A window of opportunity for me usually involves a rock - Jay London
Rocks keep rolling in front of our Shaktis in their lives and the girls break them with their courage and determination to find all the windows of opportunities for themselves.
On January 10,11 and 12, 2024, the International Inner Wheel Club (IWC), an International Women’s Organization, an organization that volunteers in friendship to serve the communities worldwide, organized their Centenary celebration “Euphoria” in IICC (India’s largest Convention and Exhibition Center) at Yashobhoomi venue. This auditorium is the largest in India and can hold up to 6000 people at a time. This event, EUPHORIA – Century Grandeur, rolled out their red carpet for many dignitaries and Ms. Mahima Chaudhry, Indian Actress was the Guest of Honour.
Isn't it great to participate in an international organization’s 100th-year celebration at India’s largest venue??
A window just opened for the continuous hard work and perseverance of the Shaktis and they had a golden opportunity to perform on that great stage and to be a part of IWC’s memorable celebration.
Day 1 – January 10, 2024
A Ballet performance- that uses body movements, music, and stage to speak emotions and stories. 8 Shaktis along with IWC performers performed an incredible theatrical ballet dance. Following this, the Shaktis showcased their kathak and Bharatnatyam skills. Around 54 Shaktis danced to the Gananayaka song and the audience was impressed to see everyone on the stage with their costumes and structured progressions. With the Ganapati backdrops running behind them, their elegant moves brought a divine aura to the auditorium.
Day 2- January 11, 2024
On Day 2, our Shaktis were ready to show their yoga finesse. Around 32 Shaktis were about to perform, but due to internal and technical reasons, the organizers had to cancel the performance. Our shaktis felt a little down, yet we managed to boost their confidence and they took part in other events on that day and enjoyed the rest of the day.
Day 3 – January 12, 2024
Yes, the previous day might’ve disappointed our Shaktis, yet they are resilient and confident and made the third and the last day of the event, a grand one.
They gave 4-5 blast performances starting with a Bharatnatyam performance. They paid namaskar to Guru Bhagvan by dancing to Gurubrahma song. They gave back-to-back performances comprising Kathak and 3 folk dances. Around 60 to 70 Shaktis gave different folk performances with jaw-dropping costumes. New costume patterns were bought for this event and the Shaktis looked dazzling in their colour-coordinated outfits. The outfit colours and the lights complemented each other and so the performances were an absolute stunner. Every spectator in that huge auditorium couldn’t take their eyes off and continuously recorded the performances on their phone. The Shaktis were drenched in confetti on the stage. The electronic tablets were given to all the girls and an award was presented to Ms. Hemangi Bhatnagar as a token of love and appreciation.
Coming from an underprivileged background, these three days were full of new experiences for the Shaktis. The organizers provided a bus service for us to commute from our place to the auditorium every day. Ms. Hemangi Bhatnagar was the pillar of support to them throughout the event. The auditorium was packed with successful
women and the members of the Inner Wheel Club. This was a huge and golden ticket for the Shaktis to perform in front of the most powerful women and get appreciation from them. This was indeed a platform for Shaktis to know about successful people and get inspired by their works and achievements. Shaktis moments on the stage and the event are forever etched in the yearbook of IICC and the Inner Wheel Club.
We are very grateful to the organizers of the Inner Wheel Club for giving this wonderful opportunity for the Shaktis to showcase their skills and develop their confidence. Of course, this was our first event of 2024 and we had a glorious start!
Written By: Shagunthala Ravi
Proofread and Edited By: Kririka Saraf