The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, based at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, also popularly known as the ‘Neasden Temple’ in London, observed International Women's Day (IWD) by hosting an inspiring conference on Sunday (12).
The organisation's celebration of IWD (celebrated on 8th March every year) demonstrates its ongoing commitment to women and issues important to them, guided by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS activities worldwide.
Titled "Celebrating Women: Save, Sustain & Shine," the conference focused on three key themes: saving and budgeting, sustainable living, and personal development to achieve excellence.
The programme emphasised the importance of financial awareness, sustainable choices, and personal and professional growth for a more balanced life, particularly considering the current cost-of-living crisis and climate change.
The conference featured a panel discussion, uplifting video presentations, and inspiring testimonies from women who have overcome adversity and achieved remarkable success in various aspects of their lives.
The live panel discussion included Lavina Mehta MBE, a leading wellness coach, Dr Sundhya Raman, a healthcare professional trainer for NHS, Drishti Mae, Head of Operations for Earth Charitable Foundation, Riya Patel, Fitness Trainer for 'Pilates By Riya,' and Nupur Gadkari, a key marketing campaigner for ICC Cricket and FIFA in South Asia.
Addressing the gathering, Sonia Morar, Deputy COO - Tax & Legal Services at KPMG, encouraged attendees to share and learn from new experiences and focus on their skills, aspirations, and continual development, adding that there has never been a better time to be a woman.
Rena Amin, a BAPS leader and one of the volunteers organising the event, explained that the programme empowered women to commit time for personal development, enriching communities, and protecting the environment.
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj regularly reminds us that we should always strive to improve ourselves and serve others, she added, leading by example and teaching us that with unity and kindness, we can all make a positive contribution towards a happy, healthy, and harmonious society.
Similar conferences will also take place at over 20 other BAPS mandirs and centres throughout the UK.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a Hindu organisation affiliated to the United Nations with over one million members, 55,000 volunteers, and 3,850 centres worldwide.
Bob Blackman MP speaks during the event