BAPS Women’s Conference Highlights Timeless Hindu Traditions
Committed to the progress and growth of women worldwide, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha celebrated its sixth annual Women's Conference in Lilburn, Georgia on Saturday, March 30, 2013. Over 300 women of all ages attended, to focus on the theme of “Timeless Traditions: Celebrating the Past, Cultivating the Future.” The conference focused on understanding the glory of Hindu traditions, communicating them with ease, and nurturing future generations by preserving a priceless culture and traditions.
Speakers shared insights from their personal experiences. Ms. Bhavita Patel, a software engineer for the United States Air Force, spoke of the cherished values of her upbringing with emphasis on truth (satya), nonviolence (ahimsa), and compassion.
Ms. Avni Patel, a nurse, presented realistic, actionable methods to practice and preserve values, traditions, and culture for future generations. Through personal stories and examples, she illustrated how to incorporate traditions in one’s daily routines to maintain culture with language, music, and other practices. She shared special ways one can celebrate Hindu holidays and festivals, which not only provide families with joy, but also knowledge of the history and purpose behind them.
“Being a college student, I am constantly faced with varying opinions and thoughts," said Ms. Nirali Amin, a student at the University of Georgia, "but this conference reminded me where I come from and why it is so important to hold on to my Hindu beliefs.” Not only did the attendees experience a rejuvenation of pride in their heritage, they felt more informed to better represent their faith and values.
Attorney Neera Bahl.
Attorney Neera Bahl specializes in immigration law and has received many distinguished awards, such as the Glory of India Award in 2012. She also teaches yoga and music to youth at the Sindhi Sabha Children's School. In her keynote address, she shared, “I will not say that you have to seek an outside success to feel happy. But Hindu women, having been brought up with Hindu values, with tremendous spiritual and leadership power can fulfill all the three most important roles, whether as a stay-home mom, a housewife, or holding a powerful position by spreading peace and joy everywhere!”
The conference concluded with Shanti Paath, a traditional Hindu prayer for peace. BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a worldwide socio-spiritual organization, motivated by Hindu principles, and dedicated to community service, peace, and harmony.
Enjoyed reading Khabar magazine? Subscribe to Khabar and get a full digital copy of this Indian-American community magazine.
