Shefali Vaidya said it was important to empower one’s self thus liberating one’s self. Let people know what you feel, and constant reality check is important for effective work. Assert your identity as a Hindu and have a Dharmic way of Life. No matter whatever activism happens on Social Media, it cannot be a replacement for the ground activities. Pride yourself in being a Hindu, whether wearing handloom sarees, wearing a Bindi, visiting temples, or in pursuit of archaeological wonders and knowing the true history of Bharat; and do not be apologetic about your Hindu practices she said.
Shefali ji was speaking on special occasion of Manthana, a seminar conducted at Jaigopal Garodia Rashtrothana Vidyalaya (JGRV) on 12 November at Kalyana Nagar, Bengaluru.
Shefali Vaidya narrated her ordeal in handling ‘trolls’ which were abusive. While discussing ‘trolls’, the best way to not feel hurt is by remembering that those are mere words and take the sting is out of words! Shefali Vaidya gave a brief introduction to how and when she joined the Social Media platform. Coining the new term, “SHAKTIVISM”, Shefali Vaidya Ji said –
S – Stands for seeking knowledge,
H – Help each other to build network,
A – Assert always, saying it unapologetically,
K – Know stuff (cross-check sources),
T –Target your audience (choose any one tool such as Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and stick to it),
I – stands of Invest in oneself (update yourself about technology).
V– stands for one’s own Voice, be genuine and develop an identity of own self
S – Specialisation (focus and do justice)
M – use Multiple languages (“Matru Bhasha” more often as the audience as we Bharatiyas are blessed with more than one language.
Shefali ended her speech with a beautiful thought that each and every one of us had power to do something positive for the nation – assert yourself and make the best use of Social Media. Each one of us is part of the critical mass, who are very important to strengthen the society. If we ALL speak up, the mainstream media will definitely pick it up, because they also cannot ignore such mass movements, thus translating our voice into mainstream voice.
The program began by lighting series of earthen lamps which were decorated in the form of Akhand Bharat in front of “Bharat Mata” picture, by Shefali Vaidya Ji, the Chief Guest and Janaki Ji, the guest of honour.
In her welcome speech, Asha Ji spoke about women’s contribution in strengthening the nation since Vedic times and highlighted the various personalities in the present times. She said, “Nari Shakti has always played a pivotal role in Bharatiya Itihas. There have been innumerable examples of women contributors since Vedic times, whether it is for Self-protection, protecting the Rashtra (nation) or for upholding Dharma, all that speak of spiritual knowledge and wisdom as well as valour and courage. To recall those great spiritual as well as mighty valiant personalities is to worship the female form of divinity as a symbol of “Shakti”. We have many great examples from Karnataka – Keladi Chennamma, Kittur Chennamma, Onake Obbavva, Belavadi Mallamma, Rani Abbakka, Akkamahadevi to just name a few. In present times too, there are innumerable examples of women who have been making a mark in every field, be it Army, Navy, Airforce and other Defence forces, in the Sports such as PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Mary Kom, Sakshi Malik, Dipa Karmakar, Para Olympian Deepa Malik, as well as in the Scientific & Technological fields of Bharat’s pride Mangalyan of ISRO, DRDO and all the Mothers and Teachers who play a vital role in upbringing the children in the society by instilling Sanskaras; education and strengthening the Nation.
The speech was followed by FAQ; A session, where the audiences asked questions on a range of issues related to social media, its pros and cons, dealing with the trolls, authenticating the sources, and the impact it has on the nation. Shefali Ji mentioned that difference of opinion is not always bad. We can all contribute to preserving our culture by posting grandmother’s recipes, unique Rangolis, traditional dresses, etc. so that our future generations can go back and make good use of it.
Courtesy: VSK Bharat
