The recently concluded one-day conference held in Kanyakumari has urged the government to install statues of women who dedicated their lives to the development of society and spirituality.
On March 2, at Kanyakumari, where the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean occurs, Karma Yogini Sangamam was held at Amrita University Campus. It was organised to celebrate the 300th birth anniversary of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, the silver jubilee of Vaibhavshree, women’s empowerment scheme, and 100 years of the RSS. As part of the event, a colourful parade was held honouring the spirit of womanhood, along with a grand assembly of 50,000 women fostering unity and empowerment.
Satguru Mata Amritanandamayi, (Chief Patron, Ahilyabai Holkar All India Centenary Celebration Committee), Dattatreya Hosabale, RSS Sarkaryavah, Dr Tessy Thomas, distinguished scientist and former DG of DRDO, as well as VC of NICHE, Dr Sudha Seshaiayyan, former TN Medical University VC, Vishaka Hari, devotional singer, Anusha Selvam, VIT Director, Nalini Padmanabhan, Canara Bank Director and Professor Rajathilagam, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in Coimbatore, along with other leading women dignitaries, graced the function. Pada poojas to 21 women sadhus were performed as part of the event.
A host of resolutions were adopted. The conference urged the authorities to take immediate steps to reopen the east-side entrance of the Bhagavathi Amman Temple, which has been closed for a long time, hurting the sentiments of devotees.
Another resolution called for the installation of statues of unsung women freedom fighters such as Velu Nachiyar, Kuyili, and Vettu Kaliyamman in several parts of the state, and for this purpose, the establishment of an action committee. It also recommended the inclusion of lessons on women who participated in the freedom struggle and spirituality at school and college levels.
Additionally, resolutions were adopted to identify women achievers in various fields and establish connections with them.
In his address, Hosabale said that due to the implementation of the Vaibhavshree scheme, de-addiction from alcohol and narcotics has increased, and many individuals have become sober. “The family system plays an important role in society. It also strives hard to protect culture and serves as a pivotal force,” he said. “Karma Yogini means developing Nari Shakti (women’s power), which, in turn, leads to national development.”
He noted that women have been at the forefront in several fields and that identifying and recognising their contributions should be a continuous effort. “Rani Ahilyabai Holkar was one such woman with a multifaceted personality. She renovated and built several temples in Bharat. She encouraged people to take up farming and other livelihoods. Her contributions to societal development are immeasurable and invaluable.”
The RSS Sarkaryavah further stated: “Rani Velu Nachiyar (1730-1796), also known as Veeramangai (‘Brave Woman’), was a South Indian queen who ruled the Sivaganga estate and is remembered for her courageous resistance against the British East India Company. She continued to serve the people even after marriage. Bharat is the greatest Nari Shakti Kshetra. We have had remarkable women like Arundhati, Ahilya, and Nivedita, who broke glass ceilings by overcoming numerous hurdles. They worked selflessly for the community and society.
Ma Parvati, standing on one leg, performed penance at Kanyakumari, the southern tip of Bharat, and sought boons from Lord Shiva, who resides in Kailash at the northern end of the country.
The Vaibhavshree scheme has completed 25 years. Under this initiative, self-help groups (SHGs) have been formed to enable women to reach greater heights. The scheme has played a pivotal role in society, reforming lakhs of people from alcohol consumption and keeping them away from narcotics. I salute the Nari Shakti for this great achievement. I appreciate their role in transforming society.
Women, as mothers, are known for expressing intellectual power and energy. SHGs will play a crucial role in the years to come. The RSS is in its centenary year. Seva Bharati, an initiative of the RSS, has been working to eradicate societal evils. The family system is unique to our country, and no other nation has such a system. Our country should strive to become a Rashtriya Dharma nation of greatness. Through Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (Ore Bharatham, Unnatha Bharatham), we can achieve comprehensive growth and all-round development.”
Mata Amritanandamayi pointed out that if women’s progress is hindered, it would affect the development of the nation in all spheres.
