Workshop on Women's Day at Navalakha Mahal

Udaipur, Mrs. Jaya Patel, an official of the Women's Arya Samaj in Mumbai, expressed the importance of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati's contribution to women's empowerment during the Rishi Bodhotsav and International Women's Day at the Mata Leelavanti Auditorium in Navalakha Mahal, Gulab Bagh. She highlighted that during Maharishi Dayanand's era, the status of women was quite pitiable. They had no right to education, faced discrimination, and were restricted from various cultural activities. Maharishi Dayanand initiated efforts to provide education to women through the Kanya Gurukul system. He supported widow remarriage and protested against practices like Sati. On this occasion of International Women's Day, she emphasized the need to remember Maharishi Dayanand's contributions.

Addressing the audience, Prof. Sunita Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of Mohan Lal Sukhadia University, stated that she takes pride in being a woman and holding the position of Vice-Chancellor today. She credited Maharishi Dayanand's efforts for the current status of women in the country. She extended her congratulations on International Women's Day and Rishi Bodhotsav.

Renowned Arya scholar Mrs. Sarla Gupta, the chief guest of the event, spoke about the significant work being done for the upliftment of women in the Arya Samaj. She emphasized the need to spread formal education among women.

The program was presided over by Mrs. Sharda Gupta, a senior member of the Rishi Satyarth Prakash Foundation. She recounted Maharishi Dayanand's life and his work in the Navalakha Mahal. She mentioned how Maharishi Dayanand, born as Moolshankar in a Brahmin family in Tankara, Gujarat, worked for women's education and social reforms. She highlighted the celebration of Rishi Bodhotsav on the occasion of Shivratri in honor of Maharishi Dayanand's contributions.

Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Professor in the Sanskrit Department of Mohan Lal Sukhadia University, shared his thoughts on Maharishi Dayanand's connection with Navalakha Mahal and how the university is actively participating in spreading Vedic knowledge.

Prior to this, Mr. Ashok Arya, President of the Rishi Satyarth Prakash Foundation, welcomed the guests and spoke about the transformation of Navalakha Mahal from its deteriorated state to a hub of cultural and educational activities under the influence of Arya Samaj.

The event also witnessed the participation of Arya Samaj members from Mumbai, local Arya Samaj officials, and various dignitaries who expressed their gratitude and support for the cause of women's empowerment.

The program concluded with a peace chant conducted by Mr. Navneet Arya, a priest present at the event.