Arpana Mahila Okkuta, Karkala Taluk Celebrates International Women’s Day

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Karkala, 08 Mar: Seven women’s organizations of Karkala Taluk under the auspices of Arpana Mahila Okkuta of Karkala celebrated the International Women’s Day on Sunday, 8 March 2020 at St. Dominic Church Hall, Miyar from 2.30 pm.

 

The stage function was presided over by Mrs. Pramila D’Sa-President of Sugamya District Mahila Okkuta, Udupi District. Other dignitaries on the dais included: Mrs. Rajeshwari D. Shetty-Principal of Swastika National School, Mangalore was the resource person. Other guests on the dais included Mrs. Humera-President of Jamat-e-Hind, Karkala, Mrs. Sashikala K. Hegde-President of Jain Milan, Karkala, Mrs. Geetha Kamath-President of GSB Mahila Vibhaga, Karkala, Mrs. Shobha Bhaskar-Member of Mahila Mandali Okkuta, Karkala, Taluk, Mrs. Swati Prakash-Representative of Rotary Club, Karkala, Mrs. Prarthana Jairam-Representative of Lions Club of Karkala, Mrs. Carol Fernandes-President of Arpana Mahila Okkuta, Karkala and Presidents of nine parish level Mahila Mandals included in the Karkala Deanery.

 

Besides those on the dais, other dignitaries who attended the International Women’s Day celebration included: Rev. Fr. Joswey feernandes-Parish Priest of Christ the King Church, Karkata Town and Dean of Karkala Deaneery, Rev. Fr. Paul Rego-Parish Priest of Miyar, Fr. Jason D’Souza-Director of Arpana Mahila Okkuta, Karkala, Stanly Fernandes-Coordinator of Sampada, Uudpi, Sr. Priya, Decinta D’Sa and Priya-Animators of Self-help Groups of Karkala.

 

The International Women’s Day celebration commenced with prayers song followed by the inauguration of the programme in a unique way as seven guests on the dais poured water from smaller containers into a large vessel indicating the mingling of water from different sources into one entity. Similarly, seven different women’s organizations belonging to different communities coming together to celebrated the International  Women’s Day.

 

 

After the ianugration of the programme, passages from Holy Quaran, Jain Sacred Book ‘Shatt Khandagama’, Bhagwadgeeta and Holy Bible were read by the representatives of respective religions.

 

Mrs. Carol Fernandes, President of Arpana Mahila Okkuta welcomed the guests on the dais and off the dais. They were greeted by offering them flower yielding saplings.

 

On this occasion five women achievers residing in Karkala Taluk were honoured by offering them shawls, memento and flower saplings. These included: Ayisha Banu of Karkala, Mrs. Vidya Vijetha Pai of Ajekar, Dr. Kanthi Harish of Nakre, Mrs. Mary Chako of Ajekar and Mrs. Eugene Madtha of Karkala.

 

In her key-note address, the chief guest and resource person of the event, Mrs. Rajeshwari D. Shetty said that different religious communities celebrate different festivals. So also women all over the world irrespective of their religious beliefs and nationalities celebrate Women’s Day on 8 March every year. She appreciated the lead taken by the Arpana Mahila Okkuta, especially its president Mrs. Carol Fernandes in organizing the inter-community International Women’s Day celebration in a unique manner. Mrs. Rajeshwari Shetty said that women have an important role in society. It is wrong to assume that the women are weak. On the contrary, women are strong and they do have power. Women are at their best when they face pressure in the family and society  due to difficult circumstances. Acceptance of women as they are would enhance respect for them. Women can achieve whatever they want by remaining within the four corners of the culture in which they have grown.  It is said that when a woman in a family is educated, the entire family gets educated. Speaking further, Mrs. Rajeshwari said that in a day of 24 hours, women divide their time into four stages: personal life, family life, professional life and social life. It is usually found that women give priority to family life and least importance to personal life. She said that it is important for a woman to spend enough time on personal life. When a woman is happy she can work better and improve the quality of the family life.

 

Dr. Kanti Harish, speaking on behalf of those who were honoured for their achievements thanked the Arpana Mahila Okkuta for recognizing their contribution and honouring them on the occasion of the celebration of the International Women’s Day.

 

Donors for the celebration of the International Women’s Day were felicitated by offering them flower saplings.

 

In her presidential message, Mrs. Pramila D’Sa lauded the efforts of Arpana Mahila Okkuta of Karkala Taluk for organizing the International Women’s Day. 

 

Dignitaries on and off the dais were presented mementos by Mrs. Carol Fernandes.

 

 

Mrs. Shanthi Almeida, Secretary of Arpana Mahila Okkuta proposed the vote of thanks. Mrs. Reshma Sheela Rodrigues amd Mrs. Benedicta Noronha compeered the programme.

 

The stage function was followed by cultural programme presented by different organizations.

 

The programme ended with the singing of the National Anthem.