Bhubaneswar. The Rashtra Sevika Samiti of Bhubaneswar Mahanagar celebrated the Hindu New Year at the Kolathia Bina Pani Shishu Vidya Mandir, located in the Khandagiri area. Over 250 Sevika sisters participated in a grand path sanchalan during the event, which was warmly welcomed by local residents along the route.
Dr Sanghmitra Mishra, Dean of Sum Hospital and Chief Guest of the event, emphasised the importance of eliminating social discrimination and living harmoniously. She also highlighted the significance of environmental conservation.
In her address, the Chief Speaker, Purva Khetra Pracharika Sushree Latika Padhi, discussed the holistic development of life rooted in Bharatiya culture. She encouraged women to lead empowered, inspirational, and self-sacrificing lives, becoming role models for society. She urged women to embody the strength of goddesses like Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati to contribute to nation-building.
Sushree Latika Padhi highlighted the role of women in upholding the well-being of family, society, and country. She spoke on the holistic development of women across all fronts and encouraged girls to follow in the footsteps of Rani Lakshmi Bai. While it is encouraged for women to engage in “Shola Shrungar,” she pointed out that this should not lead to women becoming mere “Darpana Sundaris,” focusing solely on outward beauty while neglecting their core strengths. In the face of myriad security challenges, remaining limited to being a Darpana Sundari would spell doom for women.
In this regard, she narrated a childhood story of Rani Lakshmi Bai, recounting a playful moment with her brother. While practising horse riding, her brother fell off, and Rani Lakshmi Bai laughed. He responded, “Today you are laughing; when you fall, I will laugh too.” Rani Lakshmi Bai replied that she would never fall. True to her words, she demonstrated immense strength when she fought against the British while riding horseback with her child tied to her back.
Sushree Latika Padhi drew parallels between this incident and regular Sakha activities, concluding that such strength stems from regular practice and discipline. She urged everyone to attend regular Sakha for holistic development.
She also noted the changes in Mother Nature during this period, signifying that Hindus had the wisdom to celebrate nature through festivals.
Sushree Latika Padhi encouraged younger girls to attend Dainik Sakha, which can aid in their overall personality development.
During the event, Maha Nagar Sevika Pramukh of the Sevika Samiti, Sanuja Meghmala, emphasised the importance of time management and its role in personal and social development.
Mahangar Karyavahika Aarti Jena expressed gratitude to all participants. The event concluded successfully with the procession, marking a joyful celebration of the Hindu New Year.
