Badaganadu Balaga, Mysore

Although International Women's Day (web site , Wikipedia ) is celebrated on 8^th March every year all over the world, our Ladies' Wing decided for the 15^th April purely because of the availability of the Chief Guest, Smt. Prof. K. Sudha Rao, Vice Chancellor, Karnataka State Open University in Mysore. Smt. Nagalakshmi Shankaralinge Gowda was the Guest of Honour at the function and in the unavoidable absence of the President Smt. Bhanumathi Shivaram, Past President Smt. Annapurnamma Krishnaswamy Rao presided over the function held at 4.30 p.m. in the Samathentho premises in Saraswathipuram.

The function was compeered by Smt. Vasantha Venkatesh and started off with an Invocation by Smt. Parimala Krishnamurthy. Welcome speech was by the Secretary Smt. Shailaja Jagannath Rao. Treasurer Smt. Vijaya N. Rao read a report on the activities of the Mahila Vibhaga since its inception in 1991. Introduction of the Chief Guest was done by Smt. Manu Seetharam and that of the Guest of Honour, by Smt. Venkatalakshamma. Prof. Sudha Rao then spoke about the role of women in the modern world, quoting widely on her own personal experiences both in India and abroad, where she spent many years doing post-graduate and doctoral work. Unfortunately, due to a malfunctioning public address system, much of her talk was not clearly audible to the 15-20 male audience sitting in back benches (no disrespect intended !) but we are sure the talk made a good impression on the 30-40 ladies who sat in front rows and listened with rapt attention. Smt. Gowda spoke briefly on the importance of observing the Womens' Day and advised the Members to continue the good work they are doing in the service of the society. Smt. Annapurnamma thanked the Guests as well as Members for actively participating in the function. A 15- minute music recital by Smt. Annapurna Gundappa and a friend followed before felicitation of the Guests with suitable mementos and the function concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Smt. Nandini Krishna Rao. A Lucky Dip Programme, again picked by our Kum. Teju, brought a lot of fun and cheer to all the participants. Sweets and savories were served to the audience in the end.