On Gandhi Jayanti Raavee Gupta talks about ‘Gandhigiri’!

Raavee Gupta, who is known for her performances in the shows Ssshhhh… Koi Hai, Raavan and Kash… Aap Hamare Hote, says that ‘Gandhigiri’ is actually very easy to emulate. The actress says that it all starts from within.

“Our mind is the most powerful tool in our possession. Our thoughts and emotions play such a big role in our overall well-being If one is constantly critical of ourselves, we will inevitably be critical of others. If the only thoughts going through our head are negative, there is a minimal chance that you are sending positive vibes into the world. Being kind to myself, having empathy for others, giving genuine compliments to people and observing my own anger, being grateful for what I have are some things I consciously do,” she says.

It’s important to eat and sleep on time. “When I am hungry, sleepy, tired, and bored, I tend to become short-tempered, impatient, and just plain grumpy, out of balance in general. So eating on time, sleeping on time is something I follow. Eating nourishing wholesome unprocessed foods is what I try to do,” she says.

One must care about the environment as well, she says, adding, “Trying to live each day as environmentally friendly as possible is a great way to practice ahimsa or Gandhigiri. Here are a few practices we have as a family. We use cloth or plastic reusable bags whenever we go grocery shopping. We try to minimise using single use plastic and paper products. We prefer using recyclable containers. We love planting trees and plants. We try being mindful while using all natural resources. Like no wasting water, electricity, gas, fuel etc.”

Lasting, working out and meditation are essential. “Sometimes we just need to put a stop to controlling everything and need to let go and let things flow. When our lives are going well, practicing Gandhigiri seems easy enough. But when stress and fear start to pile up, our best intentions evaporate. I find working out, whether in the gym or outdoors, is the greatest stress busters. A 20-min workout followed by meditating for just five minutes deepens our connection with our inner source of love and wisdom. When we step back and observe we can choose to respond in new, more loving and accepting ways,” she says.

Keerti Kadam