Mayaa SH Gets Candid On Lifetime Achievement Award and Her Journey ...

Mayaa SH, a prominent Indian authoress, poet, and activist, draws her inspiration  from a multifaceted perspective rooted in her deep observations of societal issues, particularly those affecting women, and her unwavering commitment to social justice. Her work is largely driven by a desire to challenge patriarchal norms, advocate for gender equality, and instill self-belief in individuals, especially women.Mayaa SH's activism, particularly her focus on women's rights and gender equality, is inextricably linked to her writing . She actively addresses issues such as gender discrimination, education, human development, and the representation of women in media.In a candid conversation,the Firebrand Feminist and Internationally acclaimed authoress gets candid on her winning Lifetime Achievement Award and Her Journey ...

What according to you is the power of self belief to inspire women to succeed ?

Inspiration plays a crucial role in motivating women to succeed by fostering self-belief, encouraging resilience, and creating a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. When women see others who have overcome challenges and achieved success, it instills hope and motivates them to pursue their own aspirations. Successful women serve as tangible examples of what is possible, thereby encouraging others to break free from societal constraints and aim higher. Inspiration helps women develop resilience in the face of challenges such as gender-based discrimination or societal expectations. Inspired individuals are more likely to confront difficulties head-on rather than succumb to discouragement. This resilience is essential for navigating the complexities of life and career paths, allowing women to transform setbacks into opportunities for growth. There must be emphasis on the importance of creating environments where inspiration can thrive—be it through mentorship programs, community support groups, or educational initiatives aimed at empowering young girls and women. Such environments not only provide resources but also foster connections among women who share similar goals and challenges. "Inspiration as a powerful catalyst for motivating women to succeed by enhancing self-belief, building resilience against challenges, promoting collective aspirations, and fostering supportive environments that encourage personal growth and empowerment. Creativity is not merely about artistic expression; it encompasses problem-solving, innovative thinking, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances."I  believe that engaging in creative activities can significantly enhance mental well-being and personal growth. The emphasis must be on the importance of dedicating time specifically for creative activities amidst busy schedules. Allocating even a small amount of time daily can lead to significant improvements in one’s creative output over time.

What has been your inspiration of writing?

I have always viewed literature as a powerful tool to illuminate the issues plaguing society at large with broaden perspectives and to ultimately encourage critical thinking .My writings often delve into the complexities of human psychology and the need for an exponential growth mindset to overcome adversity.My inspiration to begin my writing journey and its evolution over the years is multifaceted, driven by a profound commitment to social justice, women's empowerment, and mental health awareness. I started writing at a young age, around ten years old, converting my passion into a vision to amplify the voices of millions of women across India . My early exposure to diverse cultures and environments, growing up in an Army family in Kolkata, instilled in her a strong desire to make a positive impact on society .A pivotal moment in my life was when a friend of mine encouraged me to invest my knowledge in the growth of people and society, prompting me to redefine success as a life of service, impact, fulfillment, and passion . This led me to question how my academic achievements aligned with my purpose of uplifting humanity through kindness and gratitude . I observed the challenges faced by many, particularly women in a patriarchal society, which fueled my dedication to activism.A significant motivator for me is my belief in the transformative power of words to shape identities, influence thoughts, and inspire action . I do lay emphasis on the fact that language carries emotional weight and cultural significance, serving as a bridge between personal experiences and collective narratives ..

How do you view a typical day of writing for you ?

I intend to draw inspiration from the idea that feminism, in the Indian context, should be accessible and understood by everyone, regardless of their academic background .My typical writing day is characterized by discipline, passion, and a deep commitment to my advocacy for women's rights and gender equality. "Writing Is A Discipline, You Need to Worship It Next To God" .My writings are deeply rooted in realism, reflecting societal issues and offering solutions, often focusing on contemporary or recent past events . This requires continuous observation and engagement with current affairs, which likely informs my daily writing process. I aim to raise awareness about important social, political, and cultural issues, providing a platform for marginalized voices .I have always believed that "The Impossible Is Always Possible" and that testing my willpower always helps me to achieve my goals, including setting world records.This mindset likely extends to my writing, pushing me to maintain a high volume of quality work.

What according to you is the balance of intellectual capacity with mindfulness?

