Gandhi, Bose Descendants Share GOPIO Platform In Women’s Webinar

India-West News Desk

NEW YORK, NY-The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Women’s Council hosted a webinar on March 14 on the role of Indian diaspora women across sectors, featuring Ela Gandhi and Anita Bose-Pfaff. During the session, writer Bhuvan Lall said it was the first time in his memory that descendants of Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose had appeared on a common platform.

The virtual event, organized by GOPIO Women’s Council Chair Charu Shivakumar and moderated by Neerja Arun Gupta, included participants from multiple countries. GOPIO Chairman Thomas Abraham outlined the organization’s work with the diaspora, while President Prakash Shah announced upcoming initiatives, including a convention in Mumbai scheduled for December 18–20, 2026.

Speaking at the webinar, Gandhi referred to her experience in public life in South Africa and discussed challenges faced by women, including balancing work, home, and childcare responsibilities. She also spoke about women’s participation in political processes.

Bose-Pfaff shared her experience as an academic in Europe and referred to perspectives on women’s roles, including participation in leadership positions.

Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox spoke about barriers faced by women in politics and referred to issues such as representation and pay disparities. Aarti Shah spoke about the role of education, values, and leadership approaches, referring to principles she described as the “Four E’s.”

Ruchika Arora spoke about her involvement with pageants and International Women’s Day initiatives and presented a poem on women’s rights.

The discussion also included references to building mentorship networks for emerging women leaders.

GOPIO International General Secretary Siddharth Jain delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging speakers and participants.