Shivani, a young woman from India, has carved out her own niche. Through powerful storytelling and personal anecdotes, she makes the case that unplugging from tech isn’t just important – it’s imperative. Growing up in a technology-free environment, she spent her childhood playing outdoors, allowing her to connect with nature and foster meaningful relationships. Her lived experiences fueled her passion for unplugged living. Today, she is thrilled to bring The Offline Club to Australia.
Shivani’s relationship with technology began relatively late. She got her first cell phone at age 14, but even then, she rarely used it. Her upbringing in India, steeped in outdoor activities and human interactions, shaped her perspective on technology’s role in everyday life. This background inspired her to find balance in an ever-more-screen-filled world.
In December last year, Shivani was allowed to visit the Netherlands to see family over Christmas and New Year. During her stay, she was able to experience one of The Offline Club’s events in Amsterdam. The club has built a reputation for curating experiences that allow people to disconnect and meaningfully reconnect—with themselves, with each other, and the world around us. The experience struck a chord with Shivani, reaffirming her belief in the power of in-person connections.
Inspired by her experience living in the Netherlands, Shivani came back to Australia with a purpose. She hoped to inspire others with her journey and raise awareness about the positive effects of unplugging from technology. She hosted community events in neighborhood parks. This gave people and families the opportunity to enjoy a range of activities without the pull of screens.
Shivani’s initiative has proven popular with communities looking for a reprieve from technology. These events feature a healthy mix of fun activities, including yoga classes and team-building games. Each one aspires to cultivate community and invite participants to true presence and joyful engagement with each moment. Shivani produces the kind of environment that encourages in-person chat. Whatever the case may be, her hope is to guide people back to the wonders of living in full color.
In bringing The Offline Club to Australia, Shivani has tapped into a growing desire among people to reconnect with nature and each other. One of the biggest joys for many participants is the opportunity to disconnect from technology. More importantly, they love having intelligent and thoughtful conversations with those in their communities. Through providing a space for these exchanges, Shivani has made herself an influential go-to leader in her community.
The influence of Shivani’s work goes far beyond individual events. Through her coding workshops and community initiatives, Alice has raised awareness about the need for balance in our digital lives and the importance of setting boundaries with technology. By holding up a mirror to her subjects, she encourages people to question their own lifestyle choices. She inspires them to live happier lives by spending more time unplugged.
