Somy Ali: “As a survivor of many incidents of abuse, it took years of therapy to like myself and understand my thought process which then led to being kind to myself.” 

Share this on

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp
Share on email

“As a survivor of many incidents of abuse as a child, teenager and in my early 20’s, it took me years to undo what I was forced to believe. It took years of therapy to like myself, and understand my thought process which then led to being kind to myself. As humans, we are programmed to believe and pay attention to the negativities and criticisms shot towards us rather than anything positive. Therefore, it is important for parents to teach kindness at a very early age to their children, which will also eradicate their natural tendency to only think about their wants and needs,” she says.

Somy adds that her NGO is the best example of learning to be kind to herself because she can relate to abused children, women and men. “Only a former addict can be the best counsellor to treat one’s habitual addiction. Working with abused children is very difficult and sensitive job as their self-esteem has been damaged through several incidents of abuse. To rebuild their confidence takes giving and showing them what love is and literally stopping them from growing up to be damaged goods. This work has truly taught me the meaning of kindness which is intertwined with love in a huge manner. Love is always kind and kindness is always love,” she shares.
  
As for the industry, Somy says that she cannot give a blanket statement because there are many who were ruthless during her time and few who were extremely kind. Thus, it varies from individual to individual.
  
“By human nature, we are built to be selfish beings, but it is up to us to set the barometer level of kindness versus selfishness or even pure evil. Not just in the industry, but everywhere and in any field, we have many shades of gray, nothing is simply black and white. Our relationships are symbiotic by nature and that’s just how the world functions. It’s extremely rare to see someone kind to others at all times without wanting or expecting something in return. It is better to have no expectations because this guarantees that one will not get hurt or heartbroken. Kindness should not warrant a reward, it should come naturally and unconditionally. Call me a pessimist or simply being pragmatic, but I have seen and experienced very few genuinely kind people in our world. It does not make them bad people, it’s simply how we are manufactured as humans,” she ends.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp
Share on email

Tags

Related articles

As the world collectively paused to breathe, bend, and center itself in celebration of International Yoga Day, ITC Kohenur in Hyderabad elevated the morning ritual into something more meaningful: a reflection of wellness with purpose, thoughtfully woven into the fabric of luxury hospitality. TheGlitz reports…
Kush Kapoor, the suave and visionary CEO of the super luxe Roseate Hotels & Resorts, is quietly reshaping the contours of global luxury. With a discerning eye for design, an instinct for innovation, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, Kush Kapoor has taken the Roseate name from a boutique brand to a symbol of refined hospitality across India and the UK. In this exclusive interview with TheGlitz, Kush Kapoor offers a rare glimpse into the strategy, elegance, and emotional intelligence that define Roseate’s next chapter.
Rukaiya Harianawala’s journey as an Occupational Therapist is a testament to quiet strength, deep compassion, and a lifelong dedication to creating a more inclusive, empowered world for children with special needs. Here, in an exclusive interview with Sumita Chakraborty, Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, Rukaiya Harianawala opens up about her incredible three-decade journey, the joys and challenges of her work, and the moments that continue to inspire her every single day.
Rooted in the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda and enriched with advanced actives from modern Western skincare science, Shankara is more than a skincare label, it is a conscious lifestyle movement. Inspired by the spiritual teachings of international humanitarian and spiritual master Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, this globally celebrated organic cosmetic brand has redefined beauty as a holistic, transformative experience.
If you believe food tells the best stories... if you're hungry for a festival steeped in centuries of tradition and bursting with bold, unforgettable flavours, then the Raja Food Festival should definitely be your next stop. Every bite is a celebration... where heritage simmers, spices sing, and Odisha’s culinary soul comes to life on your plate. From the earthy comfort of age-old recipes to the zingy surprise of regional gems, it’s a feast that’s both exotically rich and nostalgically warm. To us, it’s a delicious, heartfelt hug from Odisha to Mumbai, and at TheGlitz, we say: The Raja Festival at The Orchid Hotel, Mumbai is a must visit... Come hungry, leave enchanted.