BAPS Hosts 7th Annual Women’s Conference in Chicago

Chicago IL: What is leadership? Society ascribes leadership in politics, religion, communities, sports, etc. based on actions, achievement, and at times, popularity. Typically, we limit our view of “leaders” to people in position of power: CEOs, politicians, athletes, and perhaps community leaders. There are leaders who have a strong work ethic and who win and accomplish major tasks; but are they life’s leaders? Are their characters worth emulating? True leadership is rooted in a person’s character, in their actions, and in the examples they set. But are those the only leaders? Everyone has the potential to be a leader in his or her own right. What about people who give their best everyday to care for their communities, schools, and homes? Are they not leaders as well? In fact, do we recognize ourselves as leaders? Should we?

To recognize the unparalleled leaders we know and admire, to acknowledge the leaders amongst us, and to enrich the leaders within us, BAPS hosted a Women’s Conference themed “Lead from Within” at 10 centers across North America. On March 22nd, 2014, over 450 women gathered at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, IL to participate in this annual event, now observing its seventh year. The annual conference is inspired by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, in an effort to highlight the empowering role of women in today’s society and also to ensure their spiritual
growth as it will help them sail smoothly through life’s vagaries.
In the opening presentation, Mrs. Ilupi Patel (MBA in Finance, University of Houston), examined who we may consider to be leaders and why. Her speech then asked of the audience, are we not leaders when we take charge of a task or project at work, in educating our children, when we care for aging parents, when we make everyday decisions impacting our careers, homes, and families? In truth, everyone is a leader in their own way, as they take charge of their lives and are unwavering in their vision for themselves and their families. But what makes a good leader? How can we grow as leaders?

The conference proceeded to discuss leadership essentials that would make everyone a good leader. Ms. Sonal Pakvasa, an IT program manager, emphasized the need to understand one’s self, one’s belief system, one’s values, and one’s spirituality. Her talk focused on the need for a connection with one’s conscience as it plays an important role in day-to-day actions. When we have a firm understanding of who we are, the values we hold in esteem, the beliefs that guide our choices, we have a solid spiritual foundation. A spiritual foundation that is essential in leadership as it speaks to our qualities, to our character. The conference aimed at portraying real life accounts of people who have not only cultivated, but also strengthened, their leadership qualities with spirituality.

In delivering the closing presentation of the conference, Mrs. Kailas Sanghani, an accounting/finance professional, shared fundamental qualities exemplified by leaders she emulates. She spoke of her ultimate role model, her guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj; conveying touching examples from his life exemplifying sacrifice, humility, stillness, and courage. In closing, she emphasized how his examples provide courage and stability in life’s challenging situations, guide her in everyday interactions and choices, and how that enables her to be an effective, poised leader in all her roles.

Ms. Andrea Sreshta, CEO & Co-Founder of LuminAID, graced the event with her presence. She conveyed the message to “Lead from Within” through her various educational and business endeavors. Sharing her thoughts on leadership, she said, “Realizing the opportunities that you have and not taking them for granted because they aren’t a guarantee to so many other people in the world is a lesson in leadership that I’ve learned so far through different situations in our business.” She also mentioned that part of leadership is admitting when you don’t know something, and that it’s important to ask the questions as to why because that’s when we come up with the best ideas about how to solve those issues. Speaking about unexpected changes in her education while establishing her business, she mentioned, “I think you learn when you’re ‘leading from within’, that it’s actually ok to not know all of the answers, really it’s ok to ask tough questions and sometimes break your own rules to kind of accomplish other things in life, choose your strengths, because sometimes good results can come from that.”

The audience took inspiration from the conference and realized how they faced similar challenges in their lives. They understood that the choices they make everyday make them true leaders. Sharing her thoughts on the conference, Ms. Karishma Patel, an undergraduate student at Marquette University, stated, “By drawing on the experiences of these ladies, who have proven to be excellent leaders in not only their careers, but in their personal lives, this conference has shown me how I can imbibe similar leadership skills in the pursuit of my academic goals.” Mrs. Khyati Anjaria, mother of three boys, reflected on the conference in a personal way saying, “It was great to hear of inspiring examples of many women, regardless of age, leading their families not just physically, but also morally and spiritually while exceling in their careers. I respect them a lot. It has helped me introspect on how I want to imbibe those qualities both as a mother and as a working professional.”

After the conference, attendees also enjoyed the opportunity to network and share their perspective on the talks of the day. Members of the audience took notice of their own belief system and gained confidence in their ability to lead in their pursuits. Others recognized their strengths, contributions, and recognized themselves as leaders, some for the very first time.

About BAPS
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide socio-spiritual organization in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals. Through a number of social and spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to produce better citizens of tomorrow who have pride in their roots and their rich Hindu culture. Its 9,000 international centers, including more than 5,000 youth centers, support these activities of character building. Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and spiritually pure, and free of addictions.

About Pramukh Swami Maharaj
His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, has inspired millions of people across the world to lead a God-centered, morally pure life. As the present leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj travels from village to village, continent to continent, emphasizing the importance of family harmony, community service and spiritual progress. His compassion for humanity, universal wisdom and striking simplicity has touched many around the world.

For more details, please visit www.baps.org
CONTACT: BAPS North American Headquarters
Phone: 732-777-1414
Email: [email protected] SOURCE: BAPS