THIRD ANNUAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE OF BAPS
ATLANTA
Focuses on Nurturing Families, Shaping Communities
This past weekend, over 400 women from across the Southeast
converged for the BAPS Women’s Conference 2010.
The three-hour Conference was held in celebration of
International Women’s Day (IWD) and was hosted by the BAPS
Swaminarayan Sanstha held at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
in Lilburn. IWD is a global event commemorated by the United
Nations to recognize women and the important contributions they
have made in the world. BAPS is a current member of the UN’s
Economic and Social Council.
The theme of the conference, “Nurturing Families, Shaping
Communities,” provided a forum for attendees to discuss the
educational and environmental impact created by the global
community of women through their roles in family and society.
The theme draws inspiration from BAPS’ core values of nurturing
individuals and creating stronger families. The various keynote
speakers each stressed one of these topics.
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Speaker Panel (from left to right): Mrs. Soniya
Patel, Ms. Susan Richardson, Dr. Geeta Verma, & Dr.
Gulshan Harjee
|
Dr. Geeta Verma of Georgia State University addressed the topic
of education.
“It is important to understand that in families, if girls don’t
receive advocacy, the door to education is never opened,” Dr.
Verma said.
Ms. Susan Richardson, a partner with the Atlanta-based law firm
Kilpatrick Stockton, spoke on the importance of protecting the
environment, citing examples from her experiences as an
attorney.
Speaking on the necessity of maintaining a healthy lifestyle was
Dr. Gulshan Harjee.
“We should be involved parents,” she said. “I’m always amazed at
the women of the BAPS mandir and their ability to do things
independently. You all have a really strong value system.”
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| Ms. Hema Brahmbhatt (satsangi from Charlotte , NC ) |
Dr. Hetal Patel (BAPS Speaker) |
The final speech of the evening was by Mrs. Soniya Patel on the
impact women have via their role in the family unit. Ms. Patel,
the first blind teacher hired in the state of Tennessee, has
been teaching music for over 12 years.
“We live in a free society and in a country where the sky is the
limit,” Mrs. Patel said. “We have the power to change our
community, our family, and ourselves both socially and
spiritually.”
Anisha Desai of Atlanta was particularly impressed by this
speech.
“I really enjoyed Soniya Patel’s presentation,” she stated. “I
consider her a hero, not because she is blind, but also shows
that anything is possible.”
Dr. Hetal Patel concluded with remarks on the growth of BAPS in
the past 100 years. Attendees left inspired and empowered, ready
to implement the message of the conference in their own lives.
About BAPS
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide
socio-spiritual organization in Consultative Status with the
Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, is dedicated
to community service, peace and harmony. Motivated by Hindu
principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for
societies, families and individuals. Through a number of social
and spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to produce better
citizens of tomorrow who have a high esteem for their roots -
their rich Hindu culture. Its 3,300 international centers
support these activities of character-building. Under the
guidance and leadership of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami
Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is morally,
ethically and spiritually pure, and free of addictions.
About Pramukh Swami Maharaj
His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth
spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, has inspired
millions of people across the world to lead an ethical Godly
life. As the present leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj
travels incessantly emphasizing the importance of family values,
community service and spiritual poise. His compassion for
humanity, unostentatious living and prodigious spiritual wisdom
has immensely inspired his followers worldwide.
For more details visit
www.baps.org
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