When Mayaa SH Spoke About Being Actually 'Rejected' Out Of A Literary Contest Just On Writing On Essence Of Gita and The Support Of Her Supporters..
Mayaa SH's efforts in mental health and suicide prevention are multifaceted, encompassing her literary works, advocacy, and public speaking. She highlights how societal norms and gender inequality contribute to mental health challenges in women, including frustration, depression, gloom, pain, suffering, rootlessness, agony, and torture. Her writings serve as a powerful expression of feminine sensibility, advocating for women to be heard and treated with respect, rather than being objectified or subjected to male domination .A core aspect of her advocacy is the recognition that attempting suicide is a serious problem requiring mental health interventions . She identifies various factors that impact stress related to mental health, such as childhood adversities (physical abuse, alcohol or drug abuse), stressful life events (death of a loved one, job loss, relationship loss, financial bankruptcy, impending criminal prosecution), and diagnoses of terminal illnesses. Mayaa SH stresses that individuals contemplating suicide often require help for high psychiatric or psychological morbidity.
Dr. Mayaa also addresses the societal stigma surrounding mental health, noting that many individuals are ostracized by the doctrine of "being weak" and fear shame or exclusion from social activities . She argues that without effective preventive measures and reformative approaches, there is a significant risk of losing human lives . Her work aligns with broader suicide prevention strategies that emphasize community, social, and policy interventions, in addition to individual treatment .In a candid interview, the firebrand developmental feminist and internationally acclaimed authoress has confessed that she faced a straight rejection for her article on The Essence Of Gita(written in Hindi) ,judgment and criticism for it. Despite the raised eyebrows, Mayaa revealed that external judgments have never fazed her, her focus remained firmly on the strength of her mindset to keep moving forward and believe in oneself .The Bhagavad Gita is widely accepted as a foundational text in Hindu philosophy and is studied by scholars and spiritual seekers globally .Its teachings are considered timeless and applicable to various life situations, including dealing with rejection, by promoting principles of detachment, resilience, and self-improvement .That is what Mayaa has always chosen to follow .
Mayaa SH's supporters primarily revolve around believing her and her intentions, reaffirming her message of empowerment, and highlighting her positive influence on individuals and the feminist movement. Supporters always emphasize that any negative rejection, for her independence, is a "Blessing In Disguise" that underscores her success and the societal resistance she might face being a strong woman.They have always pointed to her ability to connect people across borders and hearts, particularly in India, fostering love, joy, and deep friendship.Her followers have reiterated her uncompromised feminist stance and her multifaceted championship of social justice, noting her exuberant and scintillating personality that has touched many. Tributes would pour in whenever she achieves anything , highlighting the hope and strength she has brought to countless individuals, emphasizing her ability to fill hearts with love and respect. Supporters always are likely defend her ideology of women embracing the term "feminist" if they believe in gender equality and women's empowerment (GEWE), countering the notion that feminism is derogatory or associated only with "firebrands and bra-burning radicals" . They always underscore her clarity of thought and mission to dismantle patriarchal rigidity, remembering her as a "powerhouse of knowledge, energy, passion, and commitment".
Furthermore,her supporters have highlighted her humble nature, her innate ability to embrace diversity, and her role as a powerful voice for the downtrodden and an inspiration for the feminist movement .They have emphasized her infectious laughter and her bold narratives that have made "progressive positive positioning of feminism a brand of its own," deeply linking it to human rights .Her ability to bond, blend, and build would be cited as unparalleled, and her challenge to societal views on widows and divorcees would be praised . Supporters have always expressed how her work helps them understand feminist work, learn to disagree and listen, and see themselves as participants in the struggle for gender equality .Her supporters have also pointed to her versatility as a feminist activist, authoress, poetess, peace and human rights advocate, and social and legal activist, emphasizing her connection with grassroots understanding and her comfort with elites. They have highlighted her work on women's rights and her promotion of people-to-people contact between India and other parts of the world, seeing her as embodying resistance to injustice and reform . Her intellectual knowledge of patriarchy, her practical solutions incorporating music and humor, and her deep humanity and belief in human rights is to be underscored .
