“A Gathering of 15’000 women from 800 villages for Mahila Sangam”
On the 21st of January 2007 the day of Guru Govind Singh Jayanti in the centenary year since Guruji’s birth the Mahila Sangam was held in Udyamita Vidyapeeth of Deendayal Research Institute, Chitrakoot. For the celebration over 15’000 women from 800 villages from the districts of Chitrakoot, Satna, Panna, Banda, Chatarpur and Tikamgarh travelled to Udyamita Vidyapeeth for the Mahila Sangam. The function began with Ganesh Vandann; this was performed by the Agohatri Brothers of Lucknow. One of the guest speakers was the well known and respected social worker Smt Sumati Tai Suklikar from Nagpur. Present was also the chief guest Rajya Sabha Member Anusuiya Uike.
The women gathered at Mahila Sangam collectively took an oath:
To wipe out poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and to ensure life-long health in their family, villages and society.
The women and guests taking the collective oath
Smt Sumati Tai Suklikar addressing the womenDuring her speech the upper house Member of Parliament Anusuiya Uike spoke about how the Mahila Sangam is held in the holy place of Lord Ram and strives for women empowerment. She spoke about the excellent example of a self-reliant campaign taking place in Deendayal Research Institute. Social worker Smt Kanti Rawat spoke that Nari hi Durga, Nari hi Laxmi, Nari hi Mahan hai, Nari se hi Sara Jahan hai. Parliament member Shri Mati Karuna Shukla said that until women become morally aware and cultured then India cannot fully develop. She said the meaning of Mahila is that Ma means Mamta (affection), Hi means Himmat (bravery) and the La means Lajja (modesty). During this occasion Smt Sumati Tai Suklikar from Nagpur has been honoured for her contribution to society. She said that women who create this environment in the home will aid the other family members in reaching their goals. She said that it is necessary that the women become literate, healthy and wealthy for the whole family to be happy. During the Mahila Sangam other guest speakers included R.S.S Geeta Tai Gunde from Mumbai, Mahapaur of Satna district Smt Vimla Pandey spoke to the assembled women about the fantastic work being done by the Deendayal Research Institute and Udyamita Vidyapeeth.
Women gathered at Mahila SangamThey also saw the work being done by the SHG’s (self help groups). There was also an exhibition of products made by the SHG’s, all the guests were impressed by the SHG’s high quality products. Also in the exhibition was information on the Ayurvedic Research Centre of Arogyadham. Information on Chitrakoot Rashala, Govansh Vikas Anusandhan Kendra and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mahila Vikas Kendra Satna was also available. The women of the Mahila Sangam also discussed the achievements of the Self-reliant campaign run by the Deendayal Research Institute. Guest speaker social worker Sumati Tai Suklikar recited a quote from Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, “Only when the mothers are literate can they develop a well cultured society”. At the end of the programme Dr. Nandita Pathak thanked the women and media persons for attending the Mahila Sangam.
