Shalini Robert Interview
Q. You describe yourself as 'a 23-year-old girl being the change'. How would you introduce yourself and your journey so far to our readers?
I would like to introduce myself as a fellow human being in this wide beautiful Earth. I might have introduced myself as someone who has completed her degree in Civil Engineering or a founder of a construction company or a founder of a trust that serves the society or an Acu-healer who has a clinic for acupuncture or a national level tennis player. Despite all of this why did I choose to introduce myself as a human being is that lately we’ve forgotten how to be a human, we’ve forgotten how to be kind, we’ve forgotten how to love and how to be there for each other. To keep my journey in short, I’m trying to be THE HUMAN we’ve all forgotten.
Q. From creating reels to contributing through The Roberts Trust, what inspired you to combine creativity with social impact?
I’ve worked in a digital marketing agency and learned about paid collaborations on Instagram. That’s when the spark began. I decided to use social media as a tool to serve society. I brought like-minded people together who wanted to contribute but didn’t know how to start. Together, we’re now changing lives.
Q. Social media can be both empowering and overwhelming. What role has it played in shaping your voice and platform?
It has played both roles equally. Though it gives me strength because of the love I receive, it equally overwhelms me by the stories I get to hear.
Q. What cause or project through your NGO work has touched you the most deeply, and why?
My focus isn’t on financial support, but on spreading love. Through this journey, the love I share has blessed me with four daughters who call me 'Amma'. Though I haven’t given birth to them, the bond we share is indescribable. The love we exchange transcends words, and the feeling of being a mother at 23 is beyond explanation.
Q. Many young people want to make a difference but don’t know where to start. What’s one piece of advice you’d share with them?
To start, you don’t need a lot of money. A food parcel and a heart full of love are enough to make an abandoned mother happy. All they crave is a shoulder to lean on and a heart that can listen. Only the first step is hard; once you begin, money somehow finds its way. I used to work part-time jobs for money when I started doing this.
Q. How do you balance your creative work with your commitment to social change without burning out?
I never sacrifice my happiness for others. Only if I know how to love myself enough can I truly love others. I take breaks, go on solo trips, buy myself flowers, learn new skills, and more. These habits boost my confidence and help me stay focused at work without burning out.
Q. What’s one lesson your journey has taught you that you believe everyone in their 20s should know?
Learn to say 'no' and be accountable for your words and actions. If you can't back it up, don't say it. Your words can be a source of hope for someone else.
Q. And for fun, if you could collaborate with any personality, living or historical, to spread your message of change, who would it be and why?
I would have collaborated with Sushant Singh Rajput if given a chance because I’ve always been curious about the 50 wishes he wrote.
Bio:
Shalini Robert is a passionate social worker with a motive of BEING THE CHANGE. With four years of experience in the field, she has had the privilege of working with diverse populations, from children to adults, and addressing a wide range of social issues. Her passion for social work stems from my desire to create positive change in individuals, families, and communities. She believe that every person deserves to live a life of dignity, respect, and purpose, and she committed to helping them achieve that.
Interviewed by: Divya Darshini
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