Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, March 8: Emphasising the remarkable strength and resilience of women across history, trustee of the Appajibidu Worli Trust, Raghunath N Shetty, said that women possess extraordinary dynamism and courage, often demonstrated even in the most adverse circumstances.

He was speaking after inaugurating a seminar titled “Women in History”, organised by the Mayuravarma Cultural Foundation on Saturday evening at the auditorium of the Mysore Association Mumbai in Matunga.

Addressing the gathering, Raghunath N Shetty said that public-oriented seminars that focus on the concerns of distressed women help society understand their extraordinary strength and resilience.

“The courage displayed by our mothers during difficult periods in mythological and historical times continues to inspire us. Such forums also offer an opportunity to learn about the brave women who contributed to history, including those associated with the Kadamba dynasty. Seminars of this nature help nurture leadership qualities among women,” he said.

The programme was presided over by T R Madhusudana, president of the Foundation. Among the distinguished guests present were Sridevi C Rao, president of the Chandrashekara Rao Memorial Trust, and Jayanthi M Devadiga, former president of the women’s wing of the Devadiga Sangha Mumbai.

Speakers highlighted that history is filled with examples of valiant women such as Chennabhairadevi, Kittur Rani Channamma, Onake Obavva, Rani Abbakka and Keladi Channamma. They recalled how these courageous women defended their kingdoms against enemy forces, stepping forward fearlessly even when their husbands had fallen in battle.

Marking the occasion of International Women’s Day, the seminar featured presentations on several women who made notable contributions to society and history. Rashmi Bhat spoke about Ramabai Ambedkar and Savita Ambedkar. Savita Arun Shetty delivered a talk on Jayadevitai Ligade, while Kumuda Shetty spoke about Ahilyabai Holkar. Lalitha Prabhu Angadi presented insights on Sanchi Honnamma.

In his presidential address, T R Madhusudana described the seminar as a model initiative that sheds light on many courageous women who made immense contributions to society but are often forgotten in mainstream narratives.

“The information shared here has filled us with confidence. We are familiar with Ambedkar, but many of us were unaware of the lives of his spouses and the brave women of the sixteenth century. The efforts of today’s resource persons, who have studied their social contributions in depth, are commendable. Schools cannot teach everything, but seminars like these take on the responsibility of expanding knowledge,” he said.

Among those present were Foundation founder and chief organiser Vishwanath Doddamane, vice-president K L Shantharam, honorary general secretary Savita R Shetty, treasurer Rajvarma Jain, member Sudhagh Doddamane and several other members and dignitaries.

The programme began with an invocation by Jyothi Bhat. Tara G Bangera welcomed the gathering, while Vishwanath Doddamane delivered the introductory remarks. Ambika Devadiga and Anagha Doddamane introduced the dignitaries. Office-bearers of the Foundation honoured the guests with mementoes and bouquets. Deepa Harish Shetty compered the programme, and Savita R Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.