Dehradun: FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) marked its annual Change of Guard ceremony at Olympus High today. The program commenced with welcoming the Chief Guest, renowned Bollywood actress Meenakshi Seshadri, by Chairperson FLO Anuradha Malla. Meenakshi is an Indian actress, model, dancer, and beauty pageant titleholder. She has worked primarily in Hindi Bollywood films, including Hero, Meri Jung, Dilwaala, Shahenshah, Awaargi, Jurm, Ghayal, Damini, Ghatak, and Satyamev Jayate. Often referred to as ‘Damini’, Meenakshi is a trained Indian classical dancer in four dance forms namely Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Odissi.
The program started with the lamp-lighting ceremony by all the dignitaries present on the occasion. Anuradha Malla, in her address, eloquently emphasized the profound impact of the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) under her stewardship, stating, “FLO continues to be a beacon of inspiration for women across the nation, illuminating paths towards empowerment, excellence, and equality. Through our collective efforts and unwavering commitment, FLO has not only provided platforms for women to showcase their talents but has also facilitated avenues for growth, leadership, and innovation. As we usher in a new era of leadership, let us reaffirm our dedication to championing the cause of women’s advancement and creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.”
Bollywood sensation Meenakshi Seshadri engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue with Anuradha Malla, reflecting on the role of women in shaping society and fostering change. She congratulated all the members of FLO for their commendable work for society, adding, “It’s heartening to witness the dedication and impact of FLO’s initiatives.”
On the topic of success, Meenakshi shared her perspective, saying, “Life is just full of surprises and unpredictable outcomes. All of this is God’s grace along hard work and talent.” She elaborated, “My father taught me that success has three ABCs: Ability, Break, and Courage.”
Reflecting on her passion for dance, Meenakshi revealed, “My mother was my teacher in music and dance, and she passed on her love for the arts to me. I found a personal passion in performing, teaching, and dancing my heart out every day.”
A captivating musical performance by Actor Kunal Shamshere Malla & Maliha Malla captivated the audience, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of India. The evening also witnessed the recognition of Unsung Young Talents from Uttarakhand, honoring their outstanding contributions to their respective fields. A total of 4 girls from Uttarakhand, including Shekinah Mukhiya, Riya Thapa, Shefali Rawat, and Agam Sifat Kaur, were felicitated for making Uttarakhand proud in their respective fields.
The felicitation ceremony extended accolades to past Chairpersons Kiran Bhatt Todaria, Komal Batra, and Neha Sharma for their invaluable contributions to FLO’s mission of empowerment and advocacy. During the occasion, all the office bearers, executive members, day chairs, sponsors, Friends of FLO, and volunteers of FLO 2023-24 were presented with certificates for their commendable work.
The cultural extravaganza continued with a mesmerizing semi-classical dance performance by Srishti & troupe, captivating the audience with their graceful movements.
During the culmination of the event, Senior Vice Chair Charu Chauhan delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks. The evening concluded with an enchanting performance by the Vibrations Dance Company, leaving all the members inspired and energized.