The Swayam Authoress had said in an earlier interview as well, “It has actually not bothered me much on getting personal with people on their opinions maybe they are looking for a more commercial side of writing and I have spoken about it on numerous accounts that ,I believe that everyone has a journey, and it is very easy for anyone to exclaim, ‘Oh, she is giving a download on life', I always tell people that you have to be in someone’s shoes to know their story and understand their journey. This world is full of cynics, and thankfully, I have never been cynical no matter what has happened in my life.I might not be looking for the same things as people look at or that others do. I have my own checklist, and I have ticked my boxes accordingly. And I believe you can’t judge anyone for their bad insights or intuitive capacity in life .."Writing in regional languages is crucial for fostering cultural identity, improving communication, and expanding market reach, while writing on the Bhagavad Gita, regardless of language, is a matter of pride due to its profound philosophical and spiritual significance, its historical impact, and its role in preserving and disseminating ancient wisdom.
Regional languages are intrinsically linked to the cultural heritage, traditions, and unique identities of communities. By promoting writing in these languages, societies ensure the continuity of their oral traditions, folklore, literature, and historical narratives. This helps in preserving the nuances of thought and expression that might be lost in translation to more dominant languages For instance, the rich tapestry of Indian regional literature, from Hindi to Tamil Sangam poetry to Bengali short stories, reflects distinct cultural perspectives that are best appreciated in their original linguistic forms.Research suggests that learning and engaging with one's native language from an early age can enhance cognitive development and critical thinking skills. Education delivered in regional languages can improve comprehension and retention, making learning more effective and inclusive for students who may struggle with a foreign language as the primary medium of instruction.The Bhagavad Gita is a revered Hindu scripture, forming part of the epic Mahabharata. It presents a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, delving into fundamental questions of duty (dharma), righteousness, self-realization, and the nature of existence. Its teachings offer timeless wisdom applicable to various aspects of life, including ethics, leadership, and personal conduct. Writing on the essence of such a profound text allows individuals to engage deeply with these concepts, interpret them, and share their understanding, contributing to a continuous intellectual and spiritual discourse.By writing on the essence of teachings of Bhagavad Gita in regional languages, authors make its profound teachings accessible to a wider audience who may not be proficient in Sanskrit,Hindi or English. This act of translation and interpretation in regional contexts ensures that the ancient wisdom of the Gita continues to reach and inspire new generations within their cultural and linguistic frameworks. This aligns with the broader goal of promoting regional languages by enriching their literary and philosophical content.
Mayaa SH, a prominent Indian developmental feminist activist, poet, authoress, and social scientist, has garnered significant support for her work challenging patriarchal norms and advocating for gender equality . Mayaa SH advocates for women's empowerment as essential for achieving social justice and improving overall health and social development within families, communities, and countries .She believes that when women live safe, fulfilled, and productive lives, they can reach their full potential, contribute to the workforce, and raise happier, healthier children . Her writings challenge gender stereotypes and promote the power of self-belief, emphasizing the need for women to escape societal clutches and attain freedom and self-respect .Her perspective resonates with the understanding that mental health care access is crucial for suicide prevention. Studies indicate that greater availability of mental health care is associated with reduced suicide rates, although the causal link can be complex . Mayaa SH's focus on addressing underlying societal issues that affect women's mental health complements clinical and psychological interventions, such as psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and pharmacotherapy, which are recognized as effective in treating suicidal ideation and behavior .
In summary, Mayaa SH's contributions to mental health and suicide prevention are primarily through her advocacy for women's empowerment and the recognition of feminine sensibilities in addressing the root causes of mental distress and suicidal ideation, challenging societal norms, and promoting compassionate support and access to mental health interventions . Her work underscores the importance of a holistic approach that combines individual support with broader social and policy changes to foster mental well-being and prevent suicide.Mayaa SH's influence is further evidenced by her various monikers, such as Mayaa Devi, Padma of the East, and Lady Gandhi, bestowed upon her by the public as a sign of respect and admiration for her work . She is also known as a "Lady with Nerves of Steel" due to her remarkable courage and resilience in addressing pressing societal issues.