About Women’s Movement for Peace and Prosperity (WMPP)
Women’s Movement for Peace and Prosperity, is a Movement initiated by dedicated Volunteers to bring about Peace, Harmony and Prosperity in families and communities of the World. . Though this is a Movement by the Women, it is not only for the women.
This Movement harnesses the wisdom, energies, compassion of Women to create Cultures of Love and Peace in the hearts and minds of men, women and children. Women from all walks of life are entrusted with the role of ‘ Messengers of Peace’ to connect with all the “Good People” to fulfill the vision of this Movement.
In the above photograph, from left Ms Usha Laxman (married to the
son of the famous ‘You said it’ Laxman) myself and Ms Avavnti Birla, a lovely lady totally unaffected by her position, always ready to offer a hand of help, to ‘make a change’ (2008)
Spent an enchanting evening with Ms Najma Heptulla discussing Women and their future (Jan 2005)
Ms Najma is the niece of Maulana Aazad, a former Deputy Speaker of the Rajya Sabha and the President of the Indian Council of Cultural Relationship (ICCR) http://www.majmaheptulla .com
Why WMPP?
Empowerment of women is a process by which women will be able to develop their confidence level and awaken their innate strength. These qualities in women will have a higher multiplier effect. You teach a woman-you teach two families and influence the future generations, through the children. Also, a woman’s device of teaching is through her compassion. Any learning acquired through that tool goes deeper and lasts longer.
(Below) Releasing ‘Dadi Nani ki Kahaani’
From left to right: Mr. Ratan Tata, myself, Sri L.K. Advani, Mrs Indu Jain
With Mr. Dev Anand and Ms Maya Shahani
With Mr. Ramesh Prabhoo and Mr. Parikshit Sahni
With Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
With Bhanu Didi (Sri Ravi Shankar’s sister) on my right
Dada Jashan blessing my book: Dadi Nani ki Kahaani
Sri Morari Bapu blessing: ‘In touch with Masters’
With Ma Prema Panduranga
Took a group of ladies to Meherabad (Meher Baba) 2 hrs from Pune From left to right, back row: Varuna, myself, Nan Umrigar (Author of Sounds of Silence)
Lobzang Tamchos graced my home, along withDeepa Kodikal, and Promila Gurtu and Suneeta who taught us how to ‘heal’ ourselves…
From left (back row) Nimu, Promila Gurtu, Lobzang Tamchos, Asha, Deepa Kodikal (Front Row) Myself, Suneeta, Varuna From left (Front row) Myself, Suneeta, Varuna
Vimla Patil and myself
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Concept of Women and Political Governance.
To promote Good Governance, encourage Woman to enter Politics and Professionalise Politics, Women’s Movement for Peace and Prosperity (WMPP) supported by Times Foundation came up with a unique initiative. We believe that a Woman innately possess the ability to manage and organize a system efficiently and judiciously. This system could be her own home or her work place. She has good administrative qualities and gives priority to the interests of the organization and larger social benefit. Her loyalty to her work, her seniors, colleagues and subordinates is exemplary and borders towards devotion. She makes her environment her family and nurtures it just as well as she nurtures her children. Her feelings of compassion, justice, relatively diminished ego, heightened spirituality, readiness to sacrifice personal interests and an inherent need for “Peace” are her greatest USP.
With such powerful qualities, WMPP felt that Women need to play an active role in mainstream Politics. With this goal, women need to develop skills and attitudes enhancing her capacities to be an effective leader and deliver efficiently at par within the democratic process. To achieve this goal, Ms. Leena Prabhoo, Founder Trustee and Secretary General of WMPP, thought of starting a Grooming and Training Program for aspiring women politicians. S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research evinced interest to develop a training module and conduct a 6 months diploma in Women and Political Governance. WPG program was launched on 8th March 2004 by the Governor of Maharashtra, Dr. Mohd. Fazal.
Spoke on ‘Gems of Faiths’ at the Rotary Club of Bombay Peninsula on 22nd September 2005
LET COMPASSION PREVAIL
An excerpt from a book in Spanish entitled ‘ History of the transparent King’ by Rosa Montero.
Translation by Shakun Narain
…I wanted to gift you the ‘best word’
Which one is it?
Compassion! It has the capacity to enter the ‘other’ and feel what the other is feeling.
I like what you say, but why do you say it is the best?
Because it is the only word that does not ‘hurt’ does not ‘torture’ does not ‘confine’ and does not ‘kill’…There are many other beautiful words like love, liberty, honour, justice…but all can be mutilated, can be used like a weapon to produce victims!
For love for God, they burn crosses, and for jealousy in love, do the lovers kill their ‘loved’ ones.
The noblemen ill treat and abuse in a barbaric manner those who serve them, for what they believe to be honour!
