Naari and Shakti

India has a rich traditional diversity and tapestry which celebrates women power. Our culture has respected womanhood, and the different roles women play in the cultural, social and economic settings of the nation. Today as women step into the modern roles, we strongly believe as women, we can draw inspiration from the traditional values and identities that highlight the importance of women in Hindu scriptures.The roots of India's reverence for women can be traced back to ancient scriptures and epics. In Hindu customs, women have always been prayed to and associated with divine power, as embodied by goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Durga. These deities have been invoked for wisdom, wealth, and strength, inculcating the belief in the inherent divinity of women.Women at the Centre of the Family Unit:Throughout history till the modern era, women have always taken up the role of nurturers, caregivers and preservers of cultural values. The women in the family are entrusted with the responsibility of caring for the family unity, upbringing of the next generation and inculcating values. This essential and core function of the family is carried on for generations by these caregivers.Women at Work:From agriculture to handicrafts, women form a large percentage of contributors to the economy. In the recent decades, women have increasingly entered professions which were previously dominated by men, whether it is manufacturing or finance. Along with participating in science, technology and political sectors, women are actively pursuing and taking lead in careers of language, art forms and creative fields.Challenges and Progress:Despite the respect and adoration for women in Indian culture, the nation has faced challenges related to gender inequality, discrimination and violence. There is still work to be done in addressing deeply ingrained patriarchal norms and promoting gender equality. One of the prominent issues that needs to be addressed is developing women role models at the grassroots, who are embodiment of Shakti and progress..Issues such as female foeticide, unequal pay and limited representation in decision-making bodies persist, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable society as the societal mindset needs to undergo massive change. Three simple pathways for the same are:1. Including women in organised labour or redefining the norms to provide benefits to women in unorganised sectors2. Developing schemes for mental health and leadership amongst women from low-income groups3. To run campaigns through the youth for promoting women’s literacy - financial and digital, safety for women, groups for support of underprivileged women and so on.4. Spreading of women empowerment stories from Vedas and Puranas for women to acknowledge, celebrate and imbibe the qualities of wisdom, wealth and strength.Nonetheless, the past few decades have witnessed a paradigm shift, with concerted efforts to empower women across various spheres. Schemes like Swadhar Greh, Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA), Ujjwala Yojana, Stand Up India and Udyam Sakhi portal are established to promote and protect women’s rights, health and providing shelter to homeless women and promote entrepreneurship and livelihood, thereby leading a gradual transformation.Naari and Shakti in Everyday life:In contemporary India, the modern Naari is breaking stereotypes and excelling in diverse fields. Women learn the art of dancing through challenges. We, as a society, fail to acknowledge our daily life role models (mothers, and teachers) who balance home and work responsibilities, teach the technique of juggling, multi-tasking, leading a team (even if it is of house helpers) and ultimately being budget experts at home. These powerful women invoke the strength of Shakti demonstrating their capacity to bring about positive change..Some practical tips we hear from the women, who balance it all, are:1. Belief in self: Women become source of energy once they start believing in themselves2. Investing in self: Taking some time during the day to invest in mental and physical health.3. Creating a community/tribe: Women function better when they have a group of individuals supporting them. A place/group where women can go and share their feelings, this is same group which supports by believing in her.Naari and Shakti represent more than just cultural concepts; they encapsulate the dynamic roles that women have played throughout India's history and continue to play in its present and future. As the nation strives for progress and inclusivity, recognising and honouring the diverse contributions of women remains crucial for building a thriving society. In celebrating Naari and Shakti, India acknowledges the indispensable role of women in shaping its cultural identity and destiny..Naari and Shakti in Everyday life:In contemporary India, the modern Naari is breaking stereotypes and excelling in diverse fields. The narrative of the empowered woman is epitomized by figures like Kalpana Chawla, Indira Nooyi, and Mary Kom, who have become symbols of inspiration for generations to come. The women in the modern society are balancing the delicate threads of tradition and progress.On the other hand, the concept of Shakti extends beyond the metaphysical realm to encompass the everyday resilience and strength displayed by women. Whether it is navigating the challenges of the workplace, managing households, or participating in social causes, women continue to embody the spirit of Shakti, demonstrating their capacity to bring about positive change. Women at the core are efficient at managing home and work responsibilities. Women are also in forefront to set examples of caregivers who contribute to the economic growth.