Shikaripura, Shimoga, March 12, 2022: The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society®, Shimoga in collaboration with Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, Shikaripura held the International Women's Day and Farmers' Convention on 12 March 2022 at Mangala Bhavana, Shikaripura. Mr. B. Y. Raghavendra, MP, Shimoga inaugurated the programme. Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, the Bishop of Shimoga and the President of SMSSS, Shimoga presided over the programme. Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto, the Director of SMSSS, Param Tapasvi Shri Manna Niranjana Pranama Swarupi, Shri Siddalinga Swamiji of Shivayogashrama, Kalenahalli, Shikaripura, Dr Amjad Hussain Hafiz, Sahitya Akademi’s Bal Sahitya Puraskar of 2020 award winner, Brahma Kumari Anusuya of Shimogga, Brahma Kumari Snehakka of Shikaripura, Smt. Niveditha Raju, Director, Karnataka Soaps & Detergents Limited, Mr Eresh, President, All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha, Shikaripura, Smt. Kanchankumar, President, All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha Women’s Wing, Shikaripura, Sr Premalatha UFS, Coordinator, SMSSS, Shimoga and Mr K. H. Lakshman, Paropakaram Family, Shikaripura were the Dignitaries and Guests who through their valuable messages made the programme more meaningful.
Through the lighting of the lamp Mr B. Y. Raghavendra, Member of Parliament, Shimoga inaugurated the programme. In his inaugural address Mr B. Y. Raghavendra noted that Shikaripura taluk has contributed in its own way for the development of the country. The sacrifice of several persons is noteworthy. The Government of Karnataka has also implemented several development works in Shikaripura for the benefit of the Farmers. He also highlighted the various schemes that the Government has launched for the empowerment of women. He appreciated the contribution of women in the development of the Society. He opined that the work of SMSSS in the empowerment of women and farmers is praiseworthy. The schemes promoted for the progress of the farmers should be better utilized by the farmers so that the backbone of the society does not become weak.
Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto, the Director of SMSSS in his keynote address explained the purpose of the celebration and noted that the role of women as mothers and the contribution of farmers to the world are irreplaceable. The theme of International Women’s Day 2022, “Gender Equality today for a Sustainable Tomorrow” inspires all of us to respect the work of each other so that there is equality in the society rather than domination. He also highlighted about the various programmes and activities of SMSSS which are oriented towards the empowerment of women and the farmers. The success of women is not for the downfall of men but for the progress of the family and the society.
Dr Amjad Hussain Hafiz noted that these types of programmes promote communal harmony as major religious leaders are on the dais. When the atmosphere is disturbed due to unpleasant incidents these programmes remind us that humanity is greater and we all are called to accept the other as my own brother and sister. He appreciated the efforts of SMSSS in empowering women and urged every woman to make the best use of all the possibilities that are at her disposal for her own and her family’s development. Women have created history and women are in the forefront today. It does not mean that they are suppressing men to succeed in life.
Param Tapasvi Shri Manna Niranjana Pranama Swarupi, Shri Siddalinga Swamiji too appreciated the work of women and noted that the routine work of women in the house which most of the times goes unnoticed is the essential part of every person’s smooth existence on earth. The struggle of the farmers in the field too goes unnoticed most of the times. He wished every success to all the participants and thanked the organizers for making him a part of the programme.
Brahma Kumari Snehakka who celebrated her 50th birthday on the same day cut the cake in front of the august gathering the shared her joy. Both Anusuya and Snehakka appreciated the efforts of the participants in the development of the society and informed tha gathering of the various activities Brahma Kumaris undertake for different groups of people and invited the participants to pay a visit to their Centres.
