Ladies Study Group’s recent session, To Ignite The Divinity Within was a call to women to wake up to their inner power. LSG president Namrata Sureka recounts the highlights of the day...

The morning of October 25 saw 200 members, looking resplendent in their best red attire, come together to form 16 groups, named after goddesses. We started the event on an auspicious note with Tanusree Shankar and her troupe performing the Devi Vandana. The setting and stage looked apt, with a magnificent installation of Durga by Narayan Sinha.

Narayan Sinha then took the stage for a conversation with Gouri Basu, narrating his moving story of his simple upbringing to the success he has achieved today in the world of art. Narayan shared how it was women who had always empowered him, and made a special mention of his relationship with his mother. He received a huge round of applause when he highlighted how important it was for each and every woman to love and respect herself and celebrate her own life, and then focus on others around her.

An exciting quiz followed. Then came the most creative part of the afternoon, a competition where each group was provided with a basket of items and was asked to create their own innovative version of the Devi. The outcome surpassed all expectations with each group at its ingenious best, making it challenging for the judges to choose a winner. The thought, the imagination and the execution in the form of stunning installations was amazing.

A traditional Indian lunch further accentuated the mood. 

I enjoyed being part of the LSG event. To me Devi is not just a goddess but a family member. She symbolises divine Shakti, creative, protective and even destructive energy

— Gouri Basu, vice-president, administration and new projects, Quadra Medical Services

It was a great experience. For the first time I connected with more than 200 Devis. I grew up with my mom and sisters. I feel women should look after themselves internally and not just externally. It is important to listen to your inner voice

— Narayan Sinha, artist

It was a fabulous afternoon of creativity and connectivity with the members. The installations were created by them with a lot of enthusiasm and they were beautiful and profound. Narayan Sinha’s narration about the influence of his mother and sisters was very touching

— Madhulika Kanoria, vice-president, Ladies Study Group