The Third International Women's Conference (IWC) which was convened by The Art of Living Foun-dation at its International Centre, Bangalore earlier this month had as its theme "The light of leadership."
It all happened with lightning speed. I never dreamed that I would get a chance to participate at that conference. I being a religious sister had many hurdles to overcome. But within a matter of 12 hours (on February 4 itself) everything fell into place.
I received the invitation from the Art of Living Centre as a guest of honour. With the e-ticket being sent to me, the hurdle of obtaining a visa vanished like smoke. Permission was obtained and I was on my way to Bangalore the next day, February 5.
Like a gentle breeze
All this became possible because of Brother Vidyut Udiaver, the head of the Art of Living Centre, Colombo, and His Holiness Sri Sri Ravishankar - who without any effort, like a gentle breeze that invigorates all beings without being noticed - made an impact on everyone and every incident that paved the way for me to participate in the IWC.
Every iota that went into the perfect running of this memorable conference had been meticulously planned by the Chairperson, Sri Bhanumathy Narsimhan and the board members. On my arrival at the Ashram's Registration Centre, I saw a band of young men - devotees of 'Guruji' spotlessly clad in white welcoming every guest arriving from the 70 participating countries from all over the world, and looking into their needs with a lot of warmth and care.
It was a profound and a unique experience to have taken part in that conference, where high standing women holding eminent and varied responsibilities from stay-at-home moms to state leaders and corporate executives; scientific, technological and medical luminaries, international company leaders, journalists, directors and actresses from film industries coming from all over the globe gathered together on one platform, sharing their accumulated knowledge and experiences in their service to their fellow sisters and brothers.
Woman as a peace maker
The innovative, informative discussions were centered on (a) woman as a peace maker in conflict resolution and countering terror, (b) the role of women in overcoming the global financial crisis, (c) strength of womanhood in the media portrayal, (d) harmonious living - the balancing art, (e) challenges in leadership - geo-political consideration and finally woman as the ethical leader.
What was palpable was that it was not a women's liberation movement motivated or that conceived that men were to be put in their place; but loving and compassionate, yet courageous and intelligent group of women who accentuated that men are equally important in every field and in no way were women second to them for women to fully unfold their inner strength - shakti - that gives them vision, charisma and inspiration in serving humanity.
Women are indeed superior even in organising, which pointed to their mental agility, stamina and skill; and yet this headiness intimately integrated with a heart that was in attention and in loving service to every individual who came in. Every one of those almost 2000 participants felt to the marrow that they were welcome in the Ashram, by the various cues and gifts they received.
Bonded their unity
Sharing of experiences indeed widened everyone's perspective and bonded their unity and encouraged them to face realities and challenges with shakti that was gifted to them by nature. Ice breakers in the middle of the session dissipated weariness and all enjoyed the dancing and singing so freely to rapturous music.
The conference also had its spiritual dimension, for it began with yoga and meditation, and this spirit of prayer was felt enveloping that environment throughout the day, and the day ended with satsung and meditation. His Holiness Sri Sri Ravishankar in his inaugural speech highlighted women's shakti. He said "Women have silent, quiet strength and power. Each one of you is 'power' and you have all come together. So bring prosperity, happiness, joy and peace to the world in whatever way possible."
Lighting of traditional lamp
It was at the closure of the programme the traditional lamp was lit by all committee members, signifying that the light lit in the hearts of every participant will continue to burn giving strength and light to other women and to the whole of humanity at large.
What added to the spectacular scene was the 'Vishalatchy Mandap' its ambience with incandescent lights vibrantly creating an ethereal feeling in the participants. Moreover, 'Guruji's' presence was a dynamic factor, and he was like the guiding star to all those who live in that Ashram as he moved around gently and joyfully dispensing his wisdom, his benevolent smile and above all his spirituality of non-violence that sparkled and encouraged every heart.
When the sessions were over in the evenings people flocked to the amphitheatre to participate in Satsung - singing and praying together- and to be led into meditation by Guruji. All in all it was not only informative and bonding but also spiritually awakening.
- Sr. M. Concelia Read More
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