Speaking up for self-respect and equality is a necessity, not rebellion: Actor Revathi

Speaking up for one’s own self-respect and equality is not an act of rebellion but often one of necessity, said actor Revathi at the Women’s Symposium 2026 organised by Bharat Soka Gakkai on Sunday (August 30, 2026) at The Music Academy in Chennai.Addressing the gathering, she said, “For generations, women have fought for the right to be educated, to work, to vote, to own property – basically to be heard. Progress is always dependent on individuals willing to ask difficult questions; even while doing so, they are always looked at differently.”The symposium was organised with the theme of ‘The Century of Women Starts with Me: From Awareness to Action’.“I believe that questioning injustice and speaking up for one’s dignity and rights are essential. Even if such ideas are met with resistance at first, they are the ones that ultimately drive meaningful social progress,” she said.Speaking about self-doubt, Vedika Agrwal, founder of Yein Udaan, an organisation working for education and child development, said: “I realised that this journey is not solely about me. I started putting my children at the heart of my purpose, at the heart of my work – and my perspective shifted.”Varashakthi Housing Finance Ltd. MD and CEO and co-founder, Hand in Hand, Kalpana Sankar said that nobody is in a competing space. “Each of us has to do something good to transform ourselves and others. There’s so much opportunity,” she said.Bharat Soka Gakkai Director Rashi Ahuja and its Head, External Relations, Media and Sustainability, Jaya Rao also spoke at the event. Published - August 31, 2026 03:00 pm IST