On July 19, 2025, the India Association of San Antonio (IASA) hosted a powerful and heartwarming Mahila Sammelan, centered on the theme “Bridging Generations: Celebrating the Past, Inspiring the Future.” The event was not only a platform for women's empowerment but also a tribute to heritage, resilience, and transformation. Held under the stunning theme of “Gold and Black,” the gathering was both symbolic and visually striking. Gold represented strength, achievement, and celebration, while black signified dignity, depth, and unity. The entire venue was adorned in elegant black and gold decor—from stage backdrops to table arrangements—creating an atmosphere of grace and grandeur. Participants embraced the theme wholeheartedly, arriving in beautiful black and gold attire that added a sense of unity and celebration to the day.
The Mahila Sammelan was held under the Presidency of Mr. Rajaguru Paramasamy and was led with care and thoughtfulness by Mrs. Sumitha M and Dr. Usha Gururajarao, who curated a beautifully balanced program that emphasized both reflection and celebration, from the educational discussions to the cultural showcases—flowed seamlessly and resonated with meaning. Additionally, the unwavering support of the entire IASA Executive Committee (EC) team played a crucial role in realizing this vision.
The gathering began with a delicious lunch, offering a delightful spread of Indian cuisine that set a warm and welcoming tone for the day. This convivial meal provided a wonderful opportunity for attendees to mingle, connect, and relax before the program commenced.
Following the meal, the program officially commenced with the lighting of the lamp, a ceremonial tradition symbolizing wisdom and prosperity. The lamp lighting was performed by esteemed dignitaries: Dr. Manju Badam, Mrs. Sudhashree Rajaguru, Dr. Rajam Ramamurthy, Dr. Malathi Kohli, Mrs. Tapasi Misra, Mrs. Veena Sagar, and Dr. Hetal Naik. This auspicious beginning set a spiritual and thoughtful tone for the day's proceedings.
A key highlight of the day was the deeply moving address by Dr. Rajam Ramamurthy, a respected community leader, physician, and a founding figure of IASA. Her words resonated deeply as she shared her insights and personal journey—from the earliest days of IASA to the present—emphasizing the growth of the Indian community in San Antonio and the evolving role of women within it. Her presence served as a powerful reminder of how vision, perseverance, and community spirit can create lasting impact over generations.
The sammelan was honored by the presence of Dr. Manju Badam, a respected physician and long-time supporter of IASA, who graced the occasion as the chief guest. Her inspiring and insightful talk touched upon the importance of women's health, leadership, and community service. Dr. Badam's words resonated deeply with the audience, encouraging women to embrace their power and potential while supporting one another. IASA extends sincere gratitude to Dr. Manju Badam for accepting the invitation and making the event truly special with her presence and wisdom.
Another impactful moment came with the participation of Awaaz, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic abuse, especially those from South Asian backgrounds. Dr. Durga Patel, representing Awaaz, led a compelling and informative session about the organization's work, resources, and the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence within our communities.The session opened up important conversations and reaffirmed the Mahila Sammelan's purpose as a platform for education, healing, and empowerment.
A highlight of the day was the fireside chat, thoughtfully moderated by Dr. Usha Gururajarao, which featured a panel of distinguished doctors and experts discussing critical aspects of women's health. The panelists—Dr. Divya Singhal, Dr. Vinaya Kundapur, Dr. Benita Parthiban, Dr. Hetal Naik, Dr. Smita Mehta, and Ms. Shefali Daria—shared valuable insights spanning the entire spectrum of women's wellness. Topics included pregnancy, childbirth, mental health, yoga and physical fitness, menopause, and the latest advancements such as clinical trials that focus on improving women's health outcomes. This session was highly appreciated by the audience, who found the information both practical and inspiring, empowering them to take charge of their health and well-being.
Adding a unique and inspiring dimension to the Mahila Sammelan, the event warmly welcomed a group of beauty queens who recently earned prestigious titles in the Mrs. San Antonio Universe and Mrs. Bharat Texaspageant categories. These remarkable women—Dr. Usha Gururajarao, Mrs. Sreedevi R, Mrs. Nithya Rani, Mrs. Vaishali Vani, and Mrs. Janaki Karthik—shared heartfelt stories about their journeys and experiences. Emphasizing that this is not just a traditional beauty pageant but a “pageant with a purpose,” the queens highlighted their commitment to community service, empowerment, and personal growth. Remarkably, this marked the first time San Antonio has won multiple crowns in the same pageant, a proud milestone that was celebrated by all attendees. Their presence and inspiring messages added a vibrant, motivational layer to the event, encouraging women to pursue their passions while making meaningful contributions to society.
Furthermore, the audience was captivated by a lively array of performances that elegantly highlighted the depth of Indian arts. The event included a heartfelt Hindustani vocal recital by Mrs. Rachana Bodas, whose enchanting voice enveloped the space with warmth and feeling. A stunning Bharatanatyam dance was presented by Kumari Sai Pranathi Vedagiri, whose classical gestures and expressions embodied the spirit of tradition. An upbeat bollywood dance by Mrs. Shalu Wellings brought a cheerful and vibrant energy to the celebration. Each act received enthusiastic applause and admiration, ensuring that the audience remained fully engaged and entertained for the duration of the program.
For the first time at Mahila Sammelan, a silent auction was introduced—adding a creative and philanthropic touch to the event. A variety of beautiful, handcrafted items including paintings, Lippan art pieces, and knitting work were thoughtfully displayed, attracting admiration from attendees. Guests were encouraged to place their bids throughout the event in a quiet, friendly competition. This engaging activity was organized as part of a fundraising initiative for the India Association of San Antonio (IASA), and it not only showcased local talent and creativity but also reinforced the spirit of giving and community support. The auction drew enthusiastic participation and added an exciting new dimension to the program.
Adding a touch of glamour and fun to the celebrations, a beautiful gold and black themed backdrop was set up as a photo booth, perfectly matching the event's elegant theme. Additionally, a 360-degree photo booth was introduced, allowing attendees to capture dynamic, joy-filled moments from every angle. These interactive features were a major hit, with guests of all ages lining up to take photos, laugh, and create lasting memories. The booths added a festive flair to the afternoon and were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, making the Mahila Sammelan not only meaningful but also delightfully memorable.
The event concluded on a delicious note with chaats and chai, providing a perfect ending that encouraged more conversation, laughter, and bonding among the participants.
The India Association of San Antonio extends heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, speakers, local artists, performers, volunteers, and attendees who made the Mahila Sammelan-2025a resounding success. Through collective wisdom, shared stories, and a commitment to uplift one another, this event reinforced the power of women united across generations—embodied beautifully in the gold and black theme that graced every corner of the celebration.Written by Dr. Usha Gururajarao
- Our Overseas Correspondent Sheela Ramanan