The Ladies Wing of The Billawar Association Mumbai celebrated International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026 with great enthusiasm, cultural vibrancy, and community participation.

The programme commenced with the garlanding of Shri Guru’s portrait on the ground floor, followed by the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp in the auditorium by the Association President Shri Harish G. Amin along with other dignitaries. The function was presided over by President Harish G. Amin, accompanied by his wife Smt. Momitha Harish Amin.

Distinguished Guests

The event was graced by several eminent guests including:

• Smt. Amritha Ajay Shetty, Principal of KBES School and Junior College

• Smt. Mohini Poojary, Businesswoman

• Smt. Ranjana S. Kathawathe, Social Worker

• Smt. Mohini D. Poojary, Teacher at Guru Narayana Night High School

Cultural Performances 🎭

Adding colour and energy to the celebration, 20 Local Offices of the Association presented beautifully choreographed dance performances. Participants showcased vibrant costumes, creative themes, and impressive stage coordination, making the cultural segment one of the highlights of the event.

Felicitation of Achievers 🏅

On this occasion, several distinguished women and young achievers were honoured for their contributions and accomplishments. The honourees included:

• Dr. Disha G. Poojari, Physiotherapist and Former Hon. Secretary of the Association

• Smt. Sumitra S. Bangera, Former Secretary of the Mahila Vibhag

• Dr. Sushma C. Poojari, Dermatologist

• Ms. Shambhavi G. Salian, Social Worker

• Ms. Diya Naveen Inna, Budding Cricketer

Each of them was felicitated with shawls, fruits, flowers, and a Scroll of Honour as a mark of recognition.

The honoured guests were formally introduced by Mrs. Yashoda N. Poojary, Mrs. Pooja Purushotham Kotian, Ms. Sharanya Poojari, Mrs. Bharathi Anchan, Mrs. Reshma Poojari, Mrs. Vijetha Mahesh Suvarna, Mrs. Latha Bangera, and Mrs. Babita Suvarna.

Inspiring Messages from Honourees and Guests 💬

Following the felicitation, the honourees shared inspiring messages.

• Dr. Disha G. Poojari emphasized the importance of women prioritizing their health alongside family responsibilities, encouraging regular exercise, healthy eating, stress management, and periodic health check-ups.

• Smt. Sumitra Bangera highlighted the value of women participating in social service activities beyond family life, noting that such involvement brings love, respect, and recognition within society. She also expressed gratitude to the women members of the Association for their support during her tenure.

• Dr. Sushma C. Poojari credited her achievements to the encouragement and support of her parents and appreciated the Association for recognizing her work.

• Ms. Shambhavi G. Salian thanked the Association for acknowledging her social service contributions.

• Ms. Diya Naveen Inna expressed her gratitude to President Harish G. Amin and the committee, stating that recognizing young talents motivates them to achieve greater heights.

Messages from Community Leaders

Several speakers shared their views on social service, education, and community development:

• Mrs. Mohini Ravi Poojari, Joint Treasurer of Navi Mumbai Local Office, highlighted how the inauguration of Samudaya Bhavan in Navi Mumbai has boosted the Association’s activities and expressed hope that establishing the Guru Mandir would be the next major milestone.

• Mrs. Ranjana S. Kathawathe, Founder-President of May I Help You Foundation, stressed that social service should transcend caste and religion, and emphasized the importance of respecting parents who provide upbringing and education.

• Mrs. Mohini Teacher from Guru Narayana Night High School spoke about the transformative power of educating the girl child, noting that while educating a man benefits an individual family, educating a woman contributes to the progress of the entire society.

• Mrs. Sujata Shetty, President of Santacruz Kannada Sangha, praised the Association’s social initiatives under the leadership of President Harish G. Amin and extended her best wishes for the proposed Higher Education Complex project.

• Mrs. Veena Vishwanath Poojari appreciated the various social welfare initiatives undertaken by the Association.

• Mrs. Jyoti Poojari, Secretary of Bhayander Local Office, expressed gratitude for the blessings of Shri Narayan Guru and the support of the President and Local Office members.

• Ms. Yogini Karkera, Committee Member of Chembur Local Office, assured her continued support to the Association’s activities.

Presidential Address

In his presidential address, Shri Harish G. Amin appreciated the efforts of the Ladies Wing, led by Chairperson Mrs. Shakunthala K. Kotian and Secretary Mrs. Latha V. Bangera, for organizing the Women’s Day celebration in such a grand and diverse manner.

He emphasized that the progress of an organization and society is driven by the strength and participation of women. He also acknowledged that behind every successful man there is always a woman, and that meaningful social service is possible only with the active cooperation of women. The enthusiastic participation of women from various Local Offices made the event a memorable and grand success.

Conclusion

The celebration concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Mrs. Rekha Sadanand from the Ladies Wing, bringing the inspiring and colourful Women’s Day celebration to a successful close. 🌺