STRI DHARMA
‘Stri Dharma’ means the Dharma of woman. ‘Stri’ is a Sanskrit word which means ‘woman’. ‘Dharma’ is generally defined as ‘righteousness’ or ‘duty.’ Therefore, Stri Dharma means ‘the duties of women’. Hinduism prescribed various duties to both men and women according to their age or stages of life. The fulfilment of these duties will gradually lead a person towards perfection and attain the final goal of life, i.e. Mukti.
The Hindu women are very spiritual and very religious, perhaps more so than any other women in the world. If we can preserve these beautiful characteristics and at the same time develop the intellects of our women, the Hindu woman of the future will be the ideal woman of the world. With this vision, MHS Women Bureau has initiated the ‘Stri Dharma’ programme for young women.
Objectives of the Programme
- To create awareness on the duties and ideals of Hindu women;
- To boost self-esteem and self-motivation;
- To increase awareness on the importance of family development;
- To instill a sense of pride in the cultural and spiritual legacy of the Hindus;
- To reduce moral and social ills among young women.
Components of the Programme
- Duties of Hindu women for personal, family and society’s well being
- Women as Change agent in the modern world
- Women as repository of energy and strength
Target Group
- Young women from age 18 to 25
- Preferably students and unmarried women
The Speakers
SANGARATNA SIVASRI A.P. MUTHUKUMARA SIVACHARIAR
Popularly known as Muthukumara Gurukkal, the Sivachariar requires no introduction to Malaysian Hindus as his commitment towards Hinduism is legendary. He is amongst the first few Malaysians trained under the auspices of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peedam and the World Hindu Council. Since 1979, he has dedicated himself to the service of promoting Hinduism. In the pursuit of creating awareness and imparting knowledge of the ancient and sacred religious tradition to all Hindus, he has travelled to every parts of Malaysia.
Shivasri A.P. Muthukumara Sivachariar currently serves as an advisor to many Hindu organisations, such as Malaysia Hindu Sangam and Rudra Devi Samaj. He is also the founder President of the Persatuan Sankara Malaysia. In recognition of his services, he was bestowed the title of Vedha Agama Jnaana Baaskarar by Mother Sai Matha Sivabrinda Devi. In addition, he has been awarded the Malaysia Hindu Sangam’s highest honour of Sangaratna and the prestigious title of Vedhantha Sastra Jnaana Kumbabhishega Kulaphooshanam from the Malaysian Hindu Gurukkal Association.
VIVEKA NAYAGI MRS. GOWRI PS THANGAYA
She is an archivist and presently works as the Director of National Archives of Malaysia for Johor/Malacca Branch.
She has been an active member of MHS Gombak Local Council since 2010 and has been a committee member of MHS Wilayah Persekutuan since 2011. She was appointed as the Central Council Member and the Secretary for Government & International Liaison since 2012. In 2014, Mrs. Gowri became the Chairwoman of National MHS Women Bureau. In recognition of her selfless service, Mrs Gowri was conferred the ‘Viveka Nayagi’ award during the Golden Jubilee celebration of MHS in 2015.