Shivangi Singh – Changing Perspectives by touching lives!

Imagine how you would feel if your family suddenly started controlling and censoring the books you read, despite being a passionate lover of literature, while they have no interest in books whatsoever. To add to that, picture them turning to your younger cousin, who also lacks any inclination towards reading, and asking them to determine whether the book you’re currently engrossed in is suitable for your age. Now, extend this scenario further, where these same relatives take it upon themselves to dictate which college you can attend or whether you are allowed to work at all. Astonishingly, these examples merely scratch the surface of the immense levels of patriarchal oppression that Shivangi Singh had to endure in her life.

Introduction

Shivangi Singh has established herself as an exemplary figure in the realm of social work. As the Founder of Drishtikona – Changing Perspectives, she spearheads India’s pioneering organization dedicated exclusively to gender education and sensitization, which took flight in August 2018. Since then, her impact has reached far and wide, touching the lives of over a million individuals across Asia. Her remarkable journey has been adorned with a multitude of achievements, including captivating TEDx talks, prestigious awards, and widespread international media recognition.

At first glance, Shivangi appears as the epitome of strength and elegance. However, when she delves into the realities of her personal life, the ground beneath her quivers with intensity, one cannot help but ponder over the immense courage she possesses to triumph over the challenges she has faced. It is awe-inspiring to consider how she managed to forge her path to becoming the remarkable individual she is today, all without any significant support.

Early Life and Struggles

From an early age, Shivangi became acutely aware of the prevailing patriarchy that dominated her life. She keenly observed how even her female relatives unwittingly perpetuated this oppressive system within their households. The message she received during her childhood was painfully clear: girls were meant to live under the complete control of patriarchy. This realization sparked a deep resentment within Shivangi.

One aspect that particularly irked Shivangi was the stark contrast between the roles of men and women in her family. She despised how the men would comfortably enjoy meals prepared by the women without lifting a finger to help. During her summer vacations, when the extended family gathered, Shivangi witnessed a disheartening scene: the men, including young boys, would leisurely lounge about or play cricket, while the women, including little girls, toiled away in the kitchen, tirelessly preparing and serving meals to the male members. To add insult to injury, the women would only get to eat whatever meager scraps were left over. Shivangi found it baffling that the women responsible for cooking were left undernourished and overburdened. What troubled her, even more, was that these expectations of subservience were passed down to the younger generation.

In the face of such inequality, Shivangi wholeheartedly rebelled. She refused to accept the status quo imposed by the patriarchal norms.

While the other children in her family resigned themselves to their predetermined fates, Shivangi fearlessly defied the established norms. However, her relatives responded to her rebellion by launching a relentless character assassination campaign, tightening their grip on her life. They subjected her to a form of house arrest, effectively controlling her every move. Despite her exceptional academic achievements and becoming the youngest school prefect in her school’s history, her family denied her participation in any co-curricular or extra-curricular activities. She was forbidden from having friends or venturing outside her house unaccompanied. Her access to the internet was restricted, and she was closely monitored in every corner of her home. She had become a mere puppet, manipulated by the strings pulled by her relatives.

As a top performer in school, Shivangi felt as if she was slowly withering away within the confines of her house. However, even when she secured admission into a prestigious engineering college, her relatives intervened and coerced her into attending a lower-ranked girls’ college instead. They made it clear that she could study there, but she was never to pursue a career. The mere thought of becoming financially independent instilled fear in her family, and they were determined to prevent her from working.

Achievements and Inner Strength

Despite enduring years of traumatic abuse, Shivangi discovered her true self when she finally escaped the toxic grip of her family and embarked on her college journey. During this transformative phase, she accomplished astonishing feats that set her apart from her peers. She consistently excelled academically, emerging as the top performer in the majority of her courses. Her oratory skills were unparalleled, as evidenced by her triumph in every public speaking competition within her college, as well as inter-university and state-level debate championships.

Shivangi’s leadership abilities were equally impressive. She effortlessly won the student elections and served as the President for three out of her four college years. With an innate talent for event management, she flawlessly organized and hosted various college festivities, leaving a lasting impact on the entire campus community. Furthermore, she took the initiative to establish and oversee literature, writing, and public speaking clubs/societies, fostering an environment that nurtured creativity and self-expression.

In addition to her academic and leadership pursuits, Shivangi ventured into research and made significant contributions to her field. Her expertise resulted in the publication of four research papers in esteemed international journals, including those associated with prestigious institutions like the IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management). Notably, during her final year of college, she managed an astonishing workload by simultaneously holding down four different jobs.

