Women are the backbone of society. The portrayal of women in the media has changed over the years; there are more women-centric roles for actresses in mainstream cinema now Lara Dutta
Bhajans, Bollywood songs and designer label-flaunting divas apart, the 3rd International Women's Conference at the Art of Living International Centre brought together women with forceful personalities and strong views
Dream girl Hema Malini, in a white silk saree, listened in rapt attention when Carol Martin, the first indigenous woman to be elected to parliament in Australia, spoke of her struggle to be heard as a political voice.u00a0
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Glamorous-looking Sharmila Tagore, again in white, breezed in and out before giving the mandatory sound bytes on the pub attacks and the assault on young college girls.
The glitterati came close to overshadowing the true agenda of the event but the true achievers among the 750 women struck an optimistic note on the role of women in times of conflict through their stories of courage.u00a0
Amanda Ellis from World Bank spoke on how women are better performers at work than men with statistics to prove her point and Ruth Kuok, director of the Shangri-la group of hotels, spoke of her poor grandmother who made a 10-course Chinese New Year meal for a large family with just tapioca and had everyone exclaiming in delight about the feast! "Women just have to step into their inner abundance and there will be no crisis," she said.
The panelists discussed topics such as harmonious living, the role of women in handling the global financial crisis and in being peacemakers.u00a0 The primary objective of the conference was to create awareness and further dialogue on the role of women in promoting a more compassionate and ethical environment.u00a0u00a0
Bindiya chamkegi
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar guided the gathering through meditation, and Usha Uthup and Hema Malini enthralled everyone with their performances. Usha belted one hit Bollywood number after the other.u00a0 She took the hall by storm when she crooned, 'I believe in music, I believe in love'. Looking resplendent in a white and gold saree, she also sang Dum maro dum (Hare Rama, Hare Krishna) and Bindiya chamkegi, chudi khankegi (Do Raaste) while thousands of women danced like there was no tomorrow. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar sat in the front row and beamed his peaceful smile.u00a0u00a0u00a0
Voices
Girls should be able to wear red or pink, hold hands with friends and walk on the road, no one can stop them
Sharmila Tagore, chairperson, CBFC and UNICEF Goodwill ambassador
Leadership can be motivational or inspirational. Motivational leadership could be short-lived but inspirational leadership is enduring
Bhanumathi Narasimhan, chairperson of the conference
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I'm a sucker for everything Indian. I love the food, especially the palak paneer
Barbara Etter, a delegate from Australia
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