‘A daughter is not just a responsibility, she is our treasure and pride’

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

“While choosing a groom for your daughter, do not look only at his salary, but also at his values and character. Preserving our culture, the Vedas, and the greatness of motherhood is the responsibility of today’s daughters,” said administrative officer in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and Sahitya Akademi Award-winning author, Dr Manjusha Kulkarni. She was speaking at the special programme ‘Lek Majhi Ladachi...’ organised in the city on the occasion of Bhagwan Shri Parashuram Jayanti. The unique event was held on Saturday evening at the Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada Research Institute.

A highlight of the programme was Dr Kulkarni beginning her speech in Sanskrit. Her fluent command over the language left the audience mesmerised. Reflecting on the emotional bond between a mother and daughter, she said that a daughter is a family’s treasure and pride. When a child is born, a woman is reborn as a mother. This is the time to nurture daughters and introduce them to our rich cultural heritage.

She emphasised the importance of educating the younger generation about cultural traditions, such as why Mangalagauri is worshipped and the contributions of great women mentioned in the Vedas. Women present at the event shared their personal experiences and the many shades of their relationship with their daughters, creating an emotional atmosphere.

The programme began on an auspicious note with a Ganesh Vandana by Mohini Dharwadkar. On the occasion of Chaitra Gauri, a traditional haldi-kumkum ceremony was also organised, with women participating enthusiastically in traditional attire.

Organisation and participation

The event was compered by Asmita Pande and Namrata Lalsare. The introductory address was delivered by Sayali Pilay, while Anuradha Puranik introduced the chief guest. The success of the programme was made possible by the efforts of Sunita Joshi, Sheetal Bhalerao, Yogita Marathe, and Vrinda Deshmukh. Shivani Mungikar delivered the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with a performance by students from the Meghalaya Hostel, and Yogita Marathe rendered the song Vande Mataram.