by BIS Correspondent
CHOTTAUDEPUR, DEC 20, 2017: The annual Rathwi women convention was organised by Lok Seva Kendra Chhota at the Don Bosco Chhotaudepur 
campus with over 400 women participants from 31 villages. The theme for the day was 'The Foundation of a Household is an Educated Woman'. In a dazzling display of many-splendoured colour, the women came together to celebrate their dignity, with a keen desire to get better empowered.
Father Joseph Marian, legal aid counsellor and reputed mentor-trainer based in Nadiad, was the Chief Guest for the programme. Addressing the gathering, Father Marian stressed the need for women to fight for their rights, especially against exploitation and overcoming socio-economic debts. He said, "If you women have a focussed goal for self-development and become aware of your constitutional rights, then no one can suppress you. Get more involved in the Self Help Groups (SHG) activities, engaging in income generation activities (IGA) like soap-making, sewing/embroidery, vermicomposting etc and become empowered."
Guest Speaker, Isudas Waghela from Ahmedabad focussed on the unity and organisation of women as a cohesive force to enable change for themselves and for their households. In his session, Waghela dealt with topics like gender equality, education, leadership, self-esteem and equality. "Ensure that you are not only aware of your situation, rather demand change and be the change, for only you can claim your rights. You are aware of the inequality that exists in society, especially with regard to property rights, and if you don't do anything about it, then nothing will change. Develop yourselves, arm yourselves with confidence and come together as a force for developmental change," he emphasised.
Resplendent in their colourful attire, the huge gathering of women then participated in fete games. A hindi musical dealing with the theme of love and compassion, 'Prem Kranti' was performed by the junior college students, inviting the women to be beacons of love, understanding and compassion.
Brother Ramesh Durairaj, Director of Lok Seva Kendra Chhota, thanked the women and expressed his happiness at their participation in this event saying, "You are the change. You have been participating in the many programmes we have organised and this coming together is for your benefit. Together you can achieve more for a better society, for yourselves and your children. Thank you for the challenges you have addressed already in your villages, hopefully this convention with its inputs and learnings will enable all of us to change our local situations for the better." He also expressed his thanks to Prakash Ahire, coordinator of Lok Seva Kendra Chhota for the mobilisation and organisation of the event.