Former Chief Secretary K. Ratna Prabha calls for ending gender discrimination

Mysore/Mysuru: ‘Naari Shakthi Sangama,’ a women’s conference (Mahila Sammelana) to empower women in all walks of life, began at Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram on Nanjangud Road in city this morning. 

The event — ‘Sampoornatheyinda Paripoornatheyedege’ (from completeness to excellence) — is being organised by Mahila Samanvaya, Mysuru Division. The event will feature discussion on women issues, to find solutions and display of women achievements.

Advocating an end to gender discrimination, former Karnataka Chief Secretary K. Ratna Prabha, while addressing the gathering, emphasised the transformative power of meetings and discussions among women to enhance knowledge. 

Highlighting women’s crucial role in maintaining households, Ratna Prabha stressed the significance of discussions and meetings for knowledge acquisition and sharing. She underscored the need for women to lead efforts in eliminating gender discrimination, expressing concern over the bias towards having male children.

Ratna Prabha asserted that women possess intelligence equal to the other gender but require encouragement. Emphasising the importance of prioritising women in all sectors, she stated that self-confidence is the key to success in any field.

Ratna Prabha advised women to foster a sense of unity and collaboration, urging them to work collectively for societal progress.

Avadhoota Datta Peetham Seer Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, who inaugurated the event, described the Ashram’s ‘Nada Mantapa’ as an island full of women. Stressing the cultural significance of respecting women and recognising the mother as the first Guru of any child, the Swamiji quoted the Vedas, urging everyone to see God in their mother.

Drawing attention to the multifaceted contributions of women to family and society, the Seer encouraged women to utilise their energy and intelligence for societal betterment.

Renowned danseuse Dr. Vasundhara Doraswamy presided over the event, with the presence of notable figures such as writer and advocate Meera Phadke, journalist H.G. Shobha and Vibhu Academy Head Dr. Arati V.B. Kaundinya.

The gathering aimed to inspire women to achieve greatness and foster unity for the collective good of society.