Power Doesn’t Come in One Avatar
This Navratri, nine women draw inspiration from the Goddess to reflect on courage, ambition and identity. They offer personal takes on the many faces of Shakti
Maa Katyayani: The courage to rise after every setback
I would choose Maa Katyayani, who represents courage, strength and determination. To me, she embodies a woman who refuses to give up, no matter how many challenges life throws her way.
As an athlete, I believe strength is not just about physical power, but also mental resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward.
The modern-day Maa Katyayani would be a woman who fearlessly pursues her dreams, stands up for what she believes in and defines success on her own terms.
True Shakti is not just about winning battles, but having the courage to fight them, rising after every setback and inspiring women to believe in their strength.”
P. V. Sindhu, two-time Olympic medallist & one of India’s most decorated badminton players
Chandraghanta: Fierce yet compassionate
I relate to Maa Chandraghanta, who embodies a warrior’s spirit while remaining protective, compassionate and graceful. She represents the modern woman who can be fiercely independent without losing her kindness or empathy. Women today juggle multiple roles, often putting others’ needs before their own. I want women to make choices that bring them happiness and fulfilment, rather than moulding themselves to meet expectations. Maa Chandraghanta reminds us that strength and sensitivity are not opposites. Women can be powerful and kind, ambitious and empathetic, standing firmly in their own truth without compromising who they are.”
Goddess Kushmanda: Creating light in the dark
I relate to Goddess Kushmanda, who is believed to have created the universe with her divine smile. She represents the power to create light when life feels dark and find possibilities in challenging moments. As an actor and dancer, I draw strength from creativity — through dance, storytelling and the smallest acts of joy. Art transforms difficult emotions into something meaningful. Kushmanda reminds me that life need not be perfect for us to create something extraordinary. Sometimes, a little light within us is enough to illuminate the world around us.”
Maa Durga: The power of focus
For me, Maa Durga embodies courage, focus and inner strength. Shooting demands immense mental resilience — staying composed under pressure, overcoming setbacks and trusting your preparation when every tenth matters. From starting out in Hyderabad to representing India at the Olympics, I have learnt that true power lies in discipline, patience and self-belief. This Navratri, I hope to inspire more young girls to embrace sport, overcome challenges and discover the Shakti within themselves.”
Goddess Katyayani: Courage with a cause
For me, Katyayani Ammavaru embodies courage, strength and justice. She is not merely a divine force worshipped during Navratri, but a living presence in women who stand up for themselves and speak for those whose voices go unheard. True Shakti lies in transforming personal strength into meaningful service. It means challenging injustice, standing firm in adversity and using one’s voice and influence to improve the lives of others. Feminine power finds its fullest expression when courage moves beyond individual achievement to create a more just and compassionate world.”
Maa Durga: Turning adversity into strength
I would choose Goddess Durga as Mahishasura Mardini, the embodiment of courage, strength and the triumph of good over evil. Imagine a woman who loses her husband young, with no business experience, yet finds the courage to take charge of an entire empire. She transforms grief into purpose and fear into determination. To me, Durga represents the modern woman who breaks barriers, protects her legacy and builds a stronger future. A woman’s greatest power lies not in never falling, but in finding the strength to rise, rebuild and lead.”
Kaalratri and Kushmanda: The courage to begin again
I draw strength from Kaalratri and Kushmanda. Kaalratri embodies unapologetic fearlessness — the courage to say no, close doors and protect your work and people. As a woman steering a young company, I have learnt never to apologise for being firm. But once the battle is fought, you must create again. That is where Kushmanda comes in. When a deal falls through or people let me down, I refuse to remain in the darkness. Instead, I ask myself what I can build next. For me, Shakti is the power to overcome obstacles and begin again, with a smile.”
Maa Chandraghanta: The courage to evolve
I would choose Maa Chandraghanta, who embodies courage, resilience and grace. Years of professional tennis, 12 international titles and representing India at the Asian Games and Federation Cup taught me to embrace pressure and push my limits. Becoming a mother, however, challenged me in ways sport never had. Returning to the court through padel has allowed me to rediscover the joy of playing without chasing rankings or results. To me, Maa Chandraghanta represents the courage to embrace life’s different chapters. True feminine power lies in evolving with confidence while staying connected to who you are.”
Maa Kalaratri: Confronting fear
I would choose Maa Kalaratri, the seventh form of Navadurga, who symbolises the triumph over darkness and fear. Despite her formidable appearance, she is Shubhankari, the benevolent protector. To me, she represents the courage to confront inner fears, anxieties and negativity. In today’s turbulent world, emotional balance and mental resilience are essential. Kalaratri inspires me to remain grounded through life’s storms without losing myself. Her strength reminds me that confronting darkness is not about becoming fearless, but about finding the courage to move forward despite our fears.”