When Womenfolk Come Together…In The Name Of SAI…
Sunday, November 19th, 2017
“Women are the repositories of Truth and Culture…”, said Bhagawan hailing the womanhood, thus commencing a new chapter of honour and dignity, respect and reverence to the womenfolk, introducing November 19 as International Ladies’ Day. Ever since 1995, 19th November does come alive with grand, glorious celebrations galore, celebrating the sacredness of the ‘noble and great’ qualities of the womenfolk, disseminating, communicating, releasing their goodness everywhere.
Today, when 19th November revisited yet again, womenfolk from the world over gathered at the sacred Sai Kulwant Hall celebrating the joyous occasion once again, reminding themselves of the onus upon them to prove His Words Right, keeping the codes of ethical conduct in sight.
The session this morning commenced at 0800 hrs with Veda chanting by the students from the Anantapur Campus of SSSIHL. Even as the chanting continued, a grand ‘Purna Kumbham’ procession ensued at 0830 hrs from the Yajur Mandiram, escorted by Vedam and Bagpiper Band troupes from the higher secondary wing of Swami’s ‘Own’ Primary School, the Brass Band from the Anantapur Campus followed by senior Mahilas.
Ceremonial Lamp for the occasion was lit next followed by an introductory talk by Ms Chetana Raju, Managing Trustee, EWWT. Growing up as a woman is no easy task, remembered Ms Chetana, noting that emancipation of women through empowerment is still awaited. Delivering a well-structured speech, the speaker urged the womenfolk to resolve to follow at least one teaching of Beloved Bhagawan.
Ms Kamala Pandya, Head of National Mahila Wing of SSSSO – India, newly introduced trustee of EWWT, spoke next stressing on the importance of Unconditional Service, urging fellow women devotees to wear a smile on the face, joy in the heart and twinkle in the eyes. Ms Pandya also elaborated the organisational efforts in India to enhance the cause of women through various organisational schemes and projects.
The next speaker, Ms Urvi Widhani, spoke of her rich personal, corporate and organisational experiences of transformation, that started way back in 1999 during the World Youth Conference held in Bhagawan’s physical presence here, in Prasanthi Nilayam. His speech emphasising on Service and Sacrifice did attract her, striking a chord deep within, transforming her. How Bhagawan became the centre-pillar of her life, guiding her through and through, both in her personal and corporate lives making her what she is today, formed the gist of her inspired rhetoric. Ms Urvi is currently the Managing Director, Global Head of Loan Agency, The First Abu Dhabi Bank, UAE’s largest bank. She has been quite active in the activities of Sathya Sai International Organisations.
The last speaker for the session was Ms Kothapalli Geetha, Member Of Parliament from Araku, Andhra Pradesh. The simple woman turned strong woman of the day, a dedicated public servant now, spoke on the greater need for ‘women-collective’, working on women empowerment and social transformation, in a society dominated by men. Ms K. Geetha also narrated her first ever meeting with Bhagawan in 2001, when Bhagawan chose to walk up to her, only to collect her letter, helping her ‘distraught’ soul then to experience the transformation, granting her a new lease of life. In conclusion she said, ‘I am standing here today…strong, because of the blessings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’. ‘Don’t be a woman that needs a man; be a woman that man needs’ quoted the speaker, concluding her inspirational speech.
Token distribution of ‘sanitation keys’, to selected 9 of the 500 pool, of the EWWT’s Sanitation Project was then handed over to the beneficiaries before the final ‘musical’ offering by Mambalam Sistersm, Ms R. Vijayayalakshmi and Ms R. Chitra.
Mangala Arathi marked the end of the morning proceedings.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
Posted in Prasanthi News |
