Don’t just sing praises of Goddess Shakti in your prayers, but strive to embody her virtues in your life – Shashi Dip
SHASHI DIP shares thought-provoking insights on Navratri from women opinion-makers around the world
Shashi Dip, Thinker/Bilingual Writer, Mumbai
These days, one of the most important festivals for Hindus, Sharadey Navratri, is being celebrated. This festival is a celebration of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, the supreme embodiment of the boundless divine power inherent in women.
For nine days, the universal Goddess is worshipped with devotion, dedication, and selflessness. This tradition has been going on for centuries, and we’ve all grown up hearing that “girls are an incarnation of the Goddess.”
But here’s the truth—it doesn’t matter whether you’re a Miss or a Mrs, you deserve to treat yourself like the Goddess you are.
This year, I realised that instead of only admiring our Goddesses from afar, we can begin to embody their virtues in our everyday lives. Rather than just appreciating how they are kind, patient, compassionate, fierce, strong, and giving—why not aspire to cultivate these qualities within ourselves? Not to imitate them, or compare ourselves with them, but simply to become the best version of who we already are.
This Navratri, let us see our Goddesses not only as idols, but as role models. While we continue to worship and admire them, let’s also strive to reflect their strength, grace, and positivity in our own lives. In doing so, we can radiate the same divine energy they embody.
To me, this feels like the purest form of self-love—and perhaps the most meaningful way to honour and respect our Goddesses.
I have gathered the thoughts of many women from around the world who are making outstanding contributions in their respective fields.
Alka Rhode, Head of Physics Auckland Girls’ Grammar School, New Zealand
Hear me, all my fellow women of this Earth—wherever you are, whatever circumstances you are in;
Hear me, for you are your own grandest, most glorious Goddess—your higher self for the future.
Imagine yourself in the future as the majestic, radiant Goddess you truly are.
In that state, you have already achieved your dreams. In that state, you are the most powerful, the wisest, the most beautiful, the regal, the noblest, and the most Supreme.
Pray to her. Seek her. For the more you seek, the more you become her.
You already are your own magnificent Goddess.
Seema Vachhani, MNC Professional, Pennsylvania, USA
I want to speak about Navratri—not just as a religious festival, but as a powerful symbol of women empowerment. Navratri celebrates Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, each representing strength, knowledge, courage, and compassion, which shows that a woman is strong enough to defeat even the greatest evils.
During Navratri, young girls are worshipped in Kanya Pujan, reminding us that every girl is a form of the divine and deserves respect and honour.
Navratri teaches us that feminine energy is powerful and sacred. Let us carry this message beyond the festival and continue to support and uplift the women around us—every single day.
Thank you, and Happy Navratri!
Neena Goel, Delhi. Founder: Hamara Mission Dignity
Women are stepping into leadership roles in various sectors, including politics, business, science, and education, driving significant advancements.
Empowering women is not just about individual advancement but also creating a better world for everyone, as their upliftment benefits entire society.
By achieving success in various fields, from sports to space, today’s women serve as powerful role models, especially for young girls who now have hope of achieving their own dreams.
Empowerment includes financial independence, allowing women to provide for themselves and their families, further strengthening communities. By nurturing families and communities, women foster stability and contribute significantly to long-term societal capacity and well-being.
Hilda D’Souza, Home maker, Mumbai
As we all Celebrate Navratri , honouring Maa Durga or Kali symbolising victory of good over evil, It is a journey that takes away all negativity and gives emphasis on spiritual growth and inner strength.
The divine power residing in every woman needs to be celebrated and activated for her well-being. By embracing qualities such as wisdom, purity, protection, strength, compassion, peace and devotion, a woman can be an inspiration, overcoming challenges and achieving goals in her life.
Let’s spread love and peace all over, always.
Raffat Amin, Interior Designer/Social activist, Mumbai
The 21st century belongs to women as much as men. Women show that true power comes from vision and determination. From top companies to local movements, women are driving progress.
