Girls perform at a cultural event at Magistrate Colony in Patna on Friday. Picture by Jai Prakash

At a time when the world bid farewell to the Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher, women from all fields discussed their changing roles and empowerment in society at a cultural event on Thursday evening.

An annual feature since 1996, the cultural event is organised by joint secretary, general administration department, Anand Bihari Prasad. He funds the event in memory of his daughter Abhilasha who passed away that year.

The women, mostly doctors, engineers and homemakers, spoke on how to create new horizons in life. College student Sushmita said: “Times have changed and breaking the orthodox set up of the society has become the call of the hour. As women, we are the inspiration for profound change in the world. Inspired change is the need of the hour.”

Prasad said: “Initially, organising the event was a little difficult. Gradually, more people started joining in the events and it is being organised in a grand manner for the past couple of years. This event is by and for the girls — everything is being managed by them.”

The venue every year is a community hall at Magistrate Colony. Although the girls keep changing, some old faces continue to come back for the annual show.

Shikhsa Shambhavi, who staged a play on the post-effects of Delhi gang rape on girls, was among the few who returned this year. “I come here to celebrate womanhood. It rejuvenates and encourages my strength and confidence,” she said.

Simran, who left the audience spellbound with her singing, said: “It feels great to perform for girls, especially at a programme which is solely dedicated to them.”

A group of girls from dance academy Ninad performed Kathak on jhaptaal. A group of girls also performed on Birju Maharaj’s choreographed song Dhai Shyam from the 2002 film Devdas.

Prasad was delighted at the turnout and the response. “I have been advised to form a non-government organisation based on this programme but I want to keep it away from such commercialised activities and maintain its untouched nature,” he said.

The women are also glad with his initiative.

“Women from every field are taking some time from their busy schedule to stand up for each other. I have been attending this event since 2000 and it has inspired me to make my daughter a leader in whatever field she chooses,” said Mamta Shahi, a homemaker and resident of Ashiana Nagar.