New Delhi, India: January 2, 2016: Women play multiple roles in the society. They are mothers, daughters, sisters, and in modern times, they are active bread winners in every family. They lead and inspire others by setting examples for others to follow. There are many areas where women have proven to be effective leaders, but many more need to take on leadership roles in many more areas. “We have come a long way. But there is much more to achieve,” a dozen women achievers, who were featured at the prestigious “Women’s Forum,” told an enthusiastic audience during AAPI’s Global Healthcare Summit at the Maurya ITC in New Delhi on January 2nd, 2016.
Dr. Seema Jain, who rose through the ranks of AAPI after being a member of AAPI and in almost every body of AAPI in the past 15 years, told the audience that she is proud to be the leader of AAPI, which is predominantly a men’s group. In her role as the President and CEO, Dr. Seema jain is assisted by all men. She thanked her committed team consisting of Dr. Ajay Lodha, President-Elect, Dr. Gautam Samadder, Vice President, Dr. Naresh Parikh, Secretary, and Dr. Suresh Reddy, Treasurer, Dr. Aravind Pillai, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Rupak D. Parikh, President of the YPS, and Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, President of MSRF for the 2015-2016.
The Panel on Women’s Leadership was chaired by Dr. Seema Jain, President, AAPI, while Sonal Kalra, national Editor of Hindustan Times, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Art, moderated the high-powered women’s session.
Dr. Jayehsree Mehta, President, MCI, gave an overview of her own life journey and told the delegates, “Take life as they come.” Sangita Reddy, Joint MD, Apollo Group, shared with the audience how her dad used to be told, “This poor man with four daughters” had turned into “This lucky man with four daughters,” after the four siblings achieved greater things in life and have made their dad proud.
Rashmi Singh, quoted what others had told of her achievements, “You do not become popular by the positon you hold, but the position becomes popular because of you and what you do.”
Vimla Mehra, who had spearheaded prison reforms in India, shared of the challenges and the satisfaction she had experienced while being the 2nd woman police officer incharge of the Prison system in the country.
Pinky Anand, a woman’s rights advocate, told the audience, “You got to play your role whatever it may take.” She told the women among the audience that they need to be “more creative in what you do rather than try to be bossing around.’
Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj and Dr. Loveleen Johri, US Embassy India, were among those who had shared with the audience their life’s experiences and how their roles have shaped their own lives and that of many others. “The job of leadership is to make meaning for others and to inspire them,” Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj said, “Just by being there you could be an inspiration to others.”
The youngest on the panel, the 25-yr old Kriti Sanon, an actress and fashion model who shot to fame with her role in Dilwale, told her own life story of how she allowed her heart’s desire lead the way to success. “I am so honored to be among these inspiring women,” she said with modesty. “I didn’t give up when I was scared.”
The 10th annual Global Healthcare Summit (GHS) 2016, organized by the Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) at the prestigious ITC Maurya Hotel in New Delhi, India from January 1st to 3rd, 2016 offers a unique forum for them to come together, sharing their knowledge and expertise in their respective medical fields with their fellow physicians from around the world, and to learn from one another. For more information on Global Health Summit 2014, please visit www.aapighsindia.org