Stri Sevak Sabha Inc.

This organization, the Stri Sevak Sabha Inc. (the Women´s arm or the Women´s Service league) of Krishna Mandir has been in existence for fifty nine years. Its role in Krishna Mandir is very important and must be brought to the fore. It was on seventh June 1953 that thirty nine Hindus – devoted, disciplined dedicated women got together in the then temporary Gandhi Ashram and formed the Stri Sevak Sabha under the worthy guidance of Mr. Bisram Gopie. Their goals were religious, charitable, social and educational activities with Seva (service) being first and foremost in their minds.

Many fund raisers took place with the proceeds going to the maintenance of the Mandir. They acquired a caretaker for the Mandir. All religious festivals and celebrations were observed, of which Purnima Katha remains a tradition with this organization.

This group grew to a body incorporated by an act of parliament 1970 with the goals the same as when formed.

Their tremendous job done and time given to the teachers and students of Ashram College are commendable and noteworthy.

This Sabha served a purpose by bringing Hindu women together and establishing a sisterhood with their emphasis always on Seva. This organization has made a great contribution to Hindu women in San Fernando and its environs. These ladies had little or no formal education, but were a dynamic group, which blazed a trail for San Fernando Hindu women who continued to be active in social and religious work and contributed to the community. The Stri Sevak Sabha Inc. contributed large sums to the construction of this Mandir and also solicited a lot of cash and kind from the generous public. Their support was phenomenal. One can therefore safely say that the members of this group, the Stri Sevak Sabha Inc. were well appreciated and loved for their towers of strength, columns of courage and powerful pillars of dynamism.

This organization selfless effort continued to 1990 when a new president was elected. Very few of the original members are alive today.

After the Sabha´s invaluable contribution over the many years Dr. Dolly Haricharan was chosen as president and given this tremendous task in 1990. However she knew that selfless action and not words are the greatest needs of the day and that leadership requires lots of love, understanding, respect, humility and prayerful guidance and Seva is a step to spirituality which it is not the privilege of the poor man nor the having of the rich but the choice of the wise.

At this juncture many new ideas were selected e.g. a theme bhajan, organized meetings and many others. Goals remained the same but Seva was in the forefront. There were many obstacles but these were stepping stones for the members to move ahead. Many fund raisers and entertainment continued but charities local, national and international were not forgotten.

Religious functions and celebrations of Krishna Mandir were assisted and supported by all members of the Stri Sevak Sabha Inc. During this period of almost eleven years the president with her dedicated members accomplished a lot so that this organization remains viable and vibrant today. At this crucial time ownership of the Krishna Mandir annex was the important issue. The Supreme Court decided in favor of the ladies. Unfortunately though the matter has been taken to the Appeal Court.

During this period the annex is being refurbished by members of the Stri Sevak Sabha Inc. and with the help of the Krishna Mandir men. This project should be completed in the near future.

On June 11th 2011, Mrs. Annmarie Tawari, was elected president of the Stri Sevak Sabha Inc. at the annual general meeting. She is a very worthy president and is also the Principal of Parbatie Girls High School. She knows that her main duty is to encourage the members to sink their mutual differences, work together and strive with great enthusiasm to bring dynamism in their endeavors to build unity and harmony. Together we stand divided we fall. She is aware that time and tradition with eternal values has built this organization.

The members of the management committee of Krishna Mandir continue to be in unity and to assist the Stri Sevak Sabha Inc. as is evident recently by their financial donation to forty five thousand dollars to this group to assist in the refurbishing of the annex.

Finally the Stri Sevak Sabha Inc. is here to stay in Krishna Mandir. For season changes, fresh bunches of flowers bloom – we ladies know that in any society women are a true part of its cultural and spiritual level and so this will lead us to new realms of joy, fulfillment and perfection and shall continue to be a monument of efficacy and dedicated selfless service. This in our prayers.

The Stri Sevak Sabha Inc. has been around for this many years because all the members know that

Coming together is a beginning
Keeping together is progress
Working together is success
Staying together is co-operation

Service and sacrifice and that right material, right effort, right attitude all put together are the right means.