPONSOR (Silver) – Evergreen Adult Day Health Center – Parul Sanghvi, Gautam Shah
- EVENT SPONSOR (Bronze) – Santana Real Estate – Swati Patel
IAGB would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for your generous support as our sponsors! Your commitment made a significant impact, and we couldn’t have achieved such a successful event without your contribution. Your partnership helped create an incredible experience for all attendees, and we are truly grateful for your involvement!
OUR GUESTS OF HONOR – THANK YOU for gracing our event with your presence! You added the spark to the evening!
- Anjalli Sidhu, Founder & CEO of OMNISTARR
- Mara Dolan, Public Defender for MA Governor’s Council
- State Representative Danillo Sena
WOMEN OF SHAKTI:
We had a very compelling event theme this year: “Mission Shakti – Call for Equity & Justice”. ‘Shakti’ means the female principle of divine energy and power. So the theme is dedicated to a call for equity and justice to ensure that women and other genders have equal rights, resources, and opportunities.
We gathered a choicest group of refined woman achievers and community alchemists from diverse cultural, professional and ethnic backgrounds who stand tall to our compelling theme of Mission Shakti – Call for Equity & Justice”.
It was so humbling to honor the 13 remarkable women whose strength, resilience, and accomplishments are truly inspiring – ones who have set a remarkable example for all of us.
THANK YOU, Women of Shakti, for the way you have touched lives, transformed our community, and paved the way for others. Your journey is a testament to your incredible determination, hard work, and unwavering dedication. The way you have turned challenges into opportunities and turned your passion into real, lasting change deserves all the praise of the world!
- Caroline Passey
- Gouri Datta
- Jasmine Shah
- Jaya Pandey
- Jean Ambika Bushnell
- Lilian Mageski
- Manju Sheth
- Mei Hung
- Poppy Charnalia
- Sahana Purohit
- Sonal Khakhar
- Tara Rachel Jones
- Usha Vakil
BRAVO to OUR PERFORMANCE GROUPS WHO ENTERTAINED EVERYONE AT THE EVENT! Our deepest gratitude to each one of you, for rendering an unforgettable experience for all of our attendees! Your hard work, dedication, and artistry were evident in every moment. Your talent and energy truly brought the event to life! We couldn’t be more grateful for the time and effort you put into making the event a grand success!
- US Anthem – LearnQuest kids
- Indian National Anthem – IAGB Executive Committee and Shishu Bharati kids
- Vandemataram – LearnQuest
- Jeet Jayenge Hum – Mesmerizing Melodies
- India Ke Chhote Sitaare- Little Angels from Academy of Creative Arts
- Patriotic Bollywood Dance – Desi Girls
- Free n’ Fierce – Ekta Dance Academy
- Aisa Des Mera – Prerna Performing Arts
- The Rising Stars of BDA – Nikita’s Bollywood Dance Academy
- Voice for the Voiceless – Raise against school shooting – Patriotic Beats
- Tridevi – GuruKool Enricment Center
- Navashakthi – The Shakthis
- Durga Shakti – Mona’s Dance Academy
- Gender Equality & Tribute to Female Strength and Resilience – Padmini Dance Academy
- Shakti, the power within – Urmi Samadar’s Aakriti Ensemble
- DFD Bolllywood Dhamaka – DFD Academy
- Rhythm of the Nation – Bollywood Fusion Group by Sonali and Bhumika
- Dance Drama – Call for Equity & Justice – narrative of a woman – Tarana School of Kathak
- Naari Shakti – Dance Moms – Nikita’s Bollywood Dance Academy
- “Kathanatyam”- Awakening the Divinity – Kalakaar- Indian Classical Performing Arts Center
- Desi Dhamaka – Rhythm Dance Academy
- Funky Fusion – BrightXpressions
- The Power of Grit in Kids – Shikha Vashishtha & Viral Dave
- VIJETRI, the Shakti Sangam (grand finale ensemble) – Classical Ensemble created by Gurus Jayshree Rajamani, Mouli Pal & Moumita Banerjee
OUR CONCERT: THANK YOU, NU Sanskriti!
And the grand finale of this year’s cultural program, the hearty musical concert by Northeastern University’s Official Indian Students’ Association, NU Sanskriti. A fond shout out and a THANK YOU NU Sanskriti, for getting us to sing, swing and sway to the ambient songs as you presented one set of songs in line with the event theme of “Mission Shakti – Call for Equity & Justice” and the other one in line with Patriotism for India. THANK YOU for keeping us enchanted!
OUR FOOD PARTNER: TREASURY KITCHEN
The mouth-watering food brought to us by one of New England’s finest restaurants and our food partner, TREASURY KITCHEN was a class apart, as usual!
OUR MEDIA PARTNERS: A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR MEDIA PARTNERS:
Our sincere gratitude for your outstanding partnership in promoting and covering our event. Your support played a crucial role in helping us reach a wider audience and ensure the success of this year’s event!
