Women conference by Sevika Samiti
Women conference by Sevika Samiti to celebrate centenary year of Bhagini Nivedita
—Pramilatai Medhe
There are many facets of Bhagini Nivedita’s life. But three aspects—education, swadeshi and sewa, can change the entire picture of our country. That is why the Rashtra Sevika Samiti has focused on these three aspects only during this centenary year. We are of the firm opinion that if the nation pays adequate attention to these points the country can become a superpower in a very short span,” said Pramukh Sanchalika of Rashtra Sevika Samiti Pramilatai Medhe. She was addressing a women conference in Delhi on November 5. The conference was organised to remember Bhagini Nivedita in the 100th year of her passing away.
The Samiti chief said even though Bhagini Nivedita was born outside Bharat, she regarded herself as Bharatiya. She had passed away on October 13, 1911. The words used by Rabindranath Tagore while paying her tribute then inspires us of all. He had said, “Some tasks require time, some require body, while some require money, but it is difficult to give heart to the work. Nivedita devoted her heart to her tasks. This is the reason she could work here for so many years.”
Referring to deteriorating condition in various fields today, the Samiti chief said even after six decades of Independence the country does not have even an education, economic and defence policy. “Bhagini Nivedita concentrated on these three points and shown exemplary work. She wanted the education, which instills patriotism into the people. About swadeshi, her thinking was not limited to just several countrymade goods, but she wanted the swadeshi-based economic policy, which ensures development of all.
Presiding over the conference noted writer and former Chairperson of Central Social Welfare Board Smt Mridula Sinha said many people talk about development, but today’s development has become highly insensitive. About women security she said women are not safe even at home. This was not the condition about five decades back. It is the responsibility of both the society and the government to ensure fearless atmosphere to women.
Speaking as chief guest, Smt Kiran Ladha of Maheshwari Mahila Samaj stressed on family values and said if we really want to make our families ideal, we must educate the women. A play based on the life of Bhagini Nivedita was also staged at the conference which was applauded by all. Akhil Bharatiya Sah Karyavahika of the Samiti Smt Asha Sharma, Delhi Prant Karyavahika Smt Radha Mehta and Delhi Prant Pracharika Sushri Poonam were also present at the conference. (FOC)