The liberty of one, could mean prison and death for others.
And as for justice, all believe that they impart it, even the most atrocious tyrants.
Only ‘Compassion’ is devoid of the above faults, in fact it makes you do the opposite, it makes you come close to others, to feel them and to understand them.
Compassion is the nucleus of the best that we can be. Remember the ‘word’ (Compassion)…
Role of Religion in World Peace Harmony
On the 2nd of April 2008, a group from Times Foundation attended a conference on World Peace Harmony.
We were invited by Mr Somaiya at Faizullabhoy building.
I particularly enjoyed hearing Mr Jeffrey Armstrong’s spirited speech on ‘Appreciating and Understanding the Wisdom of the Vedas correctly’
I do believe:
The Upanishads claim that the Atman (God within us) cannot be reached through much learning or much use of the intellect. Jesus Christ proclaims: “Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.” The Katha Upanishad proclaims “The path is narrow as the edge of a razor.” Jesus said : “Narrow Is the way which leads unto life.” Hindus believe that we are a small part (atman ) of the whole (Paramatma). In other words we are the same children of God and enjoy the same inherent qualities. Christians also believe that man is made in the likeness of God, and the Kingdom of God is within each one of us. Jesus Christ claimed; “I and my Father are one”.
We Hindus believe In a Trinity: Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Preserver), Mahesh (Destroyer).
Christians believe in Father, Son and Holy Spirit
The occultists believe in Light, Love and Power
and
Humanity at large believes in Mind, Body and Soul.
Mr. Ram Maheshwary and myself discussing ‘Gems of Faiths’
Uzma Naheed (Executive Director IQRA )
Uzma works on the curriculum that facilitates moral values in children
Explaining the finer points of the Ramayana to Japanese Ladies, with the help of an interpreter.
It appeared in the front page of Bombay Times dated Oct.16,2003
With Shahrukh Khan
Above: The invitation card and a painting
Nathlie the artist who has painted ‘The footsteps of Meher Baba’ and myself at ‘Hacienda’ (Kala Ghoda) where the exhibition was held
Mr Rizvi, myself and Ms Nirmala Samant (Ex Chairperson Women’s commission Maharashtra)
Attended a workshop conducted by Ms Smita Jayakar (Oneness Foundation) It was a good Spiritual session guided by the charming movie star, which teaches one how to connect with the Antaryamin (All knowing) who resides within.
To know more…email: rashmi_oneness@yahoo.com
It is believed that this Ganeshji’s idol attracts 28.3% tatva( principle) of Lord Ganpati, maximum an idol can attract is 30% in the gross form.
The idol is prepared by murtikar Shri Gurudas Khandeparkar
with tremendous Bhav (spiritual emotion for God) under the guidance of the Sanstha’s founder -PP Dr. Jayant Balaji Athavale as part of his spiritual practice. The devotees of the Sanstha claim that this Ganesh idol has bestowed devotees with lovely spiritual experiences.
Some more photos goodpeople.com
Photos 3
Goodpeople(.com)
Times Group and Women’s Movement for Peace and Prosperity inaugurated a Women Developement Cell at Jai Hind College on the 3rd Jan 2006
Ms Meera Borwankar the Joint Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Mumbai was the Chief Guest.
She said: ‘My message to the girls is that we show our true potential. My message to the boys is that they accept our strength…they need not turn us into literature, but allow us to be ourselves.
From Right: Ms Yatri, Myself, Ms Kirti Narain (Principal, Jai Hind College), Ms Ranjana Shivdasani, Ms Bharti Jaffrey, Ms Avantika Kelkar…
One more Women Center
Under the able leadership of Head Mistress Ms Ranjana Shivdsani, The VBM School, near Nana Chowk, an Audio Visual Center, Nursery and Junior KG classes were inaugurated on the 7th of January 2006, at the Educational Institution.
The Chief guest at the function was Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani, the President of the HSN Collegiate Board who has given an uplift to the structural beautification of the school.
In association with Times Group and Women’s Movement for Peace and Prosperity (WMPP), the school has also set up a Women Center for the upliftment of the young students and their mothers.
The Center will provide vocational guidance, communication skills, meditation courses eg Art of Living and Vipassana, Yoga, Medical check ups etc
Representatives of Times Group and The Women’s Movement for Peace and Prosperity stated that the Nation’s hope lies in the Woman, Youth, the Educationists and the Judiciary.
The Women Soul will reign, but for that she needs to be empowered.
Does she?
Woman is Shakti!
The Women of the Women’s Movement for Peace and Prosperity, believe that what is required is that the woman wakes up to her true potential!
A woman is more compassionate and besides she has the potential to influence two families!
And for that end, the woman must be awakened and the man be sensitized!
