By Krunal Patel
Carol Stream, IL: Kaival Gyan Mandir (Carol Stream, IL), on March 8, commemorated International Women’s Day with a vibrant celebration of female strength and resilience, themed "Shuraatan in Saree: The Courage Within." The event drew over 200 attendees and an additional 350+ virtual participants from across the United States and Canada. The theme, "Shuraatan in Saree," emphasized the inherent courage (Shuraatan) embodied by women, symbolized by the timeless saree. The saree, a traditional Indian garment, represents more than just attire; it signifies strength, tradition, and empowerment, as evidenced by historical figures who have led armies and nations while wearing it.
The celebration commenced with engaging games for women of all ages. Thereafter, attendees went on a brief historical journey, honoring several honorable women throughout history who demonstrated courage through their voices and actions. Meerabai’s unwavering faith in Lord Krishna shows us how our spirituality can serve as a hub of limitless power and energy. Gargi’s philosophical curiosity and intellectual prowess allowed her to embrace her voice in a time where women were more seen and not heard. Hetba mata’s courage and conviction demonstrated how women can truly accomplish anything. Traveling alone, by foot, with a baby, as a woman, without a map or any communication device is daunting for modern times. She accomplished such feats in the late 1700s, which became a defining moment in her life. Her journey allowed for her to reconnect with spiritual roots through her encounter with Divya Paramguru, Shrimat Karunasagar Maharaj, the one and only true messenger of Karta, our omnipresent, omniscient creator.
The event ran Gujarati and English tracks in parallel to allow for American-born/raised generations to have a more relatable experience. In addition to learning about Hindu historical figures, the girls/women also learned about individuals like Malala Yousafzai, a global advocate for girls' education.
The event also included panel discussions in Gujarati and English, featuring women from all walks of life. Paneliest shared their challenges and triumphs of balancing careers and families while preserving faith and culture, all while breaking glass ceilings for themselves and future generations of women. The main objective of this event was to help girls and women of all ages to recognize their own courage and power. A woman can do anything she sets her mind to and these historical figures and panelists were reflections of the energies that reside within each and every woman. To help attendees understand this fundamental truth, the final activity of the event was a guided gratitude meditation in which participants painted as they reflected on their lives and accomplishments from childhood to adulthood, remembering all the individuals and circumstances in their lives that made them the women they are today.
Finally, to further amplify the event’s messaging, Kaival Gyan Sampradaya’s current leader and Sadguru, Jagatguru Shree Avichaldevacharya Maharaj joined live from India to give all attendees His blessings and encouragement to continue moving forward in their spiritual and cultural journeys. The event ended with “Samuh Bhakti” (collective prayer) and dinner leaving all attendees fuller than they arrived, mentally, spiritually, and physically. From the inception of this event to the days leading up to it and the day of, Kaival Gyan Mandir’s volunteer women, young and old, banded together to perform all kinds of seva from serving to cleanup, making this truly an event “for women, by women.”
