INTERSTATE MEET – Convergence 2014 Meeting of Minds- Women Leading Change

FLO organized the Annual Interstate Meet 2014 under the Presidentship of Mrs. Neeta Boochra – the 1st National President from Rajasthan of this Pan-India organization, at the Pink City of India, Jaipur from December 15-17, 2014.

The theme of the Meet was “Convergence 2014: Meeting of Minds- Women Leading Change.” About 250 Entrepreneurs & professionals members from all the 10 Pan-India Chapters – Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Mumbai North East, attended this conference. It also saw the participation of several eminent personalities from Jaipur were also present. The National Programme of FLO, Interstate Meet was hosted by the Jaipur Chapter.

It was an extraordinary amalgamation of empowerment, entertainment and networking as also a rare blend of learning sessions, social events, networking lunches and dinners.

For FLO members who arrived on 14th Dec. a delectable dinner was hosted by FLO Members Seema Kothari & Monika Kothari at the Om Towers Revolving Restaurant.

On 15th December, the Inaugural Session of the Interstate Meet opened with the Address by FLO President Neeta Boochra, who briefly updated on the event and declared it officially open.

In her Address, she highlighted that, “The Interstate Meet is a common platform for experience sharing showcasing, mentoring & networking of the dynamic pan-India members. The theme for the year 2014-15 is Educate & Empower. With Convergence 2014, we hope to bring together women entrepreneurs and professionals from Delhi and 10 Chapters across India and provide a perfect milieu for exchange of ideas and meeting of the minds. Our objective is to develop the wisdom to lead; coming together as strong voice for and by women, cultivate our inner strength and creative power, thereby propelling women power.”

Mayor of Jaipur Nirmal Nahta was the Chief Guest during the Inaugural Session. In his Address, he said that the women of substance inspire others to develop wisdom to lead and empower women. He hoped that an event of such dimension would help in educating and empowering women of not only Jaipur, but of the whole state.

FLO Past Presidents, Office Bearers, Chapter Chairpersons and Governing Body members Pan-India, who were present at the occasion, were felicitated for their contribution towards the growth story of FLO.

The Chapter Chairpersons updated about the skill development activities undertaken in their Chapters as also highlighted on how the chapters are participating in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan in a big way.

To give a taste and feel of real Rajasthan and bring the members closer to the grandeur of the region’s culture, a traditional lunch in a beautiful Rajasthan ambience was hosted by President Neeta Boochra at her residence. A delightful confluence of traditional Rajasthani musical instruments provided the most apt backdrop for the Inaugural Welcome Meet.

A very interesting motivational session was on “The Science of Excellence and Art of Happiness” by Prof. Ramesh K. Arora, Fulbright Scholar at University of Kansas; Honorary Chairperson, Management Development Academy, Jaipur & Distinguished Visiting Professor HCM RIPA.

To add to the element of pleasure and vigor, the optional offsite visits in Jaipur were organised for the members. Some of them visited Amer Fort with High Tea at Hotel Fairmont, only property of Fairmont Group in India. The others experienced an unforgettable Hot Air Balloon Ride with High Tea at Skywaltz Café.

A traditional Rajasthani Dinner was hosted at Anand Van by Alka Batra, Preeti Saboo, Minal Jain, Nitasha Chordia & Kanak Meghraj. As a gesture of the warmth and hospitality by Jaipur Chapter, the talented members of the Chapter presented a colorful and energetic Ghoomar dance performance.

Day 2 at the Inter State saw another exciting line up of events, beginning with a session with acclaimed Sufi singer Kavita Seth. The occasion was also marked with the launch of Sonia’s new book – Decoding Bollywood. A creative masterpiece, the book takes readers through the unusual lives of 15 Hindi movie makers.

A Ready Reckoner on “Laws Effecting Women in India”, brought out by FLO Head Office in collaboration with Amarchand Mangaldas was launched during the knowledge session by FLO President Neeta Boochra, Ms Jasleen Oberoi, Partner at Amarchand & Mangaldas. The Ready Reckoner puts together the various laws and rights of women in a simple and easy to understand language.

FLO Mobile App was also launched at the Interstate Meet, which is downloadable on members’ smartphones. Available on Google Play Store & Apple ITunes, this App that would make every information and update about FLO available at the press of a button.

The resplendent afternoon was spent at the Rambagh Polo Club over a Royal Game of Polo. A delectable Rajasthani lunch was hosted by Chairperson of Jaipur Chapter Apra Kuchhal.

A fashion show cum dinner was organised, providing an exclusive platform for the Jaipur members to showcase their creativity, talent and businesses. This was hosted by FLO Member Vrinda Kothari against the backdrop of historic Kesargarh.

The 2 day extravaganza was followed by an offsite to Ajmer Shariff and Pushkar. Members enjoyed the Nagada Jamming Session at Sand Dunes and Qawali with dinner Ananta Resorts. Members actively participated in the same.

Lunch on 18th December at Hotel Holiday Inn, Jaipur was hosted by Delhi FLO Member Sunitee Abbi.

Key Takeaways:

• Participation of over 200 pan-India members
• Felicitation of FLO Past Presidents, Chapter Chairpersons and Governing Body members Pan-India
• Session on “The Science of Excellence and Art of Happiness”
• Networking and establishing business contacts
• Sharing best practices and exchange of ideas
• Breakthrough ideas, new partnerships and alliances
• Facilitating professional growth, and providing opportunities for outreach among women in leadership roles.
• Exhibition of products across sectors, also showcasing rich and vibrant Rajasthani Culture and traditions
• Warm Rajasthani hospitality and bask in the panoramic view of the vibrant and fascinating history, culture, architecture and cuisine of Rajasthan.
• Fashion show with the aim of providing an exclusive platform for Jaipur members to showcase their creativity, talent and businesses to the pan-India FLO member