Bengaluru, Dec. 09: Karnataka Pradesh Youth Congress Committee members led by its president, M. S. Raksha Ramaiah and former minister, K. J. George on Thursday organised a mass baby-shower ceremony for 70 pregnant women in Banaswadi locality in the city.
The Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi who turned 75 on Thursday is the longest-serving President of Congress party. She has seen several highs and lows. She was elected as the President in 1998. Mrs Gandhi has led the Congress for 20 years.
Mrs Gandhi was first elected as a Member of Parliament from Amethi and Ballari parliamentary constituencies in 1999 however, she retained Amethi by resigning from Ballari seat. After which she became Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. During the 2004 General Elections, she led the electoral campaign of her party, which secured the largest number of seats.The KPYCC president chose to host a mass baby-shower programme in Banaswadi ward, where 70 pregnant women are residing. The event was organised to celebrate Mrs Gandhi’s 75th birthday. The event was held in Anjaneya Temple in Doddabanaswadi.
The temple wore a festive look, with all 70 pregnant women bejewelled with lots of flowers, turmeric and wore silk sarees. Along with these women, several relatives and their close friends took part in the event.
Banaswadi is part of Sarvajna Nagar Assembly constituency, which is represented by former home minister Mr George who was chief guest of this event. Both Mr George and Mr Raksha offered ‘Baginia’ to all women.
Traditionally the “Bagina” (an offering) is given in the “mora” (bamboo trays specially designed to clean food grains) which symbolises a sign of prosperity and peace. Women exchange these ‘Baginas’ and pray for prosperity and peace. ‘Mora,’ the humble kitchen utensil woven from bamboo strips, gains immense significance during several auspicious events and fests associated with women.
Jawahar Bal Bhavan, president, J. Cyril Prabhu, Block Congress president, Raghu Devraj and several youth congress members took part in the event.
