Vivekananda Cultural Centre (VCC–A Unit of Ramakrishna Math, Chennai) conducted a day-long Women’s Convention on 20th December, inaugurated in the presence of Swami Raghunayakananda, Director-Vivekananda Cultural in presence of Sarada Math Mataji and eminent women speakers.
Pravrajika Yatindraprana, Manager-Sri Sarada Math, Chennai, gave an inspiring talk on ‘Sri Sarada Devi-An Ideal Woman’, complete with many anecdotes from Holy Mother’s life very relevant to modern times. Respected Mataji described Holy Mother as a role model for four qualities that empower women: accept, adjust, fearlessness, and connection to the higher divine.
Smt Varsha Sundararajan, Certified Learning Facilitator & Faculty at VCC, listed the following essential qualities for sustained economic growth during her skillful and interactive session on 'Role of Women in Economic Growth of the Country': Commitment to a higher cause; Striking a critical balance between career and family responsibilities; Persistence; Success pillar and simplicity; Open to challenges-transcend gender; Innovation and staying current; Integrity and honesty.
Smt Rama V, Wellness Guide for Stress-free/Healthy- life, during the course of her practical session on ‘Harmony in Lifestyle’ summarized the three important factors for developing a harmonious life style: eat moderately; vary intake according to season; caring for physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Dr Mathangi D C, Head-Dept. of Mind Body Medicine and Lifestyle Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research-Chennai, in her scholarly yet practical session on ‘Nurturing Emotions’ listed out the Importance of Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound) goals with 5As to nurture emotions: Adapt, Adopt, Accept, Avoid and Alter.
Through a live online stream from high-up in the remote Himalayas, near Almora (Uttarakhand State), Pravrajika Divyanandaprana, Editor of Samvit-Ramakrishna Sarada Mission-New Delhi, captivated the audience with her inspiring speech on the ‘Role of Women in Nation Building’. Respected Mataji listed the four challenges Swami Vivekananda outlined for women's empowerment and nation building: strength, character building, freedom, and clarity on our responsibilities.
Kumari Lavanya introduced the Theme of the Women’s Convention in the morning. Smt. Krishnaveni compered for the day-long function from 9:30 to 5:00 pm. Srimat Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, Vice President–Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission (Worldwide) blessed all with his loving benedictory talk in the evening. Swami Dharmishtananda ji, Manager-Sri Ramakrishna Math-Chennai accompanied Vice-President Maharaj. The National Anthem was sung in the end. There were about 220 participants who attended the program and all of them were served lunch. A book on Swami Vivekananda’s inspiring talks delivered in Chennai (6th-15th February-1897) was given to all.