Meet Roshinee Mookaiah, a young Malaysian Indian woman and youth political activist that pursue her creative inclination for the greater good of her community through Mekar Kami, Malaysian Indian Anthology and Cukup.Club
How would you describe yourself and what do you do?
I consider myself simply as a young Malaysian Indian woman who is trying her best for her community! Professionally however, I am a youth political activist who works within the local democratic sector. It is my privilege to work with youths across Malaysia, especially women and minorities, to help them be more politically informed and empowered.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
I start everyday being yelled at by my cat, Ram, who insists on a speedy breakfast! After settling Ram’s affairs, only then can I move on to my morning routine, which on my best day encompasses morning yoga, gratitude journaling, affirmations and light reading.
What are you most passionate about?
I think it would be easy for me to say that I am passionate about my political activism work - but honestly, as of recent times, I have been focusing on expanding my self definition beyond work. So, I can more candidly say I am very passionate right now about being more rested, playful, creative, and connected to my community members.
What do you usually do to stimulate your creative juice?
Art is an important source of creativity to me - be it drawing influences from books, TV shows, songs or the movies I consume. I can admit here that TikTok is also a great source for #inspo, I am super excited by the innovative content creation there, especially for the purposes of advocacy. I just wish I had more time to actually record fun videos, than just consuming it.
What part of you that you are most proud of?
I am proud of the full person I am becoming right now. I am in a really good space in terms of my mental health, relationship and career. More importantly, this year, I have been being brave and putting myself forward to new opportunities, instead of shying away from it, eg. applying for Masters (I want to be the first in my family to get this qualification). Even if I don’t have rezeki yet to actually do it this year, I am proud that I took that first step in the first place.
What are you doing to keep yourself busy right now?
My work takes up most of my time - I have had the privilege of traveling across Malaysia this past couple of months to meet with youth activists and campaigners who are doing such exciting and important work in their respective communities. When I am not busy organising workshops and meetings with them, I try to steal time to explore more Malaysian towns and learn about the local history.
What are some of the positive changes that you try to implement this year?
This year, I am really focusing on being braver and more assertive. Last year, I found myself in instances where the people around me and my own self were being exploited - I wish I had been more vocal and assertive in speaking up against it. As such, this year, I am pushing myself to be bolder, louder and courageous nevertheless, even when my voice wavers.
If your life is a song, what would it be and why?
Rebel, Rebel by David Bowie!
This song represents the way I wish to carry myself in the world - someone who is glam, creative, a bit messy, loving life and ultimately self-assured and confident of herself, always!
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