Still, challenges exist—including pay gaps, fewer opportunities, and safety concerns. But change is happening. Every barrier broken proves that women in leadership are becoming the norm, not the exception.
Women’s power is not just a dream—it is today’s reality, fuelling economies and shaping communities.
Ravina Ghosh, Journalist/Social Worker, Kolkata
I am Journalist Ravina Ghosh, welcome all of you from the city of joy Kolkata. On Navratri, let’s ignite the power within every woman! May the divine feminine energy fuel your passions, amplify your voice, and unleash your unbridled strength. You are the embodiment of resilience, courage, and determination. Happy Navratri to the unstoppable women of the world!
Dr Saswati Das, Journalist, Kolkata
“Women possess immense power, yet it is often their closest female companions who become obstacles to their progress. Jealousy and negativity among women in society hinder their collective progress and empowerment. We must learn to support and uplift each other.”
Capt. Shikha Harane, Senior Commander, LTC, Air India
For half the world and half the sky, let women dream and let them rise—for the whole world shall rise with them and achieve the infinite limits of humanity.
Lakshmi Tyagi, Associate manager (Sr. Aircraft maintenance engineer) at Air India Mumbai base
“In today’s world, women are not only proving themselves on the work front but also fighting battles at home—breaking barriers, balancing responsibilities, and rising above expectations. True empowerment is not just about opportunities, but about recognition, respect, and support—at work, at home, and within themselves. A woman’s strength lies in her courage to stand tall, even when she carries the weight of two worlds.”
Dr Pritiy Prasad (Preet), Hindi Author, Mumbai
Every woman in the world is a symbol of strength and resilience.
She is the architect of family, society, and the future.
Her voice is the greatest power for positive change.
Respect and equality are her birthright.
When women are empowered, the entire world progresses.
I am proud to be an empowered and successful strong woman.
Dr Bhagyasshri Kapse, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Zone 4, Mumbai
Navratri is a powerful celebration of women’s empowerment, honouring the divine feminine energy, or Shakti, that resides within every woman. The festival recognises the strength, resilience, and leadership of women, embodying the essence of empowerment.
Key Aspects of Women Empowerment in Navratri
– Celebrating inner strength
– Breaking Stereotypes
– Fostering Self-Respect
– Encouraging Education and Independence
– Unity and Solidarity
In Navratri Nine different forms of Goddess Durga, inspires women to embody qualities like courage, compassion, and resilience, promoting a more balanced and equitable society.
Moomal Chauhan, Social Entrepreneur, Mumbai
Women are the creators of life, the mothers of humanity and the source of emotional support for society. Life itself is incomplete without them.
For me, women’s empowerment is not just a slogan, but the power that enables every woman to live with dignity, freedom, and according to her own choices. Empowerment begins with the mind—when a woman recognises her own value, her voice, her decisions, and her personality, all become stronger. Society often defines a woman’s identity solely through sacrifice, but I believe that true strength lies in balance—in nurturing others and also in standing firmly for one’s own dreams.
Empowerment is not a destination; it is a daily journey—where every day we choose confidence over doubt, courage over fear, and self-respect over silence.
Nithya K, Test Automation Lead, Chennai
Dussehra is a grand celebration of our rich Indian culture and traditions.
Yet today, many women are unable to celebrate fully due to work commitments.
As a woman, I urge everyone to revive these traditions in our homes.
Navaratri honors Durga (Shakti), Lakshmi (Prosperity), and Saraswati (Wisdom).
Celebrating them brings Bhakti, Shakti, and Knowledge into our lives.
Let every woman embrace her inner goddess and inspire the next generation.
Shashi Dip is a thinker, bilingual writer, poet, columnist, social activist and an author of the book ‘Waves Within (Horizon and Beyond)’. She is associated with various literary associations and has written more than 200 blogs, 500 quotes in Hindi/Urdu and English and 100 poems in both Hindi and English.
