Pune: ASMITA Showcases Inspiring Stories of Army Wives

Pune, 14th April 2024: The Southern Star Army Wives Welfare Association proudly hosted the ‘ASMITA’, a celebration of courage and resilience, on Saturday at the Rajendra Sinhji Institute, Pune.

ASMITA serves as a vital platform for courageous army wives to share their stories of triumph over adversity. From overcoming personal challenges to navigating the complexities of life as military spouses, these women embody resilience and strength. Their narratives not only inspire but also encourage others to confront their obstacles with courage and determination.

Originally conceptualised by Central AWWA, ASMITA’s inaugural edition in 2022 in New Delhi set the stage for a series of empowering events. From its inception to realisation, ASMITA has undergone meticulous scrutiny under the guidance of Archana Pandey, President AWWA. The success of the event is due to her unwavering commitment and tireless pursuit of excellence.

With esteemed guests like Dr. Kiran Bedi, IPS in the year 2022 and Hon’ble President of India Smt Draupadi Murmu in the year 2023, ASMITA has become a symbol of empowerment and recognition for Army wives. Both these events witnessed an enthralling display of stories from a diverse array of speakers, including Veer Naris, Home Makers, entrepreneurs, artists, doctors, authors, cancer survivors and veterans.

The recent edition of ‘Asmita’ (Dakshini Kathan) witnessed the convergence of inspiring stories and philanthropic endeavours, from the regions of peninsular India, showcasing the resilience and contribution of women in society. The event, graced by Mrs. Sonali Deshpande, Chief Trustee of Persistent Foundation, and Dr. Ria Deshpande, Director of deAsra Foundation, highlighted the pivotal role of these eminent personalities in giving back to society through their social work and philanthropy.

In a season filled with poignant narratives, ‘Asmita’, Dakshini Kathan showcased the remarkable journeys of extraordinary women who have triumphed over adversity and made impactful contributions to their communities. From educators to adventurers, caregivers to entrepreneurs, each woman shared her unique story of empowerment and resilience.

Mubina Ansar, a teacher and Mehendi artist, along with Rekha Khadarwadkar, displayed unwavering resilience in the face of personal challenges, inspiring many with their stories of perseverance. Simran Roop Kaur’s conquest of the Everest base camp symbolised the triumph of determination, supported by the nurturing environment provided by AWWA Vaishali Bacchewar’s journey of raising a specially-abled child and Pooja Tejpal’s battle as a cancer survivor served as beacons of hope, illustrating the power of resilience in overcoming life’s toughest hurdles. Meanwhile, Isha Godara’s philanthropic efforts through the Jivam Foundation showcased the transformative impact of compassion and dedicated service.

The event also celebrated the remarkable achievements of Laleh Busheri, whose dedication to breast cancer care through Prashanti Cancer Care Mission and the establishment of Pune’s first breast tissue Biobank earned her recognition as a leader in healthcare.

Furthermore, Shrimati Intaz and her five friends’ collective empowerment through their farm produce company at Satara, Maharashtra highlighted the potential for community-driven initiatives to foster positive change, underlining the significance of determination and collaboration in driving progress

In a world, often focused on the accomplishments of individuals in uniform, ASMITA shines as a spotlight on a different kind of heroism – that of Army wives. These remarkable women, through their unwavering dedication and resilience, serve as an inspiration to all, showcasing the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Despite the challenges they encounter on their journey, these extraordinary women exude unshakable confidence, radiating a remarkable energy that inspires others to emulate their strength. Married to the olives, they bravely navigate life’s obstacles and make significant contributions to society.

Subeena Arora, Ex Officio regional President Southern Star AWWA, during her final address, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all the remarkable women who shared their inspiring stories of triumph and resilience. She emphasised that these narratives not only serve to inspire but also reaffirm the immense power of the human spirit in overcoming challenges and effecting positive change in the world.

Arora extended her sincere appreciation to each of the speakers for their courage in sharing their personal journeys, which serve as a source of inspiration for many. She reiterated Southern Star AWWA’s unwavering commitment to fostering an environment of support and empowerment for all individuals, promising continued assistance and encouragement in all their future endeavours.