The setting: a beautiful Indian summer day. The air warm and fragrant evoked memories of many beautiful Indian festivals  Over 200 participants gathered full of enthusiasm, energy and anticipation at theLocke Middle School in Billerica on August 7th, 2005 to celebrate Pradeepdarshini.

“Pradeepadarshini” (meaning one who guides to the right path in Sanskrit) was a day long conference organized by the Boston Vibhag Sevika Samiti of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh(HSS)  for women. The women's wing of HSS was established by Smt Lakshmibhai Kelkar and the celebration was to mark the 100 th anniversary of this great lady. The theme for the day was “Matrutva, Netrutva, Kartrutva”, which in literal terms translates into Motherhood, Leadership and Dutifulness .

"A woman symbolizes a very powerful personality. Shakti ka naam nari hai. If a woman makes up her mind she can change the whole society and bring revolution. Along with the will, we need to nourish three important qualities - Matrutva, Netrutva, kartrutva, which are inherently present in every woman. It is important to balance your family life with the social life. " said Dr. Shruthi Mankad who was the main coordinator of the event.

Ranjini Saigal of Lokvani, Rita Shah, Meenal Pandya, Rekha Jangi, Sangeeta Pradhan and the chief guest from India, Mananiya Shantakumariji shared their insights on different issues of interest to women.

Activities for the day were a blend of contemporary and traditional. The health and nutrition workshop with specific information pertaining to healthy Indian food by Sangeeta Pradhan and the Yogasan workshop by Vijay Chitra with its various asana, breathing techniques and suryanamaskars provided valuable tips on leading a healthy life.   A discussion forum, with the theme of Matrutva, Netrutva, Kartrutva, anchored by Ranjini Saigal vocalized the challenges, issues and thoughts of Hindu women today. The heartwarming participation and involvement of attendees was widespread and detailed in all activities.

Participants also had a chance to take part in a few interesting competitions  like  flower arrangement, low calorie recipe writing. Smt Indu Khosla won the flower arrangement competition (judges by Smt. Rita Shah and Smt. Falguni Vora ). Smt. Padma Parakla won the quick low cal receipe competition (judges Smt. Mrudula Patel  and Smt. Aparna Vora ). Smt. Rithika Gupta won the household tip competion.Smt. Ruma Mishra was awarded a special gift for her interesting comments in the discussion forum.

Women brought their children to the event and there was a fair, or Balamela for the children. For mothers it was a much needed respite almost a spa like experience for their minds and intellect while being assured that their children were learning while they played. 

The guest of honor for the event was Dr. Savitri Hingorani who is a gynecologist by profession. She is the force behind the Sadhu Vaswani center in Dracut, MA; which she and her husband built. The lend it for use free of charge for any spiritual event. In a very emotional speech Dr. Hingorani urged very women to do something to alleviate the poverty in India.

 Mananiya Shantakumariji otherwise fondly known as Santa Akka, gave a clear picture of what HSS stands for and what it hopes to achieve. "HSS is a cultural organization that stands by the faith of its people. Love and affection and the true meaning and teachings of Hinduism and its culture will bring us all together spreading the light of love and peace." said Shantakumaraji

Smt Parimala Murthy brought the event to a close with powerful speech reminding everyone to work hard to keep up our heritage.

."HSS is a voluntary organization aiming to protect, practice, and promote Hindu Dharma and culture. Visit www.hssus.org"

Winning Low Cal Receipes

Moong Dal Wraps

Ingredients:      For stuffing:
-1 cup moong daal     - 1 large chopped onion
-1 tsp coriander powder    - 1 large chopped tomato
-1/2 tsp chili powder     - 2 or 3 grated carrots
-1/4 tsp turmeric powder    - 3 or 4 tsps lemon juice
-1 tsp garlic paste     - salt and pepper to taste
-salt to taste   
-1 ½ cup water
• serves 8, calories per serving = 101, prep time = 15 mins, cook time = 2 mins
1. Put all the ingredients for the batter in a bowl and grind it. Mix water to make a smooth batter.
2. Put all the ingredients for the stuffing in a bowl. Mix well and keep aside.
3. Heat a non-stick tava and spread a spoonful of batter on it. Cook on both sides.
4. Put the stuffing in between and wrap it.
Serve with green chutney.

Green Nutri Parantha

Ingredients:
-1 cup wheat flour    - ginger and chilis chopped and crushed
-1 cup bajra flour    -oil for shallow frying
-1/2 cup spinach
-1/2 cup methi cut in small pieces
-1/2 cup peas boiled and chopped
-1/2 cup coriander leaves
-1/2 cup curd
-1 tbsp sesame seed
-salt to taste
-chopped jaggery
1. Put both of the flours in a mixing bowl
2. Add chopped greens (spinach, methi, coriander, and boiled peas).
3. Mix them well and add little oil and add all the spices and salt.
4. Knead the dough with yogurt and make it like parantha dough.
5. Roll it in 1” diameter and put it on hot tava. Shallow fry until golden brown. Serve it with cold yogurt.

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