Also present at the august occasion:
Mr. Ram.Maheshwary, Ms Maya Shahani, Ms Shakun Narain, Mr. JK Bhambhani
Mr. J.K Bhambhani, Ms Shah, Mr Punwani, Ms C. Mascarenhas…
In the photograph below:
Front: From left to right: Ms Sumaira Ali (Activist for Environment), Ms Ranjana Shivdasani, Head Mistress of VBM High School, Myself (Vice Chairperson WMPP) Ms Maya Shahani (Chairperson WMPP)
Behind: Mr Ram Maheshwary (GM and Branch Head of Times Group, who we, in good humor refer to, as the Man behind (all the good work) the Women (of WMPP do) Incidentally Mr Ram.M is also the Managing Trustee of WMPP!
On the 24th April 2006, met Mr Sumit Mullick (Education Secretary)
In the picture below: Mr Sumit Mullick and Mr Ram Maheshwary discussing the possibility of legitimizing the concept of Women (Mother) Centres.
Had a Spiritual Meeting at The TOI Bldg on the 5th Jan 2006.
In the picture below:,Ms Jaya Row, and Ms Sudeshna Chatterjea
Had a Makar Sankraanti Kirtan and explanation of the festival at the Dada Vaswani Mission at Geetanjali Bldg.
Below a devotee reading from the Nuri Granth
Below: Seeking blessings from: Shriman (present) Mahant Ram Singh Ji Maharaj of Nirmal Aashram Rishikesh He descends from the lineage of Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj
Below: We met a dainty dynamic lady (Ms Supriya Sule) who believes in making a difference through quality education. She likes to look into ‘taking care’ of the progress of children with special needs like dyslexia, autism…and also the running of self-help groups with a difference.
From left: Ms Maya Shahani, Myself, Ms Supriya Sule (daughter of Mr Sharad Pawar) Ms Sunita Godbole, Ms Prema Iyer
Below: From left, Ms Kaya Shewakramani (Passages), Ms Rani Raote (Psychologist, writer, Labour Minister 2006, Mr Deshmukh
Below from right: Mallika Oberoi and myself during Shivratri 2006 Mallika does tremendous work uplifting women and children in the Colaba slum-world
Building Bridges to more ‘Women Centers’ and more ‘good people’
Have you ever thought about the reason why the underworld is so well connected?
It is because they have a common agenda. Mostly Greed and Power.
The time has come to get good people together. I believe that one is a ‘good person’ if one makes an effort to contribute to the welfare of the planet, for the joy of being of service, and for no other motive.
Maharishi Karve gave shelter to 5 widows and made them ‘stand’ on their feet in 1916. SNDT acquired a University status in 1936. The campus still exists in Pune. Karve Kuteer is a heritage cottage.
Today SNDT enjoys an audience of 70,000 women!
Below from left to right: Mr Ram Maheshwary, Ms Chandra Krishnamoorthy (Vice Chancellor SNDT University, Ms Chandra Ganeshan (Dean of students)
(April 2006)
Below: Parvati Khan? Strange name!
Perfect for Communal Harmony which is her passion!
From left Swami Gangeshwar Anand (figure) Sri Morari Bapu and Govind Muni at Agarwal House (April 2006)
Offered him my pranaam and my books.
Bapu said in his pravachan:
Paap (evil) leaves you as you dip into the Ganga, and attacks you as you come out of the blessed pure water…
Better would be to constantly remain immersed in ‘Harinaam’
Above: Visited the Lotus Eye Hospital on the 6th of June 2006
Met Ms Shabana Azmi and Ms Raveena Tandon
Both a rare mixture of passion and celebrity
Such people can make a difference!
On Gur Poornima Day (11th July 2006) went to pay homage to my Guru
Ma Indira Devi, in Pune.
Ms Hema Malini is also a disciple of Ma. She is seen in the photo with Namrata who served Ma for 5 years
Below: Shamshah Sonawalla
A star in her right! (Psychologist. Harvard Medical School
Depression Clinical and Research Program) with Mr Ram Maheshwary
Shamshah gave a talk on Mood swings at the Times of India bldg on the 30th of Aug 2006. Some points (the way I understood them): To distinguish what are normal and abnormal ‘mood swings’…if one has control over ones moods one is swinging more towards ‘normal’ Causes for mood swings may be: genetic, temperament, stress, fatigue, hormones…depressive disorders may be major or minor…all with bi-polar disorder do not do badly in life…they can be productive…
Kunika Lall on the right in the picture below.
She is a movie and TV actor and she has promote AIDS awareness in India. Conducted seminars in villages and jails. Instructed and counseled AIDs patients on proper hygiene and mental health. Implemented voluntary relief and rehabilitation work in Gujarat, after the earthquake on January 26th, 2001 .
