Members of Patna Marwari Mahila Samiti at an event. Picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey

Patna, July 4: If you are one among those who feel women who manage their homes do not have time for anything else, think again. Members of Patna Marwari Mahila Samiti are ready to dispel all your misconceptions with their active participation in a number of social activities.

Around 350 women — most of them their 40s — are a part of this organisation. They have struck a perfect balance between home, entertainment and social work.

The women not only organise events, they also raise their voice on issues close to their heart.

Cooking competitions, fashion shows, grooming tips follow the monthly meets of these members. They are bent on bursting the bubble that when women meet, they either gossip or clash with each other.

“Contrary to general perception, gossips or catfight do not rule our meetings. Rather, we engage in meaningful discussions,” said Anita Goel (Jain), the secretary of Patna Marwari Mahila Samiti.

Registered to Akhil Bharatiya Marwari Mahila Sammelan, members of Patna Marwari Mahila Samiti meet once or twice a month.

Anita added: “We organise events like cooking competition, fashion show and training sessions where participants are taught how to make the best use of leftovers. We emphasise on utilising our time in a creative manner. However, that does not mean that we don’t gossip.”

Apart from such programmes, the women also take care of their social responsibilities.

The members have organised poster and slogan-making competitions to raise their voice against female foeticide, aforestation drive, ensure education for children from underprivileged families and others. In a year, the organisation has planted more than 200 saplings and providing computer education to underprivileged children is on their checklist.

Anita said the families of the members are their biggest support in the course of their work.

“I was not involved in activities of the organisation when I had joined 20 years ago. We couldn’t neglect our household responsibilities. So once my children settled down and I was free, I started to take active part in events,” said Anita.

Former chairperson of the organisation Saroj Patni said the organisation is a meeting ground of like-minded people who share experiences and skills. “I am an astrologer and Vastu consultant, so the members get free advice from me. Similarly, the others also share tips and help me out in need. In fact, during weddings in any of our families, we don’t need to hire outside help. Our group takes care of everything and we are able to manage affairs on our own,” said Saroj.

Dolly Jain, an insurance advisor and Saroj’s daughter-in-law, is 30-year-old but age does not affect her interaction with older members of the organisation. “Even though I have my own group of friends, I love to spend time with the women of this organisation. We get to know many things from the experienced members,” said Dolly.