Veteran human activist and social reformer, Daya Bai visited three different groups of women in the Eparchy of St Ephrem, Khadki-Pune on the occasion of Woman’s Day under the auspice of SEVA, the Social Service Society of the Eparchy.

Her interactions with motivating speeches, live role plays and conscientizing deliberations added colour and vigour to the celebration of womanhood this year.

The first gathering was organized for the tribal community living around Khopoli at 10.00 am on 08 March 2022, the Woman’s Day at St. Mary’s School, Kharsundi.

Around 175 women from the surrounding tribal villages actively participated.

The inspiring words of Daya Bai gave courage to them to live proudly on their identity and enthusiasm to ask for their rights and privileges from the Government.

Mrs Kalyani Mohite – Sub Tahasildar Khalapur, Fr Abraham Thanuvelil – Manager, St Mary’s School, Mrs Jini Samuel – Principal, St Mary’s School, Serpanch and Sabhapati of the area were present in the gathering.

The second gathering was conducted on the same day at 5.00 pm for the Malayali Community living in Pune.

The gathering was conducted at St Mary’s Cathedral, Khadki in the presence of Msgr. Varghese Angadiyil – the Protosyncellus, Fr Samuel Thekkekavinal – Director SEVA, Fr Justin Kuzhivilayil – Associate Director SEVA, Rev. Alex Abraham – CSI Pastor and Rev. Sisters from different convents.

Around 85 women participated in the event.

Daya Bai spoke in detail about her journey from the age of 3 years to the special vocation to be with the underprivileged and the afflicted in the society.

Through role plays and a heart-touching song, she brought before the participants, the agony of the Endosulfan victims living in the District of Kasaragod in Kerala.

Her enchanting presence gave a new dynamic meaning for the motherhood of the women, who wholeheartedly accepted her invitation to feel one with the victims through prayers and support.

The third meeting was held at the same venue on the other day at 2.00 pm for the women among the migrant workers and domestic helps.

Around 118 women participated in this enriching programme.

Daya Bai conscientized the women regarding the dignity of labour and the right for fair wages.

The gatherings were co-ordinated by Mr Lijoy K Joseph and Mrs Anu Lijo, who are actively involved in the project management of SEVA.

The visit of Daya Bai is a golden feather in the cap of SEVA, St Ephrem Vikas Ayojan.

– Lijoy K Joseph
News Correspondent