At a personal level I always intend to stress on the importance of self-awareness as a foundational step for personal growth and decision-making .This involves understanding one's own likes, dislikes, and interests, which is a mindful process of introspection. By being self-aware, individuals can better align their actions with their true selves, rather than being swayed by external pressures or emotional dependencies . This aligns with the concept of mindfulness as a "moment-by-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and surrounding environment," fostering an open, nonjudgmental, and accepting attitude.A central tenet of my advice for women is to "Balance what your heart wants with what Your Mind Thinks is the Best" when making important decisions . This highlights the integration of emotional intelligence (the "heart") with intellectual capacity (the "mind"). I endeavour to balance emotional depth with intellectual clarity in my writing by employing a frank, clear, and open narrative style that delves into complex societal issues, particularly those affecting women, while maintaining a strong, personal tone . I try to emphasise my work which is characterized by a fierce advocacy for women's rights and a transparent exploration of themes often considered taboo.My approach to writing is deeply rooted in her "Theory of Vichaar," which emphasizes self-belief, optimism, and determination . This philosophical underpinning allows me to eloquently capture the aspirations and challenges faced by women globally, drawing from my observations of personal life narratives of many. I intend to present women's experiences not as fundamentally different from men's, but rather as subject to unique societal constraints and patriarchal norms.Practicing self-compassion and self-acceptance, which are core tenets of mindfulness-based interventions.Trusting one's instincts and making logical choices, demonstrating autonomous intellectual functioning informed by inner awareness

How does your book "Satya : Ek Soch" relate to your philosophy of life ?

I view intellectual capacity not as a standalone cognitive function, but as a tool that, when combined with mindful awareness, enables individuals to navigate life with greater self-reliance, emotional balance, and purposeful action. This integrated approach allows for a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, leading to more impactful and fulfilling lives."Satya: Ek Soch" is deeply intertwined with her broader philosophy of life, which centers on truth, resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment, particularly for women..The book serves as a practical extension of my core beliefs, aiming to guide readers through life's challenges by fostering inner strength and a positive outlook.Satya: Ek Soch (Truth: A Thought), is deeply personal to me and resonates with many readers due to its focus on self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of truth in overcoming life's challenges. The book is described as more than just an inspirational text; it serves as a mirror reflecting human experiences, offering solace and strength to those who have faced difficult paths, lost confidence, or endured pain.The book aims to rekindle hope and confidence in individuals who feel lost or defeated, acting as a supportive friend during moments of darkness.The book posits that running away from truth is not a solution; instead, embracing pain and reality is the first step towards finding a way out of difficulties.The book acts as a "beacon of hope or pillar of Resilience and Strength" for those who have faced adversity and lost confidence. It aims to rekindle self-belief, asserting that the "spark of self-confidence never extinguishes; it just needs to be recognized."

What according to you are the challenges faced by women in the field of writing ?

Women in the literary field have historically faced, and continue to face, significant challenges stemming from societal biases, patriarchal structures, and systemic discrimination. These obstacles have impacted their access to education, opportunities for publication, recognition, and the perception of their work.In earlier centuries, women faced immense social and cultural barriers to becoming writers. Limited access to education and literary opportunities was a primary hurdle. While wealthy women might receive some education, it often focused on "feminine pursuits" rather than academic or literary training.Many influential women writers, such as Mary Shelley, Jane Austen, and Virginia Woolf, were largely self-educated through extensive reading, as formal university training was unavailable to them.Societal expectations also confined women to domestic roles, making professional writing a scandalous endeavor.Marriage and childbirth were often seen as a woman's primary purpose, and pursuing a literary career could lead to social ostracization or damage to their reputation.The biggest challenge according to me is exacerbated by societal expectations and gender-based stereotypical mindset of glass ceiling.  From generations before millennials were often steered towards traditional careers like doctor, engineer, or scientist, making a full-time writing career in India seem like a "myth". I directly believe in confronting gender inequality, violence against women, lack of economic opportunities, and gender-based discrimination, which are few key issues in women's empowerment . Despite constitutional provisions for gender equality in India, women still struggle for their rights in various sectors . The pervasive nature of patriarchy, leading to domestic violence and other forms of abuse, further complicates the landscape for women seeking to assert their independence and voice.I have always tried to put efforts to sensitise and actively debunk this myth, asserting that focus and determination can lead to success in any field, regardless of societal perceptions.The concept of "women's literature" as a separate category can also be a double-edged sword. While it highlights women's contributions, it can also perpetuate the notion of a binary understanding of gender in literature and relegate women's writing to a "sub-category" or "niche," implying it is stylistically or thematically different from general literature.This categorization can inadvertently marginalize non-binary, transgender, and gender-nonconforming writers and oversimplify the complex intersectional identities of women writers, overlooking factors like race, class, gender and ability.

What is your recommendation to aspiring writers?