American Consul Mr. Michael Owen at the Times of India. A presentation was made where featured Times Foundation and WMPP activities. My book Dadi Nani ki Kahaani was gifted to him with a hope that he would help in our endeavor to spread peace.
In the picture on the left: below: Mr Michael Owen, Mr Garg, Mr Jindal, Ms Bachi Karkaria
Picture on the right: Mr Ram Maheshwary making the presentation.
Above left: Me shaking hands with Mr Michael Owen while Pratima Rajan and Bachi Karkaria look on.
Above right: From left: Mr Michael Owen, Myself, Ms Pratima Rajan and Ms Prajakta
for constant updates on activities…
Please click:
http://shacune.blogspot.com
For photographs click:
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Read: Women Center in Anjuman Islam
Oct 6th 2006
To help the victims of the Mumbai Blasts (7/11), Times Foundation had appealed to the citizens to contribute to the cause. Generous contributions were made by individuals, groups and corporates.
The funds have been utilized in two ways:
- Short term relief – Scholarship to children affected by Blasts.
- Starting a Disaster Management Centre – In collaboration with the University of Mumbai, at their Kalina campus A small event was organized to show gratitude to the people who have contributed and also to handover the Scholarship cheques to affected children.
Venue: 2nd floor Conference Hall, Times of India Building, V.T
Actor Viveik Oberoi graciously accepted to be the Chief Guest for the event and handovered the cheques to the children.
On 25th Oct.2006
Above, From left: Mr Ram Maheshwary (GM Times of India) Ms Irene Miller (GM Results Foundation) Ms Maya Shahani
The Vision: Eradication of poverty, they believe that the more succesful people are the better the world will be, to harness people’s potential
Nov 2006
At a Times of India party at Kamal Mahal…from left:
Paul George a co-speaker on ‘Gems of Faiths’, myself and Mr Vinay Somani the initiator of ‘Karmayog’ (Connector of services of NGOs via emails)
Women’s Movement for Peace & Prosperity and The American Center in Mumbai
jointly organised a talk on “Women & Islam” by Ms.Kathryn Coughlin President, Global Research and Analysis, Washington, D.C. and Director, Middle East and North Africa Programs of the American Islamic Congress, Inc.
on Tuesday, January 23, 2007,at the 2nd Floor Conference Hall, The Times of India Bldg.
Kathryn states:
The issue is not whether Muslims should study in a Madrasa or not…education should be imparted to students without distortion…organizations operate through students or individuals by presenting them selective and often distorted versions of the Quran…An overwhelming majority of Muslims are not in favor of violence…
Kathryn has studied Muslim texts in the Original Arabic and I looked fascinated as I saw her scribbling a note in the Urdu Arabic script 🙂
From left to right: Ms Tasneem Kalsekar, Cultural Affairs Specialist, The American Center, Ms Uzma Nahid, Executive Director, Iqra Foundation,
Ms Kathryn Coughlin (Speaker), Ms Kristina Dunne, Culural Affairs Officer and myself
On 5th Jan 07 we had a meeting at the Times of India where was discussed
- The protection of the cow which would bring ‘khush-hali’
- The cleaning of Vrindavan which would promote Spiritual Tourism and hence invite ‘Laxmi’
- and the concept of ancient ‘Nalanda’ to be re-introduced in India and hence invite Saraswati
In the above picture: Dr Deepchand Gardi, Bar-at-Law, Dinesh Shah (Samast Mahajan), Dr PM Kedia, RKS Sudhakar Malpe
World Inter-Religious Conference on Peace (India) WIRCP
On the 24th of Feb 2007 a meeting was held for the formation of an Indian National Interfaith Council for Peace and Harmony to which I had the good fortune of being invited as I strongly believe that this is the need of the hour…We have to bring together men and women of all religions to discuss and identify problems…to publish works, materials and periodicals…
The initiative was hosted by Mr Pratap Bhogilal at the instance of H.H Sugunendra Theerth Swamiji
Some of the dignitaries present at WIRCP
Above left photograph: The group at Nere Village (SKS Chakshu Foundation)
I went with Ms Maya Shahani to the beautiful residence of Mr Nirbhay and Ms Urmila Jain who with the help of the Rotary have adopted around 64 villages. Each village has a population which ranges 150 to a 1000 residents.
I am told that to empower the women was a mammoth task. They had to convince them to come when the children were in school and the house chores were done…
Sometimes those who had already experimented would attend the other villages to empower the other women…
In the picture on the top right, you can see me with the ‘President’ They sang a beautiful song whose message was that we have to build a better beautiful world!
Please click:
http://shacune.blogspot.com for constant updates on activities…
For photographs click:
http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd169/shacune/WMPPTIMES/
Shakun Kimatrai 