Shivangi’s remarkable achievements earned her the distinction of being the most accomplished student in her engineering college, setting a new standard for excellence. Her resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit propelled her to overcome adversity and carve out a path of success that defied all expectations.

During her college years, Shivangi’s drive and ambition propelled her to take on remarkable endeavors beyond her academic pursuits. She embraced the role of a journalist for a renowned media platform that had received accolades from the United Nations. Through this platform, she had the privilege of conducting interviews with esteemed personalities such as Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Nandita Das, Shiv Khera, and Amish Tripathi, among others. Simultaneously, she generously volunteered her time to teach at an orphanage, collaborating with one of India’s top non-governmental organizations.

Shivangi’s passion for writing knew no bounds, and she channeled it into publishing over 50 articles on a wide range of topics for leading print and online media outlets, all while juggling her college commitments. Her dedication and talent garnered recognition from various quarters, further establishing her as a formidable voice in the world of journalism.

Now, you might be wondering what fueled Shivangi’s relentless pursuit of multiple jobs and responsibilities throughout her college journey. The answer is simple yet profound: she was acutely aware that her family would never allow her to work after graduation. With this knowledge, she approached her four years of college with unwavering determination and resolute vigor.

True to her expectations, Shivangi received multiple enticing job offers from prominent IT companies, renowned newspapers, and ambitious startups. However, upon graduation, she was forcibly brought back home and denied the opportunity to pursue a career. Undeterred, she fought vehemently, putting up a valiant struggle against her family’s unwavering resistance, even in the face of their violent opposition. Despite the immense challenges she faced, Shivangi persisted in her clandestine online work, navigating the treacherous path with tremendous difficulty.

Through her relentless spirit and unwavering dedication, Shivangi continued to defy the limitations imposed upon her, striving to make her mark in the world despite the oppressive circumstances she endured.

Her Life in the Field of Psychology

Driven to expand her academic horizons, Shivangi secured a scholarship to pursue psychology at a local college. Though her family reluctantly permitted this choice due to its proximity, Shivangi embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. Despite being the only student without a psychology background in her institute, she astounded everyone by emerging as the university topper, surpassing competitors from all batches and programs nationwide. Her extraordinary achievement propelled her to qualify as a licensed and registered counseling psychologist.

Following her undergraduate studies, Shivangi’s academic journey took another remarkable turn as she earned a full scholarship to Ashoka University, one of India’s most prestigious institutions, as a Young India Fellow. This program granted her the privilege of immersing herself in the profound realms of gender and sexuality studies, under the tutelage of international professors. In the same year, she proudly represented India on an international stage, participating in a student conference at Harvard University. Furthermore, her exceptional writing skills garnered recognition as she triumphed in a global essay writing competition. This distinguished achievement led to her being acknowledged as a Leader of Tomorrow by St. Gallen University in Switzerland.

During this transformative year, Shivangi seized the opportunity to establish “Drishtikona – Changing Perspectives.” This endeavor aimed to challenge existing societal paradigms and foster a broader understanding of diverse perspectives.

Her Dedication and Success

Shivangi’s unwavering dedication, intellectual prowess, and insatiable thirst for knowledge propelled her to unprecedented heights, defying all odds and expectations. Her journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the extraordinary potential within each individual to transcend limitations and make an indelible impact on the world.

In recognition of her relentless dedication to advancing gender equality, Shivangi has received prestigious awards from international NGOs as well as the Government of India. As the Founder of Drishtikona – Changing Perspectives, she has been chosen by NITI Aayog under their Atal Innovation Mission to serve as a Mentor for local schools, acknowledging the impact of her social work. Her commitment to driving change has also earned her the esteemed title of Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum, and she has been nominated twice for the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia and India lists, showcasing her exceptional accomplishments.

In December 2021, the University of Oxford selected Shivangi as a world leader for UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality, as part of a global leadership challenge. In this role, she led an international team of five leaders to develop a solution aimed at ending child marriages in Rajasthan, India. Shivangi’s involvement in such transformative initiatives exemplifies her unwavering belief in fighting for justice and never surrendering in the face of adversity.

Moral

Through her remarkable journey, Shivangi has transformed the stones hurled at her by her relatives into the foundation of a breathtaking castle, symbolizing her unwavering determination and successful career. Today, she stands as the individual with the highest number of achievements within her extended family, serving as a beacon of inspiration and hope for a brighter future.

Indeed, women like Shivangi represent our hope for a better tomorrow. Her experiences highlight the urgent need to protect young girls from the trauma and abuse she endured, underscoring the importance of dismantling patriarchal structures. May Shivangi’s story ignite a collective resolve to strive for a world where no girl child experiences such suffering, and where gender equality flourishes as a fundamental principle for all.