Women of Vision program, the celebration with a cause of FLO’s 20 Years of transforming excellence held

Hyderabad, March 9, 2022: The Hyderabad chapter of FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), the women wing of the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), .an all India forum for women completes 20 years.  A program “Women of Vision”, was held to mark and celebrate the 20 years of transforming excellence on Tuesday night at the historical monument Taramati Baradari known for two strong women of Quli Qutub Shah dynasty.
 
It was a celebration with a cause to inspire, encourage women to wear handlooms and to promote it and occasion to felicitate the strong and iconic women.
 
Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Govt of Telangana;  Ujjwala Singhania National President of FICCI FLO graced the occasion.
 
Seven iconic women bureaucrats of Govt of Telangana felicitated for their excellence in the field of administration. They were felicitated by Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary.  They include Shanti Kumari, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Forest Department; Shailaja Ramaiyer, IPS, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce (H, T&H) Dept; Anita Rajendra, IAS, Director General of Dr Marri Channa Reddy Human Resource Development Institute of Telangana (MCRHRD); Karuna Vakati, IAS Commissioner, Health & Family Welfare Dept; Anita Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC); Divya Devarajan, IAS, Special Secretary, Dept. for Women, Children, Disabled & Senior Citizens; and Swati Lakra, IPS,  Addl. Director-General of Police, Women Safety, Member of Telangana's Committee on Safety & Security of Women and Sumai Badugula, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police, CID, Women Safety Wing, Telangana
 
The contributions of the past chairpersons of the FLO and YFLO from the year 2001 and 2004 respectively till date were recalled and honoured.  Their contributions were highlighted through a video presentation.
 
The celebrations concluded with the Weaves of India show, a spectacular fashion show depicting India’s glorifying weaving tradition. It was also a show with a purpose to inspire and encourage women to wear, gift and promote handlooms.  Gaurang Shah, India’s one of the fashion icons and trend breaker was behind the show.
 
The show which was organised in two parts was like a fabric tour of India, discovering India’s amazing handloom heritage.  Lubna Adams, one of India's leading models and a top-notch fashion choreographer, choreographed the show. The Qawwali, which Hyderabad is known for, added distinct flavour to  the show.
 
It is a historic day today for FLO Hyderabad as it marked two major milestones —Inauguration of IT Park and celebration of a successful journey of two decades, said  Ujjwala Singhania, National President of FICCI FLO. Commenting on the 20 years journey, she said it was driven by passion, purpose and pride by past chairpersons of the chapter.
 
The venue chosen is apt for our theme of celebration (Women of Vision) and cause of FLO (empowering women and transforming excellence).  It also goes well with our today’s function of honouring strong women as this place is remembered for two strong women in history. Some of you had to climb up a bit to reach this place,  which syncs well with one of our programs Health and Fitness said Uma Chigurupati on a lighter note in her welcome address to the 300 plus members, guests. 
 
Highlighting the role women play in society, Uma said, we are mothers and soldiers, we are scientists and artists, we are heads of states and leaders, and without us (the women) society disintegrates. 
 
Introducing Weaves of India Show, Uma said India is a land of variety in every sense—India is home to many handlooms.  These age-old weaves are the pride of India. 
 
She recalled FLO’s past 20 years' journey.  What started small with 50 members in the year 2001 is now 800 plus members strong, she told.
 
The objective of the organization was to encourage and facilitate women to showcase their talents, skills, experiences and energies across sectors and verticals of the economy, for a truly inclusive economic growth trajectory. Many women who led FLO Hyderabad as Chairpersons during the last two decades shaped the Chapter through their vision she said and added that the befitting celebration of the 20th Anniversary would serve as an inspiration to many women. 
 
Steering an organisation like FLO during the most unpredictable times like the past year was not easy, she said. With “Together We Can”, a theme, the year showcased that by working together women could rise above any hurdles. FLO organized 7 mega job drives in association with police and placed 6000 youth in various jobs, in unprecedented times like the pandemic. She listed out a few highlights of the programs that impacted society during the year.  When the second wave peaked in the world, we set up a Carona Care Centre and did our bit for society, Uma shared. 
 
Deepthi Reddy, Chairperson of YFLO told her colleagues to ‘shine on, not just today (i.e women’s day), but, every day.  Do more, see more and empower more, she added.
 
The celebrations began with Yamini Reddy’s Devi Mahatman, Kuchipudi dance performance.