Stop The Pressure On Productivity, Says Prajakta Koli

Times like these are totally unprecedented and unexpected. No one was prepared to deal with something like the novel coronavirus and no one had expected to be at home for such a long time. In times like these ones surely needs leaders to help them manoeuvre through situations, but more than leaders, one needs a friend they can turn to when they need help. 

Prajakta Koli repeatedly stressed on the importance of “mental well-being” and talked of how in times like these, looking after one’s mental health is critical. Students initially were glad that they could “sit at home and go to school in their pyjamas, but soon they realised, as lockdowns kept getting extended, that this is no joke, and has serious implications and repercussions on the country,” she said. 

During the spell of the lockdown, students are hammered from all sides ‒ parents, teachers, even friends at times put “pressure to be productive,” she pointed out. Every person has their own manner of dealing with it and the pressure suffocates them, she said, adding that finding a “middle ground” is crucial. 

A key aspect Prajakta Kohli talked about was the role of “conversation”. “It makes everything better,” she said. Talking of how one feels, or discussing various things makes one feel lighter, she pointed out. Incidentally, Prajakta Koli has been doing just that in her comment section and direct messaging feature. 

Koli spoke of the prevailing uncertainty and how people overthink it. “Don’t worry about the future, or beat yourself up. You cannot map the coming times, so just take charge of your life,” was a message she was sending out to everyone. She also mentioned how having gratitude, respect and the ability to take things seriously are a few attributes she hopes people develop after the lockdown.