Mumbai: Actor-turned-activist Somy Ali believes that surviving rising temperatures is not about quick fixes but about returning to simple, conscious living rooted in awareness and respect for nature.
Sharing her personal approach to dealing with extreme heat, she says, “I beat the heat by staying rooted in simple, conscious choices and by praying to the Universe, which is truly the You Inverse, the reflection of our own inner self. We are not the center of the Universe although we think we are.”
Even under the harsh Florida sun, her routine begins with gently brewed coffee and fresh milk without sugar, followed by plenty of pani throughout the day. “I eat light: seasonal fruits, raita, and simple daal-chawal. No heavy meats or fried foods that make the body feel like it’s burning from within,” she adds.
Her summer routine is intentionally slow and mindful. “I wake up early before the sun turns angry, pray to the Universe, the You Inverse, and move gently. I wear loose, breathable clothes and keep my home minimalist and clutter-free. A clean, simple space clears the air and the mind.” She emphasizes staying indoors during peak heat and aligning mental calmness with physical comfort. “The body cools when the mind and soul are at peace,” she says.
For relief, she turns to traditional Indian cooling remedies. “The old ways never fail me. Sharbat, jaljeera, fresh pani, chaas, and coconut water straight from the fruit. I crave chilled mangoes and rose-water kheer. These are not just refreshments, they are our grandmothers’ medicine that hydrate and cool the system from within.” Carrying water everywhere, she notes, is a habit she never compromises on.
Somy is also vocal about lifestyle changes to combat global warming. “I have a perfectly good modern dryer, but I choose to line-dry every single piece of clothing. Why waste electricity and add more heat to an already suffering planet?” she says, advocating for breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, and bamboo-based materials. “Small, conscious choices multiply when millions make them. It’s not regression. It’s respect for the Earth.”
Reflecting on changing weather patterns, she shares a personal concern. “When I was a child in Karachi, the heat was intense but manageable. Now, even in America, the sun feels more violent, the humidity heavier, and the nights refuse to cool. The Earth is clearly screaming, and we must listen.”
She reacts strongly to unusual climate events such as unexpected snowfall in northern India. “It is not a pleasant surprise. It is nature sending us a distress signal. Our mountains are struggling, and it fuels my resolve to live lightly and act consciously.”
Through her foundation No More Tears, she has dedicated her life to humanitarian work, and she believes the same urgency must extend to environmental responsibility. “We cannot keep waiting for governments alone. Each of us is part of the solution. Line-dry your clothes. Live minimally. Plant trees. Eat seasonal and local. Teach your children.”
Summing up her philosophy, she says, “The Earth doesn’t need more heroes. It needs responsible children who stop harming their only home. This is how I try to live, not perfectly, but with awareness, love, and deep connection to the Universe that is the You Inverse. Because the same hands fighting to save trafficked children must also protect the planet we all call home.”
“Earth Zindabad. Universe Zindabad.”
