Parashakti Redefining Space launched
Parashakti is an initiative launched by prominent social activist Mrs Reshma H Singh, to bring the change we all seek in the lives of women, particularly in the vulnerable segment of Film & TV industry. The key highlight of the event was a presentation on Mission Shakti, India’s A-SAT program, by Project Director & distinguished scientist from DRDO, Dr. Y Srinivas Rao. He highlighted the urgency for guarding the boundaries & space & demonstrating our capabilities to the world. He said we have always been a scientific civilization & today we are again on the path to regaining that place in the world. Mission Shakti is only the beginning. It is like the awakened female spirit of India. Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, in addition to being a spiritual leader has been a prominent voice for the LGBTQ community & their rights. She said the journey up till now has been tough & hard fought, so I wholeheartedly welcome Parashakti as a unique platform to empower those who we perceive to be weak & marginalized & those who have remained claustrophobic in dark shadows cast upon them by the society. Prof Rakesh Upadhyay, guest speaker, said inspiration for Parashakti has come from Mission Shakti that was not just aimed at testing our capabilities to bring down anything that intrudes our space but also a subtle warning to those who might even consider doing that. If we can destroy a possible threat 300 km away, we can surely deal with anything closer.
The key take away from the concept of Parashakti was that a woman must fight when she must fight. The knowledge that we have the power inside us to retaliate is quite comforting. Defining spaces & maintaining boundaries has always been an issue with women. It has become easy for predators to cross the boundaries because these boundaries have not been firmly defined & our reactions are more of self-pity & frustration than of retaliation & that of a warrior.In a jam-packed auditorium, noted writer & director Abhinav Singh Kashyap moderated the event & took questions from the guests that included models, actors, technicians from the Film & TV industry. He highlighted the rampant increase in toxic masculinity amongst the men, particularly in the industry. Concluding the event Mrs Reshma H Singh said that the film & television industry is full of artists, technicians & performers with tender hearts & vulnerable souls. The heart that creates art becomes even easier to be crushed. But it is because we let that happen. The real power lies within us & we can become stronger by coming together- by holding each other’s hand, by sharing our experiences & strengthening each other.
Dr. Y Srinivas Rao & Dr. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi also felicitated eminent photographer & social activist Pravin Talan at the event on behalf of Navbharat Foundation & for his exceptional work on National Security & Women Empowerment over the years.
