March 8 every year is a special calendar entry for so many women. A few years back, I overheard a group of suburban housewives weighing the pros and cons of special buffet lunch offers by restaurants in their vicinity. The discussion also included the value add-ons the special tariff included. One could easily see that for some women March 8 signaled the day they were allowed time out for shopping and a lunch with their friends. How these women welcomed the one day away from the drudgery of their chores and family matters!

Over the years, Women’s Day has fine tuned itself with events, discussions, etc. to initiate a dialogue for an improved life for the socially weaker sections. I reiterate ‘socially weaker’ as in spirit those women have the fortitude to face their drudge filled lives with equanimity. How many of us can truly stand up and dared to be counted with them? At least now, Women’s Day is less of a media and events show time; as the media is showing exemplarily vigilance for women’s issues and their well being.

Personally, this Women’s Day was different, very different from the earlier years, when I would attend screenings of women-centric films or a media-related event. This year I had no plans, rather didn’t know of any event I would consider. I decided to accept the invitation of my friend Jyoti Tanna, at a South Mumbai club where the Business and Professional Women’s Association of Mumbai was celebrating Women’s Day.

I had no clue that, that evening, I would meet a group of selfless women who have contributed and continue to do so to society in more ways than one. I should have known better, as my host and BPWA President Jyoti Tanna herself is a true blue visionary for change. Her NGO, Each One Teach One (EOTO) which has completed 30 years, has touched the lives of 1000s of children in Mumbai and beyond. Earlier that day, the Lala Lajpatrai Institute of Management conferred their Women of Excellence Award on Jyoti Tanna. She was one among 15 odd high profile women honoured that morning.

The 30-40 women gathered in that room for BPWA’s celebrations were a dedicated bunch of professionals from across all walks of life. The lady on my right was a fashion designer-boutique owner; on my left was a retired gynecologist, NGO volunteers, teachers, advertising professionals, etc. The guest speaker for the evening was a human resources trainer.

The Mumbai chapter, I discovered was started in 1975, and is an extension of a movement that began in Geneva in 1930. It has a presence in 66 countries across five continents. Their credo is: “Women Helping Women.” It’s all about enabling and empowering other women to realize their self worth through improved health, education, vocational training and employment. During the 35 years of their presence in Mumbai, they have had proactive programmes for the development of women with specific attention to the girl child population.

A frail looking lady was wheeled in. She was Ranjan Amin, BPWA’s vanguard along with Dolly Mathur and Usha Puri. All three former presidents were felicitated for their inspiring leadership to the younger women, who now form the core of BPWA. I was struck by Ranjan Amin’s spirited, firm handshake and the glimmer in her eyes, wanting to reach out to people. I gathered from the citation that was read out, that nearly 90 years old Ranjan Amin is that rare breed of women who is a sterling inspiration. She was one of the first few Indians to attend Cornell University way back in 1946, where she received her M.Sc degree in Child Development and Family Relationships. As head of the department of Social Work in Nirmala Niketan of College was among her many teaching assignments. During her tenure as their President, she steered BPWA towards projects for empowering women.

It was my good fortune, that I ventured out of my comfort zone – circumscribed by my long media association – and attended the BPWA celebration. Where else would I have met Ranjan Amin and the dynamic group present that day in a non-descript conference room overlooking a lush green turf?