Theme: Women Who Believe Are the Women Who Build
The 5th BSG Women’s Symposium was held on 23 July 2025 at the Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir Auditorium in Mumbai, with the theme “Women Who Believe Are the Women Who Build.” With over 650 BSG members and guests in attendance, the auditorium was packed with energy, joy and anticipation.
The Symposium began with an opening address by Ms. Rashi Ahuja, BSG All India Women’s Division Chief, who spoke about the important role women play in building value-creating societies based on a deep sense of self-belief. Quoting Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, she said: “May you live in such a way that others will say,
She is a woman who, though ordinary, somehow stands out, and has a beautiful story to tell.” Her words set just the right tone for the day. This was followed by a vibrant dance performance by members of the BSG Arts Division.
Ms. Vaishali Sharma, a BSG member, then shared her own story of choosing courage at every step. From bringing in humanistic values in her role as marketing head, to being appointed as the first woman president, in 50 years, of an educational society in Chandigarh.
The heart of the event was an engaging panel discussion which included Ms. Nandita Das (Actor, Filmmaker & Social Advocate), Ms. Chetna Gala Sinha (Founder & Chairperson – Mann Deshi Bank & Mann Deshi Foundation); Ms. Minakshi Achan (Marketing Communications Expert); Prof. Anjana Sharma (Head, Department of English, Delhi University) and moderator Ms. Tillotama Shome (Actor and Producer).
Each speaker shared her journey and what “belief” has meant in her life:
- Nandita Das spoke about the importance of staying authentic, saying that conviction naturally brings courage.
- Chetna Gala Sinha talked about the strength she has seen in rural women, stressing the power of women’s solidarity and the need to give them real platforms to rise on their own. Her message was clear: “Don’t give poor solutions to poor people.”
- Minakshi Achan encouraged everyone to use their voice: “Over time, courage becomes a muscle. That muscle builds belief. The foundation of belief is courage.”
- Prof. Anjana Sharma spoke about the joy of awakening someone to their own worth: “An educator’s mission is to help each person value themselves.”
In the closing address, BSG Chairperson Mr. Vishesh Gupta congratulated women everywhere on their achievements and shared the metaphor of “Cherry, Peach, Plum and Damson,” as a way of recognizing each person’s unique potential and how belief and a wish to contribute help that potential come into full bloom.
The Symposium was widely covered by the media. A few clips and photographs are attached.
To explore the themes of the Symposium further, please also check:
Interview with Mr. Vishesh Gupta:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qnly9sG79nI
Interview with Ms. Nandita Das:
1. https://youtu.be/ePUuPhVNj0k?si=PVEAJb786VS575P4
2. https://www.bollywoodlife.com/videos/nandita-das-on-how-women-who-believe-are-women-who-build-is-important-today-talks-about-her-tough-choices-exclusive-3219213/
Interview with Ms. Tillotama Shome:
1. https://youtu.be/Jh5wb–LVE0?si=BSFAvMvzGsHLawO9
2. https://www.bollywoodlife.com/videos/tillotama-shome-believes-women-supporting-women-is-talks-about-how-things-are-for-women-in-entertainment-industry-exclusive-3219189/
