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.