- INE (Upendra Misra & Dr. Manju Sheth)
- Lokvani (Ranjani Saigal)
- TV Asia (Jharna Madan)
OUR VENDORS:
Our bright mosaic of over 25 vendors offered a variety of ethnic & international products and services like health checkups, life insurance, community assistance, educational services, financial services, real estate, Indian dry snacks, clothing, Jewelry, accessories, sweet treats, booths from community non-profits with pressing causes, and so much more!
Your professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail made a significant impact, and we truly appreciate the high-quality products/services you presented to the community. Your contribution was an essential part of the overall experience, and we are grateful for your partnership. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you again in the future!
- Ananda Marga Inc.
- Chinamaya Mission Boston
- Evergreen Adult Day Health Center
- Gaani Jewels
- India Circle of Caring
- India Medical Association of New England
- Isha Foundation
- Joy of Treats
- Kuntal’s Pitara
- LearnQuest Academy of Music
- Mayin Arts LLC
- MoreA2 SKVL-Organic
- New York Life
- Russian School of Mathematics
- Salem 5 Savings Bank
- Santana Real Estate
- Shaadi House
- Shishu Bharati School
- Shivyog
- Shree Sai Paithani and Accessories
- Sutanuti Sajghor
- TeamAID Boston
- Vaisakhi Weaves
- We Secure Future
- Western Bharat
OUR VOLUNTEERS: YOUTH & ADULTS
We are grateful for our committed volunteers! Their willingness to dedicate their time, energy, and talents allow us to keep raising the bars every year with superior quality of socio-cultural, civic & educational endeavors. Our deepest gratitude for your hard work, dedication – we couldn’t have done it without you! THANK YOU, volunteers! We bow to you for all you do!
OUR ORGANIZING TEAMS:
Our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your hard work, dedication, and passion in bringing this event to life. From the early planning stages to the final moments of the event, your teamwork and commitment were nothing short of exceptional. It’s because of your collective effort, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills that the event was such a success. We truly couldn’t have done it without all of you, and I’m incredibly grateful for your contributions.
Thank you for going above and beyond!
OVERALL LEAD: Tanu Phoenix
- Cultural Program: Anagha Singh, Manish Bhowmick, Nilesh Agrawal
- Competitions Overall Lead: Nilesh Agrawal
- Competitions Individual Leads:
Art: Arpita Das Pathak
Antakshari: Shital Bhammar, Ashalata Thotangare
Chess: Lima Das, Lohith Nagraj
Math: Shubhada Kulkarni
Teeny Tiny Shark Tank and Junior Shark: Deepak Garg
Story Telling: Vijayendra Bhargava - Vendors & Sponsorships: Deepak Garg, Nilesh Agrawal, Vijayendra Bhargava
- Facility & Rentals: Deepak Garg, Nilesh Agrawal, Vijayendra Bhargava
- Sound & Light Management, AV/Stage Projection: Prerna Mathur, Volunteer Akshay Thotangare + BHS team
- Backstage Management: Lima Das, Lohith Nagraj, Shubhada Kulkarni, Manish Bhowmick
- Program PPT: Prerna Mathur
- e-Magazine: Shubhada Kulkarni
- Sponsors, Chief Guest, Special Guests Ushering and Hospitality: Arpita Das Pathak, Deepak Garg + youth volunteers
Stage Decor & Photo Booth: Volunteer Deepa Agrawal, Dipti Garg, Sarika Shirude + youth volunteers - Flyers: Prerna Mathur, Anagha Singh
- Registration Forms: Anagha Singh
- Food: Nilesh Agrawal
- Vendor Management: Nilesh Agrawal, Vijayendra Bhargava, Deepak Garg
- e-Certificates: Nilesh Agrawal
- Social Media Reels: Prerna Mathur
- Social Media Stories & Posts: Vijayendra Bhargava
- Email PR: Arpita Das Pathak
- Photography – Competitions: Youth Volunteers
- Photography & Videography – Cultural Program: Sanjay Kudrimoti & Vasudha Kudrimoti – Fotu Duniya
OUR ATTENDEES:
Finally, our hearts are full as we celebrate the Roaring Success of the IAGB Republic Day 2025, with almost 3000 people adorning the grand Mela this past Saturday!
It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful. So, here’s a HEARTENING SHOUT OUT and a heart-felt DHANYAVAAD (Thank You) to ALL who made the IAGB Republic Day 2025 a roaring success, a trendsetter, a path breaker – we couldn’t have done it without you – we owe our success to YOU!
IAGB Republic Day Mela 2025 stands as a brilliant example of what can happen when we work together. Let this event be a testimony of how to work together to build a stronger community. Let’s continue advocating the values & virtues of equity, justice, respect, acceptance, empathy, and love towards each other.
Thank you for your continued belief in IAGB’s tall standing mission and our inclusive charters. Together, we will propel our all-embracing, inclusive mission forward. Together, we will achieve even greater things, and TOGETHER, we will build a stronger community!
