Empowering Women to Lead: India’s President Murmu Inaugurates the 10th International Women’s Conference with a Call for Inner Strength and Resilience
Hon. President Droupadi Murmu, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and Global Leaders Inspire 500+ Delegates at the 10th Edition of the International Women’s Conference in Bengaluru
BNH NETWORK
Bengaluru, 14 February 2025 - India’s President, Droupadi Murmu, officially inaugurated the 10th edition of the International Women’s Conference (IWC) hosted by Art of Living, marking a significant gathering of over 500 delegates from 50 countries. The prestigious event, which emphasized the theme ‘Just Be,’ called for women to pause, embrace self-love, and reflect on their inner strength as they navigate life’s challenges.
Addressing the audience, President Murmu praised the Art of Living’s impact globally, especially in promoting inner peace through meditation and humanitarian efforts. “We are at the cusp of technological disruption,” she said, urging the audience to retain human values. “In such a competitive world, women lead with compassion and kindness. They are the true foundation for change,” she added.
Speaking on the importance of mental health, the President advocated for creating safe spaces where individuals can break their silence, share experiences, and build strong support systems. “Breaking barriers and stereotypes requires mental strength,” President Murmu stressed.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of Art of Living, delivered a powerful message: “We cannot let a single tear fall from the eyes of a woman.” Highlighting the emotional strength of women, he emphasized, “Her emotions are a blessing that bind people together, and if women lead nations, perhaps the world’s conflicts would be reduced.” Gurudev further illustrated India’s forward-thinking stance on women’s empowerment, noting that Indian mythology assigns pivotal roles in governance to women, such as Durga in defense, Lakshmi in finance, and Saraswati in education.
The inaugural session set the tone for the two-day event, focusing on women’s leadership, resilience, and well-being. “Just Be” was a central theme, aiming to balance inner peace with dynamic action, resonating across speeches by influential figures such as Union Minister Annapurna Devi, who stated, “‘Just Be’ is a reminder to stay grounded while chasing material success.”
The conference also recognized global leaders and changemakers through the presentation of the Vishalakshi Award for their exceptional contributions in various fields, including arts, culture, social justice, and rural development. Among the awardees were Hema Malini for her contributions to Indian cinema and public service, Annapurna Devi for her work in women empowerment, and Hon. Patricia Scotland for her advocacy in social justice.
The distinguished recipient of the Acharya Ratnananda Award was Lieutenant Colonel Anish Mohan, honored for his courage and service in adversity, embodying the humanitarian spirit of Gurudev’s father.
The International Women’s Conference, a transformative platform for women’s empowerment, has gathered thousands of women from across the globe over the past two decades. This year, the event saw more than 60 inspiring speakers and delegates from over 50 countries, offering them a sanctuary for reflection, dialogue, and growth. Alongside keynotes and discussions, participants were also invited to engage in meditation, yoga, and breathwork, fostering clarity and creativity within a tranquil environment.
Bhanumathi Narasimhan, the visionary behind the IWC, emphasized the essence of the conference by saying, “‘Just Be’ encourages us to pause, connect with our inner source, and embrace kindness, resilience, and peace.” Her leadership has brought holistic education, stress relief, and value-based training to India’s remotest regions, helping millions discover the transformative power of meditation.
The 10th IWC was a celebration of women’s potential to not only shape their own lives but to lead humanity into a peaceful and progressive future.
