BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, March 27, 2026: The Indian American Cultural Association (IACA) celebrated International Women’s Day 2026 for the third consecutive year on March 15 at Ashiana Restaurant in Norcross, Georgia. The event brought together community members, families, and distinguished guests for a meaningful morning focused on holistic wellness, financial empowerment, and community connection.
The program began with a warm welcome from IACA President Dhananjay Gupta and Chairperson Paddy Sharma, who shared insights into the organization’s initiatives and future plans. Attendees enjoyed networking over chai and breakfast before the formal proceedings commenced. The event was emceed by IACA Board Member Geetanjali Talukdar and opened with a prayer by Suparna Julie Nath.
The first panel discussion, themed “Holistic Wellness across Life Stages: Mind, Body, and Soul,” was moderated by IACA Board Member Ranjithaveena Pol. The panel featured experts including Dr. Ritu Chadha, Dr. Kalpana Prasad, Dr. Jyoti Manekar, Saveen Sundrani, and Preeti Bhat. The discussion addressed mental health awareness, emotional resilience, and the importance of sustainable lifestyle practices. Dr. Manekar spoke on lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy, while Preeti Bhat led a guided breathing session that offered attendees a practical experience of mindfulness.
A graceful dance performance by Saganika Paul added a vibrant cultural dimension to the event.
The second panel, moderated by Nivedita Garabadu, focused on financial literacy and empowerment. Financial experts Swati Gupta and Suparna Pathak shared practical insights on financial planning, investment strategies, and building long-term financial confidence.
A special video message from Sandhya Bhagat highlighted the importance of arts and cultural engagement in strengthening community connections.
The event was attended by distinguished guests including Renuga Devi, Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, and Uma Majmudar. IACA Vice-Chairman Ani Agnihotri paid tribute to the late Bhagirath Majmudar, recognizing his lasting contributions. Panelists and guests were felicitated by Secretary Neetu Singh Chauhan.
The event concluded with lunch and networking, reflecting IACA’s continued commitment to fostering wellness, empowerment, and community engagement.