With gratitude,
TEAM IAGB:
- PRESIDENT Ms. Tanu Phoenix
- VICE PRESIDENT Mr. Nilesh Agrawal
- SECRETARY Mr. Manishabrata Bhowmick
- TREASURER Mr. Deepak Garg
DIRECTORS
- Ms. Anagha Singh
- Ms. Arpita Das Pathak
- Ms. Ashalata Thotangare
- Mr.Lohith Nagaraj
- Ms. Prerna Mathur
- Ms. Saswati (Lima) Das
- Ms. Shital Bhammer
- Ms. Shubhada Kulkarni
- Mr. Vijayendra Bhargava
Community Conversations
Carolyn Passey
Shakti is the empowerment of feminine strength. Throughout the generations much progress has been made to allow women to finally achieve equality in most facets of life. Gone is the occupation of a woman ONLY being a wife and mother. Now, almost every door is open to her. A woman can become a doctor, a CEO, a mechanic, an owner of a company, a General/Admiral in the military and even the President of the United States!
But don’t be fooled! Behind closed doors there are still men who don’t want to take direction from a woman or the husband who uses his feelings of superiority to abuse his wife. Until we can educate all young men and young women, yes women, too, as to what true equality is and how to enforce it, there will never be complete equality and justice!
Dr. Manju Sheth
To me, Shakti is about unlocking the power within each of us to drive meaningful change. As a physician, mother, and community leader, I have witnessed that true shakti lies in empowering others. Through storytelling—whether with Chai with Manju, NECA, Woman of the Year, or Women Who Win—I strive to create platforms where voices are heard, communities are built, and purpose is shared. Together, we can advocate equality and justice. I am proud to contribute to IAGB’s Mission Shakti and its vision for a more equitable future for our Boston Indian community.
Gouri Datta
To me, it means unleashing the inherent Power in a Woman, not only to stand upright and dignified in a world awash both by storms and blue skies, but also to INSPIRE others to be fighters, justice-givers, peace- makers, power beacon lights, protectors, comforters – as needed!!
Jasmine Shah
To me, it is ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for everyone. It’s about empowering those who face barriers in life, it’s about creating a society where everyone is treated with dignity.
Jaya Pandey
Mission Shakti – Call for Equity & Justice’ to me, is empowering moms, daughters, sisters, and friends to stand tall, to access education, and to have a fair chance at every opportunity. Standing by their side in creating a world free from violence and discrimination, without barriers and challenges. Women supporting one another, looking at the bigger picture and a better future. Empowering women and nurturing an inclusive society where everyone has access to opportunities, resources, education, work, and rights.
Jean Ambika Bushnell
Regardless of age, class, gender, race, or disability we all have an equal place in society to shine and we should have an equal opportunity to advance and live our best lives.
Lilian Mageski
I feel that equity and justice are essential for women’s empowerment, ensuring that women have equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources. This enables women to make their own choices and live free from violence and discrimination.
Mei Hung
Shakti is the empowerment of feminine strength. It empowers and sustains women’s independence, equity and justice, and the freedom to express one’s potential.
Poppy Charnalia
Shakti means balance for me. The peaceful power that comes with balance. The balance that appears in Nature. This balance mandates equal opportunity for everyone regardless of gender. This balance creates harmony and success. This balance has been lost and needs to be restored. A musical harmony where all genders are doing their part and no one sound is dominating the other.
Sahana Purohit
Mission Shakti – Call for Equity & Justice’ is a powerful reminder of the deep need for fairness and equality in our society. To me, it represents the essential belief that every woman, and every person, deserves to live with dignity, free from bias, violence, or discrimination. It’s about ensuring equal representation and providing the same opportunities and resources for all.
As the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi once said, “You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.” This speaks to the power of unity, understanding, and the need for open hearts and minds in the fight for justice and equality. I hope that together, we can continue to advocate for a world where justice, understanding, and respect are not just ideals, but everyday realities for everyone. We can continue to build a world where dignity and respect are at the heart of every decision and action.
Sonal Khakhar
To me, “Mission Shakti” is all about celebrating the incredible strength and resilience of women – the true driving force behind progress and change in our communities. It’s about breaking barriers and building a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has the dignity, opportunity, and fairness they deserve to thrive.
“Here’s to strong women: may we know them, may we be them, and may we never underestimate their ability to multitask!
Tara Rachel Jones
Mission Shakti- A Call for Justice and Equity reminds me of how sacred, divine feminine animates beauty, grace and all of life. Empowering women to anchor a steady balance and loving connection on our earth with one-another.
As Women- we represent the archetype of the divine mother who is the protector of innocence, the loving presence in acceptance of her children, ensuring that they follow their dreams and their inner self in all names and forms.
Usha Vakil
I was brought up with the ancient myths of great Indian Goddesses, their Shakti, energy, power, and capability to do. To me Shakti means potent energy, knowledge, and ability to care and act and I have tried to apply this to empower women in all levels of society through my work with Saheli and rural women in India so they can participate with equal footing in any society and economies.