I would always urge all to cultivate a strong sense of self-belief and determination, while emphasizing that success in writing, or any field, is not contingent on external validation or geographical location, but rather on unwavering focus and consistent effort . I do tend to assert that "The will to succeed gives Strength even to the weakest of all seeds" . A core tenet of my advice is to prioritize creating significant value for readers .I do believe that the content's message and its ability to resonate with the audience are paramount, advocating for writing that is "Simple yet Powerful in Its Content" and ensuring that "The Reader is able to Comprehend Its Reference to Context".

My recommendation to aspiring writers would likely to be centered on the importance of finding and amplifying one's unique voice, particularly in advocating for social change and challenging established norms. Besides,I  would like to stress the need for writers to be deeply connected to their subject matter, combining intellectual understanding with emotional conviction. The significance of perseverance, continuous self-improvement, and the courage to address sensitive topics with precision and empathy is a must.Always delve into your own unique experiences and perspectives, as this is where true originality and impact lie.One's writing journey is fraught with challenges such as rejection, criticism, burnout and doubts .However, I do encourage aspiring writers to view these obstacles as opportunities for growth and to maintain consistency in their work .

What is your vision deeply rooted in ?

I have always believed in self empowerment that eventually leads to empowering women and girls, advocating for gender equality, and fostering self-belief and resilience to achieve a more just and equitable society. My assertion is on a multifaceted approach that addresses social, economic, political, and personal development for women, aiming to dismantle patriarchal norms and create an environment where every individual can thrive.My vision is deeply rooted in the belief that literature is a powerful tool for social reflection and transformation . Any work is not merely about highlighting issues but about inspiring change and advocating for a more equitable society . All one can aim is to leave an anecdote to further empower women to recognize their self-worth, make their own choices, and effect social change . This includes promoting economic and social freedom, challenging patriarchal norms, and addressing critical issues like gender bias, the gender pay gap, and gender-based violence .By creating a psychological and spiritual environment where men and women can interact on equal footing, fostering a society where all legal, social, and economic barriers to women's empowerment are removed is something that qualifies for a stress-free, violence-free society.Economic empowerment is another cornerstone, stressing the importance of providing women with opportunities and addressing gender-based discrimination, with investment in education and health seen as vital for economic development.A significant part of my work is dedicated to ending violence against women.I do believe in the transformative power of education and health for women, linking them directly to empowerment and economic growth.Fundamentally, my vision calls for a re-evaluation and challenge of patriarchal systems that have historically limited women's roles and opportunities.

About Mayaa SH

Mayaa SH, a prominent women's rights activist and literary figure, emphasizes the importance of balancing one's heart's desires with the mind's rational considerations when making significant life decisions. This perspective extends to her broader philosophy on self-reliance, emotional well-being, and personal transformation, which inherently involves a harmonious interplay between intellectual capacity and mindful awareness.For Mayaa SH, transformation in life comes from making conscious choices and setting positive examples . This involves a deliberate process where intellectual capacity is used to weigh benefits and costs, and mindfulness ensures that these choices are aligned with one's values and lead to genuine well-being. The idea of "practicing what you preach" also implies a mindful consistency between one's beliefs and actions, reinforcing integrity and self-confidence.Her work encourages introspection, urging readers to "peep inside" themselves to confront their inner truths. This concept is echoed in her several book's messages that "When Life Breaks Us, then 'Satya'(Truth) Integrates Us," highlighting truth as a unifying and healing force in life.Her philosophy underscores that writing is a discipline that requires worship and consistent effort . She also advises writers to embrace their unique voice and to not be afraid to experiment.Mayaa SH's own prolific output, including over several solo books have served as self help books and more than two hundred fifty co-authored anthologies, serves as a testament to her dedication and the effectiveness of her approach . She  believes that literature should reflect its time and address contemporary issues, providing a platform for marginalized voices and challenging societal norms.Her core philosophy, encapsulated in her statement "Every Girl In The Country is My Daughter," highlights a profound sense of collective responsibility and guardianship towards women across India.This vision extends to ensuring that no girl is homeless, emphasizing the fundamental human rights of women and girls as critical to eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development and peace. Mayaa SH believes that empowering women is not just a matter of individual growth but is essential for the health and social development of families, communities, and entire nations.Mayaa SH also utilizes "talking as a medium" to help women manage stress and anxiety, recognizing its therapeutic power.Specific initiatives and projects aligned with her vision include advocacy for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, youth-led development projects aimed at empowering individuals for work, and initiatives providing free treatment and training for women, such as handicraft work, yoga, and stitching classes.She is also recognized as a suicide prevention expert, addressing mental health challenges through her self-help books and counseling services. Her commitment to accessibility is exemplified by her unique approach of offering guidance and support for a nominal fee of one rupee, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent individuals from seeking help and preserving their dignity. This symbolic gesture underscores her focus on impact over profit and her dedication to social justice.