Aarushi Garg - I Care About 'Awakening the Women'

My personal journey started at a very young age when I realized that there were different gender rules and roles which came with stigmas. For a very long time, I kept waiting for things to change on their own.

1. Tell us more about yourself and your life.

My Name is Aarushi. I am a 23-year-old Legal Professional from Chandigarh. I was always the rebel kid who questioned whenever someone told me 'girls can't/should not do this'.

My hobbies are reading, dancing, theatre and social-political debates. I am a very spiritually inclined individual and constantly work to grow my mind, body and soul. One of my favourite quotes to abide by in life is 'If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together.' 

I have a YouTube channel for Law students which focuses on how a law student can make the most of their law school. I am currently closely working with the Punjab Women's Commission to realize the standards set for women in our country in the statutes. 

2. What led you into social activism?

I think it happened gradually. It wasn't a one-click decision. Rather, it was a process, more like a journey which starts with the realization that there is something incorrect or worth changing.

My personal journey started at a very young age when I realized that there were different gender rules and roles which came with stigmas. For a very long time, I kept waiting for things to change on their own.

But, as I grew older and became more conscious about the wrongs happening with women at a global level about very basic things, I felt the need to speak up. I am a very keen observer, so along with observing things that were happening with me, I also observed things happening with other women and their reactions to it.

This has helped me understand a lot of issues from different perspectives and hence make detailed opinions and dialogues about it. I am at a very nascent stage in my journey but I definitely see a long way ahead. 

3. What is that one cause you care deeply about and why?

I care about 'AWAKENING THE WOMEN'

Disclaimer for the reader: Do not confuse it with Women Empowerment or Upliftment. Of course, these two come along with the process of Awakening but they are more like feelings which come from within and follow the Awakening stage. 

To explain what Awakening means, it is the interaction of one's body, mind and soul. Women everywhere are extremely powerful, they have just forgotten their powers and need to be reminded of them.

The reason why I care so deeply about this particular issue is because of the suppression that women are facing and not only from the opposite gender but from society as a whole.

There are sectors where women are doing extremely wonderful and we all are very proud, but at the same time, there are women who do not even know that they deserve to live life let alone comfortable and respectable.

What really shook me was the fact that women have drawn comfort zones around being mistreated and their conversations normalize the ill-treatment. I have some privileges in life both materialistic and spiritual and I wish to use them to contribute to society.

My vision is of a collective good of humanity and it starts with the Awakening of women!! 

4. If one wants to contribute and make a difference in social causes, how can one do it?

Although there isn't a set pattern, I can put the process into three steps. 

First, Clarity of thought is very important. Be sure of what you want to do, What change do you want to bring and how much is it required in society.

The next step should be extensive research about the issue and interdisciplinary research. Theoretical and practical knowledge is a must while dealing with any social issue.

Finally, Get ready for action. It isn't going to be easy or quick but it will be worth the pain and wait. Do not be driven by numbers. Even if you are helping one person, stranger or known, you are doing your bit. While it might seem like social activism is about driving and impacting the masses, it is more about bringing the change however small it might seem. 

Remember, all the social issues are extremely sensitive and generally involve a mass reaction. If you have taken the onus upon yourself to bring awareness/change be completely educated about the issue. You are going to be playing a very important role, do it sincerely. 

5. Who is your role model and why?

I am inspired by a lot of people and look up to them for different aspects of my life. So, it would be unfair to name one. But that one personality I have closely observed and aspire to be like is, my Mother.

I am sure it must sound very cliche but she really inspires me. From handling house budget to maintaining cordial relationships; from advising my father in his business to helping me and my brother take career decisions, she's done it all.

I have seen her speak up for herself and others in times of need and her judgement is impeccable. One amazing thing that my mother has taught me is to be humble and to never overestimate myself. She has also taught me how to stay close to my roots and still aim for the sky. 

6. What are some of the challenges and roadblocks you have faced along your journey?

The greatest thing that has helped me in this journey is my mindset. I never expected this journey to be easy. But since what I am working for is also what I feel so passionately about, every hurdle and roadblock feels like a new learning adventure.

One thing which has been the most difficult so far is to get women thinking about themselves and not just their families and making them realize that it is okay to think about yourself too.

It is disheartening to see how unaffected and unattached the youth of our country can be with some of the most crucial social issues, completely forgetting the power they possess.

While it is absolutely okay for young people to indulge in recreational activities, I believe, we must all take up one social issue that we deeply care about because that is what will bring the change. 

7. What is your opinion about social media activism?

Social Media Activism is the Necessary Evil. Today, almost everybody is available on one or the other social media so if you wish to appeal to the masses for any particular issue, it can be done through social media easily. But, the problem is that the audience sometimes can be so naive that they fail to judge which is a true cause and which is a false cause.

Therefore, each one of us either as an audience or as an activist need to be extremely vigilant about what we put on social media and what we believe in social media. To counter the negative effects of social media activism, we need to develop the habit of questioning, extensive questioning.

We must be 100% sure of the factual accuracy of what we are being fed. Long gone are the times where we could trust anything or anyone blindly. To conclude, let's remember that having an opinion is very important and speaking up is even more important. But, always think twice before you speak. 

Aarushi Garg

Social Activist

Interviewed by - Deeksha