Manama, Bahrain – May31, 2025
The Indian Ladies Association (ILA) once again made an indelible mark on Bahrain’s cultural calendar with the successful hosting of the Leela Jashanmal Memorial Lecture 2025. Held at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), the event gathered over 300 attendees, uniting voices from across the region for an evening dedicated to celebrating resilience, leadership, and the power of inclusive community building.
The evening opened with a heartfelt welcome from Pia Banerjee, setting the tone for an empowering program. ILA President Smitha Jensen followed with an address that underscored the association’s unwavering commitment to the very values that have long defined the Leela Jashanmal legacy—resilience, empowerment, and inclusivity.
Stories that Move Mountains
Two keynote speakers—Shaikha Al Shaiba and Dr. Arunima Sinha—delivered deeply moving narratives of determination and grit. Shaikha, a national icon for her advocacy of disability rights and inclusive sports, shared her personal mission to break down barriers for athletes with disabilities. Dr. Arunima Sinha, the world’s first female amputee to scale Mount Everest, left the audience awestruck with her account of conquering unimaginable odds, proving that with inner strength, no summit is unreachable.
Their stories not only captivated hearts but also ignited conversations about pushing societal boundaries and redefining what it means to lead with courage.
Recognizing Tomorrow’s Leaders
A highlight of the evening was the Academic Felicitation Ceremony, honoring top students from leading Indian schools in Bahrain. Representatives from New India School, Asian School, New Millennium School, New Horizons, and The Indian School joined their respective principals on stage to applause and celebration, spotlighting academic achievement and dedication.
A Platform for Conversation
A thought-provoking Q&A session, moderated by veteran media personality Meera Ravi, brought the event to a reflective close. Attendees engaged directly with the speakers, raising questions around mental resilience, leadership through adversity, and fostering inclusivity in modern societies. The interaction added depth and dialogue to an already powerful evening.
Presence of Dignitaries Underscores Significance
The lecture was graced by distinguished figures, adding to its stature within Bahrain’s social and cultural fabric. Among the notable attendees were:
-
H.E. Mr. Tirtha Raj Wagle, Ambassador of Nepal
-
H.E. Shaikh Mohamed Bin Duaij Al Khalifa, President, Bahrain Paralympic Committee
-
Mr. Yusuf Lori, Director of Information and Follow-Up, Capital Governorate
-
Mr. Rhizlane Siabri, GM, Jashanmal & Sons
-
Mr. Mohammed Mansoor, Chairman, Bahrain Cricket Federation
-
Representatives from the Ministry of Social Development, BIBF, Almoayyed, and more
Their presence reinforced the collective commitment to advancing inclusion and honoring resilience in all its forms.
Made Possible by Community and Creativity
ILA extended heartfelt gratitude to its partners and sponsors, with special mention of Lulu, the event’s main sponsor, whose support played a pivotal role in bringing the lecture to life. BIBF and Bahrain Islamic Bank (BISB) were also recognized for their generous support.
In a touching gesture, handcrafted mementos created by children from Sneha Recreational Center were presented to the dignitaries—each piece a symbol of inclusivity, creativity, and community effort.
A Legacy Continued
The evening concluded with a networking dinner, allowing attendees and speakers to exchange ideas and foster deeper connections. As the sun set on a night of heartfelt stories and high aspirations, the Leela Jashanmal Memorial Lecture reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for dialogue, empowerment, and inclusive progress.
With growing momentum year after year, the ILA’s flagship event remains a shining example of how community-driven initiatives can inspire change, celebrate resilience, and bring people together in pursuit of a more inclusive future.
