Roots and Wings: How Cultural Grounding Fuels Innovation | Manogya Tiwari | TEDxHindu College Women
In her compelling TED Talk, Manogya Tiwari delves into ancient Indian perspectives on gender and womanhood, drawing insights from seminal texts like the Mahabharata and Rigveda. She recounts the profound dialogue in the Anushasana Parva, where Parvati inquires about the soul’s gender and Shankar reveals that the soul is formless—molded by karma rather than confined to male or female labels. Tiwari emphasizes that these ancient scriptures recognize a harmonious coexistence of masculine and feminine energies, a unity that modern male-centric definitions often overlook. She celebrates the rich legacy of intellectual, warrior, and leadership roles occupied by women, exemplified by figures such as Maitreyi, Gargi, and 36 revered rishikas. By paralleling historical icons like Rani Laxmi Bai, Savitribai Phule, Ahilya Bai Holkar, and Rani Chinnamma, Tiwari introduces a “sacred circle” of feminine strength—courage, vision, nurturing, and adaptability—as transformative ideals for contemporary society. Manogya Tiwari is a dynamic marketing leader revolutionizing the way young India engages with its ancient wisdom. As an entrepreneur and content creator with a thriving community of over 950,000, she seamlessly bridges the gap between tradition and technology. Through her ventures, Har Ghar Puja and Quizzin, she is making centuries-old knowledge accessible to the digital generation. Beyond her digital impact, Manogya is a sought-after corporate coach, guiding leaders in solving modern business challenges through the lens of ancient Indian wisdom. Her unique approach blends strategic frameworks from revered texts like the Ramayan, Bhagavad Gita and Chanakya Niti with contemporary leadership practices, offering a timeless yet innovative perspective on success. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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