A large crowd of women members of the Self-Help Groups from neighbouring villages participated in this festive gathering. There are 100 SHGs run by the Seminary with the help of DST and CMC sisters. More than 800 women and around 200 children participated in the gathering.
The guests were welcomed by Dr. Joseph Thekkekarott (Vice-Rector, RCT)
The meeting was presided over by Bishop Mar Sebastian Vadakel, bishop of Ujjain
Mrs Himani Khanna, ASP of Ujjain, adorned the seat of the Chief Guest and she spoke beautifully on women empowerment.
Other Distinguished Guests who addressed the gathering were:
1) Dr. Joseph Venattumattam, Rector (Ruhalaya Major Seminary)
2) Mr P.D. Upadhyaya, the Zonal manager of the Bank of India
3) Fr Sunil (Director, Kripa Social Welfare Society)
The report was presented by Sr Deepti DST
Mr Devendra Kumar Joshi, the Branch Manager of Bank of India, gave loans to five SHG groups.
On this occasion, a beautiful dance was staged by the mentally retarded students of Prem Sagar Special School, Khilchipur, Ujjain.
The Gathering was also marked by many colourful and excellent cultural programme performed by the women from the SHGs.
The celebration of Mahila Diwas, attended by a large crowd of empowered rural women, once again proves the fruitfulness of the social commitment of Ruhalaya Major Seminary. Following the path of Jesus, the Seminary gives special emphasis to the preferential love for the poor and the marginalized in its formation programme. The orientation towards people belongs to the very essence of the Christian and missionary vocation. Celebrations like these are occasions to share the compassionate love of Jesus with the people and thus to share the Gospel of Jesus through word and deed.
A very good programme quite effective and useful for social change and building up of social awareness. Congrats to all performers and all who worked behind, especially to Fr. Jose Aryan.
ReplyDeleteFrom Joy Purayidathil
As I was going through the report of the Mahila Diwas celebration, I was remembering of the beautiful days I had with the social work team of the Seminary. And I am so happy that the social commitment of Ruhalaya Major Seminary is still continued with more enthusiasm and interest. Congratulations and prayerful wishes to all Ruhahalaya Family
ReplyDeleteCongratas to the organizers. From the photos I understand that the programme was quite grand and that so many women participated it. It shows that the women around Ruhalaya are being empowered and Ruhalaya can be proud of it
ReplyDeleteFr James athikalam