Sonali Patankar – The one who touched countless lives

In today’s technology-driven world, where people use the internet as soon as they wake up till they go to bed again, Sonali Patankar became the voice of those whose voices were suppressed because of those who misuse the internet. Sure, our world has come a long way, but it has also never been worse. With today’s technology, one can sit in their homes and target someone they know nothing about through the internet. Is this what our future is supposed to be? Harassing, cyberbullying and harming someone’s mental health out of fun or hate or just because. Where we have advanced so immensely because of technology, some of us have taken it for granted, hurting people without realizing its consequences. Sonali Patankar is the woman who stepped in to stop online abuse through Responsible Netism. She stepped in like a ray of light and the existence of humanity.

What is Responsible Netism?

The Internet can be misused in numerous ways, be it by being exposed to inappropriate content, harassing people online, making threats, or pretending to be someone else. Affecting someone’s mental health is as easy as typing a comment under somebody’s post or sending a vulgar or a threat text. It is as easy as sitting at home and bullying someone with the tip of your fingers on the screen. Technology has undoubtedly made contact easier with our loved ones. Still, it has also made it easier with strangers. It has also wrapped up humans around itself, using technology as a way to release stress, which ultimately leads to more stress and ends up becoming our addiction.

 Sonali Patankar is the woman who took a step to stop all this by initiating a foundation called “Responsible Netism“, a non-profit organization that aims to empower and educate young, adult, and old about a healthy online environment and the importance of cyber security and online safety. It is an initiative towards those who become victims of online abuse. It is indeed a social purpose that our society greatly needed. Its goal is to create a healthy, safe, empathetic, and positive online environment for all netizens. And guess what? Through their education programs and training, they have successfully educated over 1.7 million children (about twice the population of Delaware) and more than 1 million adults. 

Sonali Patankar became a hope and a sign that humanity is not yet dead in a society where humans exist with no humanity.

Insights into Sonali Patankar’s life and inspiration 

Sonali Patankar comes from a family full of innovators. She was fascinated with technology from a young age and explored the infinite possibilities of virtual space. But as she sailed across the sea of the internet, she understood that there weren’t just fish in the sea, but also sharks.  She became aware of the realities of the internet, like cyberbullying, harassment and digital contrast. And from her personal experiences, she was inspired to make a change and create an online environment that promotes empathy and kindness.

She was motivated to educate people of all ages about the risks associated with the internet and the precautions one can take to prevent it. Through several workshops and training programs, she educated people on how to create a balance between online and real life and how to cope and take care of their own mental health. She brought an evolutionary change into society by bringing people together and creating a positive online environment, which seemed impossible looking at the things that happen online. It’s true; all it takes is one person to make a change. An inspired person can inspire many, as Sonali Patankar did. She is a woman who became a pillar for many and continues to be. 

Sonali Patankar’s professional journey is as impressive as her social work. She holds a degree in social work from Nirmala Niketan College of Social Work and a diploma in school counseling from SNDT Women’s University. With over 25 years of professional experience and collaborations with renowned organizations, she has established herself as a female figure that all girls can look up to.

Accomplishments and Influence

She is also the president of the Ahaan Foundation, through which she initiated Responsible Netism. Her work has been acknowledged globally, and she has earned numerous awards and accolades for it. She has influenced people to take a step toward creating or joining a community that promotes online safety. 

Responsible netism has successfully launched online campaigns that reach millions of people worldwide. It has also partnered with several schools and organizations to integrate online empathy into education. 

They educate parents about controlled internet use for their children so that they aren’t exposed to inappropriate content or influenced by negativity online.

She also educates children to use the internet responsibly and helps young adults to cope with and improve their mental health through several videos, articles, guides, workshops, and training programs. She has brought people together and helped foster a healthy and responsible online presence. 

How did she help change lives through Responsible Netism

• She helped the victims of cyberbullying by providing support, resources, and guidance to empower themselves and overcome online abuse. 
• She brought people together and encouraged them to foster a compassionate, kind, positive and understanding environment online.
• Educated people about digital safety and responsible internet usage.
• Helped people get rid of online addiction, taught how to balance online and offline life  
• Helped people struggling with bad mental health due to cyberbullying, harassment and how to cope with digital stress. 
• Influenced and advocated for policy changes to promote better online security, safety and responsible technology
• She made sure anybody and everybody can become part of the online community.
• Helped people understand how to navigate the online world

Sonali Patankar – the revolutionary woman

She hasn’t just brought change but a revolution that needs to be acknowledged and appreciated by all, and if she isn’t an inspiration to many, then I wonder who is. Especially women who face online abuse the most, can understand how important it is to create and be a part of an online environment with no harassment but only positivity. Sonali Patankar isn’t just an inspiration but also a motivation to be that person who takes the first step towards helping people and contributing to social work. Because if we won’t help each other, then who will? 

Sonali Patankar is a gemstone who, without realizing it, became the pillar of many. She contributed to making this world a better place and inspired numerous individuals to do the same.

Cyberbullying has been increasing since the 2000s and continues to grow, but she has become one of the prominent voices and leaders fighting against it, particularly in India. She has helped countless people and continues to do so. This is a sign and a motivation to try and make a change in the world. If she can, so can you. 

Conclusion

Sonali Patankar’s remarkable journey shows passion, dedication and vision. She has inspired a movement through responsible netism, influenced us to think about our interactions online, and attempted to create a more compassionate and kinder digital world. She and her foundation prove that collaboration with a good cause can make the world a better place and make it shine brighter.