4th Women Conclave - ' त्रिवेणी '

Date of Event: 10th January, 2024(Wednesday)

Location of Event: Hyatt Hotel, Bharuch.

The 4th Women Conclave, 'त्रिवेणी' took place at Hyatt Hotel, Bharuch, organized by the Bharuch District Management Association (BDMA) on January 10, 2024. The event commenced at 9:30 am with a prayer and lighting of lamp by the guests and BDMA members. This was followed by the welcome address by Shri Devang Thakore, President, BDMA.

Mr. Devang Thakore commenced the event with a gracious welcome to all attendees. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the participants, sponsors, and collaborators whose support played a pivotal role in making the conclave a remarkable and insightful experience.

Smt. Punam Sheth, the Chairperson of BDMA, in her speech highlighted the accomplishments of the Women's Forum. She extended a warm welcome to all the speakers and the audience, focusing on the conclave's theme, 'Confluence of Science and Spirituality for Businesses.' Ms. Sheth emphasized on the role of women in innovation, start ups and their significant contributions to the Indian economy.

Mrs. Meera Panjwani opened the conclave with an eloquent address, expressing her gratitude to all attendees and emphasizing the significance of the 'त्रिवेणी' concept in today's business landscape. She eloquently delved into the theme, elucidating how the confluence of science, spirituality, and business could pave the way for a more balanced, ethical, and sustainable approach to corporate endeavors.

The first speaker of the inaugural session was Swaminiji Dhanyananda Saraswatiji. Swaminiji shared insights on the fusion of science, spirituality, and business as depicted in the Bhagavad Gita. She emphasized on the importance of a healthy mind residing in a healthy body leading to productivity. Mrs. Meera Panjwani Chairperson of the Conclave expressed her views on the theme त्रिवेणी, followed by welcoming the guest of honour Ms. Ruchi Mehta.

Ms Ruchi Mehta is the Trustee of the Deepak Foundation, Vadodara. Ms. Mehta shared that a meditation app is a perfect example of how science, business and spirituality intersect. Through her life stories she shared that the mantra for a happy and successful life lies in three attributes namely resilience, leadership, and patience.

CA Darpan Inani, Darpan Inani is a prolific blind Indian chess player and a Chartered Accountant from Vadodara. He is currently the highest-rated visually impaired chess player in India. Mr Darpan shared his inspiring journey, emphasizing the importance of vision over visibility. His determination, hard work, and smart work were the key factors in his success.

The speaker for the first Plenary Session was Dr. Abha Chhabra, Scientist at Space Applications Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation, stressed the idea of 'Together we achieve more.' She connected sustainable living with the divine power of the outside world, promoting a healthy and spiritual life to combat stress and depression.

Ms. Janine Smith and Ms. Barbtaub shared their experiences of traveling in India since 2015, highlighting India's development from NO G to 5G. They praised the progress in infrastructure, cleanliness, and the rich diversity of the country.

Dr. Suniti Vadalkar, Head of Design, Art and Performances at FLAME University, Pune, discussed the three powers of yoga Dhyaan (meditation) Gyaan (knowledge), Abhiyasa (skills). Her idea of confluence is from the Bhagwad Gita, i.e. Existence depends on Knowability; Knowability depends on the Knower; Knower depends on Consciousness. Therefore the entire existence depends on consciousness.

The speaker in the afternoon session was RJ Krutharth from Radio Mirchi Ahmedabad. He spoke about the pivotal role women play in shaping society. He emphasized that being feminist involves standing with men equally and respecting oneself. He shared examples of women entrepreneurs from Ahmedabad working in the hospitality industry, their success stories were inspiring.

This was followed by a Panel Discussion. The moderator for the panel discussion was Dr. Trupti Almoula, Dean, Faculty of Management, Gujarat Technological University and Director, Narmada College of Management. The panellists were Ms. Shilpa Pandya, Group Director, Electronics Quality Assurance Group, Space Application Centre, ISRO Ahmedabad. Dr. Rushikesh Trivedi Founder DNA Diet Clinic; Director Gene Fit Nutrition Clinic Pvt. Ltd. Ahmedabad, and Ms. Farzana Kharadi Femina Mrs. Stylista India 2022.

Ms. Shilpa Pandya, shared her belief that science is a technique, while spirituality is an approach. Ms. Pandya emphasized the importance of dedicating 100% to one's work and cultivating empathy within the organization. According to her, success should be credited to the entire team, and the handling of failure is a crucial skill for a leader. Ms. Pandya's insights underscored the integration of dedication, empathy, and teamwork in achieving success in the dynamic field of space technology.

Dr. Rushikesh Trivedi, provided valuable insights into nutrition and human diet. Drawing an analogy with a diesel car running on petrol, he emphasized on the importance of choosing the right fuel for the body. Dr. Trivedi highlighted the adverse effects of fast food on our health and encouraged the audience to prioritize a balanced and nutritious diet. He stressed upon the significance of understanding and making informed choices regarding nutrition for overall well-being.

Ms. Farzana Kharadi, is acclaimed for her roles as a model, anchor and fitness model. She concluded the panel discussion with a captivating account of her life journey. She emphasized that success is not an overnight achievement but a step-by-step process. Ms. Kharadi highlighted the pivotal role played by family in attaining success and shared personal experiences that resonated with the audience. Her narrative underscored the importance of determination, resilience, and the incremental nature of the journey towards realizing one's dreams.

The speaker for the Valedictory Session was Dr. Beena Gandhi Kanani, Joint Managing Director at Neogen Mumbai. She shared her thoughts on the science of prayer, emphasizing the divine aspects of love, principles and perfection. She also connected business success with doing good to others.

The conclave successfully provided a platform for diverse perspectives on the confluence of science and spirituality in women's lives and businesses.

The session came to an end with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Arpita Talati, Treasurer of BDMA.