Women’s Conference 2014
What is leadership? Society ascribes leadership in politics,
religion, communities, sports, etc. based on actions,
achievement, and at times, popularity. Typically, we limit our
view of "leaders" to people in position of power: CEOs,
politicians, athletes, and perhaps community leaders. There are
leaders who have a strong work ethic and who win and accomplish
major tasks; but are they life’s leaders? Are their characters
worth emulating? True leadership is rooted in a person’s
character, in their actions, and in the examples they set. But
are those the only leaders? Everyone has the potential to be a
leader in his or her own right. What about people who give their
best everyday to care for their communities, schools, and homes?
Are they not leaders as well? In fact, do we recognize ourselves
as leaders? Should we?
To recognize the unparalleled leaders we know and admire, to
acknowledge the leaders amongst us, and to enrich the leaders
within us, BAPS hosted a Women’s Conference themed “Lead from
Within” at 10 centers across North America. On March 22, 2014
over 400 women gathered at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in
Lilburn, Georgia to participate in this annual event, now
observing its seventh year. The annual conference is inspired by
His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual
successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, in an effort to highlight the
empowering role of women in today’s society and also to ensure
their spiritual growth as it will help them sail smoothly
through life’s vagaries.
Mrs. Dina Sheth, founder and director of the prestigious Kruti
Dance Academy graced the event with her presence. She conveyed
the message to “Lead from Within” through her personal outtakes
and stories as a wife, a daughter and most importantly, a
mother. The audience took inspiration from her accounts and
realized how they faced similar challenges in their lives. They
understood that the choices they made everyday make them true
leaders.
In the opening dialogue Mrs. Toralben Patel, who is currently
pursuing a Master’s degree at Embry Riddle Aeronautical
University, led an energetic and interactive exchange to
identify who they consider to be leaders and why. Her talk then
asked of the audience, are we not leaders when we take charge of
a task or project at work, in educating our children, when we
care for aging parents, when we make everyday decisions
impacting our careers, homes, and families? Truth is, everyone
is a leader in their own way, as they take charge of their lives
and are unwavering in their vision for themselves and their
families. But what makes a good leader? How can we grow as
leaders?
The conference proceeded to discuss leadership essentials that
would make a good leader. Mrs. Nishaben Mehta, who is currently
an elementary school teacher at Loving Elementary, emphasized
the need to understand one’s self, one’s belief system, one’s
values, and one’s spirituality. Her talk focused on the need for
a connection with one’s conscience as it plays an important role
in day-to-day actions. When we have a firm understanding of who
we are, the values we hold in esteem, the beliefs that guide our
choices, we have a solid spiritual foundation. One that is
essential in leadership as it speaks to our qualities, to our
character. The conference aimed at portraying real life accounts
of people who have not only cultivated but also strengthened
their leadership qualities with spirituality.
In delivering the closing talk of the conference, Mrs.
Rimishaben Patel – a Health and Wellness Market Director for
Walmart, shared fundamental qualities exemplified by leaders she
looks to emulate. She expressed her admiration for Mahatma
Gandhi, his perseverance, and the personal sacrifice he made in
the cause for independence. She spoke of her ultimate role
model, her guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj; conveying touching
examples from his life exemplifying sacrifice, humility,
stillness, and courage. In closing, she emphasized how his
examples provide courage and stability in life’s challenging
situations, guide her in everyday interactions and choices; and
how that enables her to be an effective, poised leader in all
her roles.
After the conference, attendees also enjoyed the opportunity to
network and share their perspective on the talks of the day. The
younger members of the audience took notice of their own belief
system and gained confidence in their ability to lead in their
pursuits. Others recognized their strengths, contributions, and
recognized themselves as leaders, some for the very first time.
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 pride in their roots and their
rich Hindu culture. Its 9,000 international centers, including
more than 5,000 youth centers, support these activities of
character building. Under the guidance and leadership of His
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 Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual
successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, has inspired millions of
people across the world to lead a God-centered, morally pure
life. As the present leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj
travels from village to village, continent to continent,
emphasizing the importance of family harmony, community service
and spiritual progress. His compassion for humanity, universal
wisdom and striking simplicity has touched many around the
world.
For more details, please visit www.baps.org
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