As a Kolyanchi Sunn (Daughter-in-law of a Koli family), Shraddha is a graduate, was a teacher and now a dedicated homemaker. She possesses a powerful voice and a deep-seated passion for her community. Having navigated the rigid constraints of a conservative upbringing, she has personally faced the setbacks that often stall the dreams of Koli women. Today, she is transforming those past challenges into a mission. To ensure the next generation of girls never feels “caged” by the same limitations she once endured.
Shraddha’s vision is to empower Koli women and girls to step out of the shadows and explore the vast opportunities the world offers. She leverages her strength as a skilled speaker to encourage them to break free from self-doubt and utilize their unique creative abilities. Her goal is for every young woman in the community to assert her existence and pursue her ambitions with a level of independence that was previously discouraged.
Beyond individual empowerment, Kolyanchi Sunn Shraddha is deeply committed to the survival of her heritage. She believes that modernization should not come at the cost of identity, and she strives to preserve the vibrant Koli culture that is currently at risk of dwindling. By bridging the gap between traditional values and modern aspirations, Shraddha aims to lead a movement where Koli women are both the guardians of their culture and the pioneers of their own futures.
Filmytown.com interviews Kolianchi Sunn Shraddha
As a Koli woman Kolyanchi Sunn, what have you observed and gone through?
Kolis grow up very strong, but that strength has been shaped by lots of troubles. Many Koli girls are quite capable and ambitious too. But poverty and early marriages can emotionally supress the females.
Being born and raised within the Koli community I have observed a drastic change in present times. From my perspective as a Koli woman, upto the early 2000s, I noticed that Koli girls often didn’t have as much freedom or opportunities to grow. For everything, permission was needed from the family. While permission is generally expected, in my experience, there was also often a sense of low self-confidence, which could be attributed to the conservative family or community environment.
Would you elaborate a bit about the times of your school days?
The most often reply heard from our elders was – What will people say? Family pressure. So, basically, the Koli parents used to send their girls and boys only to study. Yeah, only to study. We too were interested in certain extracurricular activities like dramatics or singing or even sports.
But for that, we had to come home and take the permission from that. And even the parents were very conservative and usually they would not have encouraged us, instead they often discouraged us to be away from any extra curricular activities. And they would always mention that you should only focus on your education. Exactly. Not other things… So, this is what girls of my generation have gone through.
Koli women are quite talented, says Kolyanchi Sunn
Kolyanchi Sunn, how were your college years?
Historically, Koli girls have always been naturally creative and spirited, yet their self-esteem was often stifled by communal pressure. While they possessed immense potential, their ambitions were frequently met with the same restrictive question: “Loka kay boltat?” (What will people say?).
Today, that narrative is shifting. While the need for family permission remains a hurdle, modern Koli girls are more capable and driven than ever. They are ready to trade the “caged” expectations of the past for a future where their creativity and high aspirations are finally given the wings they deserve.
Hasn’t that changed in present times?
Yes, they can do everything. Now, you can see that Koli girls have become doctors, engineers, dentists, some are also on the way to become a scientist. But apart from that, in that age, I’m saying, a past, we didn’t have opportunities to grow up. Mainly because being a conservative family, we had a lot of pressure. Today’s parents have become liberal.
Yes, now they have full freedom. They have full freedom to pursue their aspirations. I wouldn’t say all the people, but most of them have that privilege that they can do of their own things. They have the privilege. I have seen that. So another shining example is that of Prajakta Kohli, the actress who is also from Koli community. I feel so proud of her that she has come up.
PM’s call for Women Empowerment
Prime Minister Modi has made a call – When Women Prosper, the World Prospers. How do you perceive it?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is focused for “women-led development,” championing women as the primary architects of India’s progress. From rural NaMo Drone Didis gaining new identities as tech leaders to women standing “shoulder to shoulder”. In space and the Armed Forces, he emphasizes that their success is vital for global prosperity. By pointing to the President of India as a pinnacle of leadership, he highlights that women are no longer just participants, but the driving force of modern democracy.
Could you spell out how you personally would contribute towards it as a Kolyanchi Sunn?
We are aiming to set up NGOs for the welfare of Koli community. Firstly what is needed is clean up on beaches and sea and coastal protection.
We have plans to women livelihood empowerment, training and fishing process, drying, packaging and direct market linkages to markets and hotels. We can support Koli women to start a micro business by helping them with loans, licensing, branding and livelihood during off season fishing.
A Podcast is being planned where we can call experienced and wise Koli personalities for their guidance and inspirations. Live stories of their experiences for the youth.
We aim to create a platform to celebrate the voices of Koli people who have already changed their lives and inspired the community.
