Counting 40, Bapu way

AHMEDABAD: The Self Employed Women's Association (Sewa) celebrated 40 years, since its founding and the flavour of the celebrations was 'Bapuji'. Setting the mood, the event opened with the launch of Reema Nanavaty's book 'Bapu Amare saathe' (Bapu is with us).
"It is fashionable to quote Gandhiji nowadays. But what does 'Bapu' mean for the women in Sewa? The book is a compilation of the experiences of the various members of Sewa, who by incorporating Gandhian values - both knowingly and unknowingly, have brought about changes in their lives," said Nanavaty who has interviewed over 3,000 women for the book."Also many women members come from the stigmatized strata of the society. The book talks about Gandhian values of simplicity, selflessness, self reliance that have help them to overcome this stigma."
The venue, Seth Mangaldas Town Hall, was overflowing with the women members of Sewa who had come to witness the celebrations. Addressing them, founder of Sewa, Ela Bhatt said, "When we struggled for political liberation during our freedom movement, Gandhiji had also spoken about economic freedom through swadeshi. Sewa is a similar freedom movement. Through its various economic endeavors for women, it has given them independence and liberation."
Bhatt also spoke about Sewa's four-decade-long journey - that has "brought voice and recognition to the informal sector women workers of Sewa as well as the nation". Having built a membership of 1.35 million women members, Sewa has now grown nationally into the only all-women national union. She also added that now Sewa affiliates with nine other states and seven neighboring countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Over 70 women entrepreneurs of Sewa who were invited stage to be felicitated, received a standing ovation.
City mayor Asit Vora, who also present at the event commended women's inherent organizational abilities which begin right from the domestic environment. "These skills of organization are one of the many reasons that has enabled Sewa's growth towards receiving an international recognition," Vora said. Sewa will continue its celebrations till April 25.