International Women’s Day 2020 was celebrated by AYUDHIANS all over the nation with various activities on the theme, “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights for an Equal future”. International Women’s Day is dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements in the social, economic, cultural and political spheres. This day, collectively founded by women, also brings attention to gender parity and women’s rights.
AYUDH Coimbatore
“When we start recognising the spiritual essence of our land and start behaving in accord with it, India will reawaken. Her lost greatness and prosperity will spontaneously return. Amma dreams of a golden time and society, where men and women receive equal respect and recognition. A golden time when women are not threatened or humiliated in the home, at work or on the streets. A golden time when not a single woman is illiterate.”
Inspired by this quote of Amma, the enthusiastic team of AYUDHIANS from Coimbatore celebrated International Women’s Day 2020. More than 150 students and staff from the Schools of Engineering, Arts, Communication, Agriculture and department of Social Work attended the program.
The program was inaugurated by Mrs. Lakshmi Menon, CEO of The New Indian Express after which she interacted with the AYUDHIANS on her successful journey and the influence of Amma in her success. She also appreciated AYUDH volunteers for their wide-spread initiatives and leadership to spread Amma’s teachings across the world. She also distributed prizes to the winners of the essay writing contest organized as part of IWD. There were more than 200 entries received for the essay contest conducted on the topic, “My dream of an equal world”.
The students thanked the AYUDH team for the opportunity to interact with Mrs. Lakshmi Menon and listen to her words on how her life changed after meeting Amma. She quoted Amma as the perfect example of compassionate leadership and women empowerment. The students said they were gratefulto be part of AYUDH India and its mission of empowering youth to integrate universal values into their daily lives.
AYUDH Nagercoil
AYUDH Nagercoil celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) at the Amrita institutions in Nagercoil. The Chief Guest-of-Honour, Dr. Krishna Surendran, Medical Director of Dr. Gopala Pillai’s Hospital graced the event to the delight of the faculty and students.
Dr. Krishna interacted with the students where she shed light on her successful career as a gynaecologist. She also described about the strong influence of their Chancellor, Amma in her success. Dr. Krishna Surendran’s talk sowed the seeds of support and solidarity in the hearts of young women.
Dr. Krishna Surendran also distributed prizes to the winners of AYUDH Essay writing contest themed, “My Dream of an equal world” organized as part of IWD. Other dignitaries included Dr. R.K Suresh (Director), Dr. Krishnapriya (Principal) and Dr. Ramkumar (HOD – Mechanical department) of Amrita institutions.
The program was coordinated by the Office of Youth Empowerment (OYE), Amrita University, Amritapuri. AYUDH focuses on self-transformation of youth through social service aligned towards the UN SDGs, disseminating values of Indian culture and thus nurturing compassionate leaders for the future.
AYUDH Chennai
The programs organised by AYUDH Chennai was presided by Mrs. Anitha Unnithan, Managing Director of Sankar NP Japan Pvt. Ltd. Mrs. Unnithan interacted with the AYUDHIANS and all the students on her successful journey and the influence of Amma in her success.
She listed out numerous qualities which included multi-tasking, attention to detail, time management which she imbibed from Amma and how she could practice it in different situations in life. Her advice to the women is that if they have a purpose, focus, mindset and self-confidence then nothing is impossible.
She also distributed prizes to the winners of the essay writing contest themed, “My Dream of an Equal World” organized as part of IWD. Other dignitaries included Sri. Manikantan I.B. (Director), Dr. P. Sankar (Principal), Dr. V. Jayakumar (Chairperson) and the faculty members of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Chennai.
The program was coordinated by the Office of Youth Empowerment (OYE), Amrita University, Amritapuri. AYUDH focuses on self-transformation of youth through social service aligned towards the UN SDGs, disseminating values of Indian culture and thus nurturing compassionate leaders for the future.
AYUDH Chennai at Vishranthi Old age home
The AYUDHians visited the Vishranthi Home for Aged destitute women at Palavakkam, Chennai and organised a series of activities to express their gratitude and respect to the women of the world.
The old age home houses 200 elderly women including 30 staff members. They distributed roses to each of the elders as a token of gratitude and love. They organised a doll making workshop and engaged them in singing and dancing. The elderly women shared their life advice and gave their blessings to the AYUDHians.
The event helped to spread Amma’s teachings on the importance and role played by women. Amma says, “Woman is the first guru of society. Hence, if mothers try, they can sow the seeds of our rich culture deep within their sons and daughters. Lessons that teach the importance of respecting girls and women will be imbibed naturally. If the right circumstances are created, our children will grow up to be ideal citizens.”
AYUDH, the international youth wing of Mata Amritanandamayi Math, aims to use the powerful force of young people to perpetuate natural harmony, social justice, and personal empowerment.
