SHREE UTSAV MAHILA SWAVAMLAMBAN IN DELHI

SHREE UTSAV MAHILA SWAVAMLAMBAN IN DELHI

2-JULY-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

DELHI-----------------------------A grand and inspiring event dedicated to women's empowerment and entrepreneurship, ‘Shree Utsav Mahila Swavalamban’, recently concluded in the national capital. Organized by the Terapanth Mahila Mandal (Delhi West) under the guidance of the All India Terapanth Mahila Mandal at Hotel JP Siddharth, Rajendra Nagar, New Delhi, this initiative proved to be a significant step towards making women self-reliant and giving wings to their dreams. The event was inaugurated by Smt. Suman Nahata, National President of the All India Terapanth Mahila Mandal, through a ribbon-cutting ceremony that infused the women of Delhi with enthusiasm and zeal. The dignity of this prestigious event was enhanced by the presence of Mr. Kanhaiyalal Patwari, Chairman of the KLJ Group of Industries, as the Chief Guest, and distinguished guests including MP Ms. Bansuri Swaraj (Lok Sabha), Mr. Harish Khurana (Member, Delhi Legislative Assembly), Mr. Virendra Babbar (Director & President, Karol Bagh), Mr. Ram Avatar Kila (Founder President, Rajasthan Foundation, Delhi), and Mr. Lalit Garg, President of the Sukhi Parivar Foundation. In her address, MP Ms. Bansuri Swaraj made a significant point: "Providing opportunities to women is not merely a social obligation but the cornerstone of nation-building. Events like 'Shree Utsav' give a new direction to women's self-confidence, talent, and economic self-reliance. When women become self-reliant, families are empowered, society progresses, and the nation scales new heights. This platform offers a golden opportunity to recognize women's potential and give wings to their dreams." Her words infused a new sense of energy among all those present.

Mrs. Chanda Dungarwal, President, and Mrs. Manisha Jain, Secretary of Terapanth Mahila Mandal (Delhi West), extended a warm welcome to all the chief and distinguished guests by applying the traditional *tilak*. Dignitaries present on the occasion included Patrons of the All India Terapanth Mahila Mandal—Mrs. Sayar Baingani and Mrs. Pushpa Baingani—along with Joint Secretary Mrs. Archana Bhandari, Delhi-UP In-charge Mrs. Sunita Jain, and Executive Committee members Mrs. Preeti Ghoshal, Mrs. Sunita Dungarwal, Mrs. Rajul Manot, Mrs. Manju Bhutoria, Mrs. Samta Bhutoria, Mrs. Sanskriti Bhandari, and Mrs. Chandana Baradia. Mr. Vimal Baingani, President of the Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Sabha, Delhi, attended the event with his team. The presence of Presidents and Secretaries from all four Mahila Mandals of Delhi, as well as office-bearers from various regional *Sabhas*, further elevated the stature of the event. It was truly heartening to see diverse sections of society come together on a single platform for the upliftment of women. In her address, National President Smt. Suman Nahata warmly praised the event, stating that such initiatives would prove to be milestones in empowering women to become self-reliant. She, along with her team, toured the entire exhibition. The primary objective of ‘Shri Utsav’ was to inspire women towards self-reliance, showcase their talents, and provide a robust platform for women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses. Indeed, many women who had previously confined their skills to the home found a new identity through this platform.

The exhibition featured 33 attractive stalls set up by women entrepreneurs, displaying a wonderful array of handmade items, apparel, home décor, food products, and other useful goods. Each stall reflected a unique story, a new dream, and a fresh hope; the hard work and dedication of the women were clearly evident in the products they had crafted. On this occasion, President Chanda Dungarwal and Secretary Manisha Jain provided detailed information about the various schemes and service projects run by the All India Terapanth Mahila Mandal. All the guests highly appreciated the Mahila Mandal’s efforts towards service, organization, and self-reliance, assuring them of all possible support and guidance in the future. It demonstrates how small efforts can lay the foundation for significant change.

Among the various stalls set up at the exhibition, the stall managed by Smt. Samta Ji, Smt. Mamta Kothari, and Smt. Suman Begwani received special acclaim as the ‘Best Stall’—a testament to their unique skills and dedication. The event was organized by Smt. Chandana Baradia, Smt. Madhu Ranka, Smt. Suman Bangwani, and Smt. Bhavana Nahata, with Smt. Rachana Surana, Smt. Urmila Mehta, Smt. Saroj Phulfagar, and Smt. Pooja Singhi serving as co-organizers. Smt. Kiran Devi and Smt. Ritu Dungarwal provided special support as event sponsors.

All participating stallholders (exhibitors) were honored with trophies presented by Shri K. L. Jain, President of the Acharya Shri Mahashraman Delhi Pravas Samiti. The event concluded by sending a powerful message regarding the enthusiasm, hard work, and creativity of women entrepreneurs. ‘Shri Utsav’ emerged not merely as an exhibition, but as a significant and inspiring initiative towards the awakening of women's empowerment and the building of a self-reliant India. The ‘Shri Utsav Mahila Swavalamban’ (Women's Self-Reliance) program held in Delhi proved that, given the right platform and opportunity, women do not lag behind in any field; rather, they play a leading role in the development of society and the nation.