BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, June 6, 2025: “Your energy, your mood, your sleep, your weight, your focus — these are your five vital signs,” said Dr. Taz Bhatia, as morning mist curled around the pavilion. “Check in with yourself. Know who you are. Wellness begins there.”
With those grounding words, the 2025 IACA Women’s Forum Mother’s Day celebration unfolded — not merely as an event, but as a soulful invitation to realign with the theme: Fitter. Calmer. Healthier that wove itself through every moment like a mantra spoken in movement, breath, and laughter.
On a brisk, rain-soaked morning of May 10, 2025, where clouds sagged with spring’s stubborn chill and raindrops danced to their own rhythm, something radiant bloomed under the pavilion at Pinckneyville Park. Though the forecast had promised gloom, the spirit of the IACA Women’s Forum’s Mother’s Day celebration defied it — vibrant, warm, and full of life.
Umbrellas clustered like petals, shawls wrapped like armor, and women from across the community gathered with purpose and joy. They came to honor not just motherhood, but the sacred strength that mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends share — a strength that thrives even in stormy weather.
The morning unfurled with rhythm — not quietly, but joyously. Planet U Fitness founder – Uma Muralidhar’s Bollywood warm-up transformed the damp pavilion into a stage of celebration. As rain tapped gently on the roof, inside there was fire and color. Women of all ages, hips swaying, arms raised, hearts wide open, moved to the pulse of Bollywood beats.
Laughter rang out as scarves flew and sneakers shuffled. The weather may have chilled the air, but the joy burned brighter than sunshine. It was not just a dance; it was defiance and a declaration of being present in the moment, being alive and together.
The day flowed gracefully into introspection and healing. The yoga sessions became a quiet symphony of the self, tuning the soul even as the wind whispered around the pavilion.
Guided by Mansi Kumar, the powerful Pranic healing practice of Twin Hearts Meditation invited women to anchor themselves in love and light. Hands opened toward the heavens, eyes closed against the drizzle, they meditated on universal peace — lifting vibrations, drawing warmth from within, even as rain misted the edges of the world.
Led by Preetha Venugopal of Isha Yoga, the next flow brought grounding. With graceful bends and purposeful breath, women honored their spines and stretched their hearts. The movements, ancient and sacred, whispered strength into the marrow — each pose a prayer to the body that carries us.
Then, with a soft hush, Sapna Patel invited everyone to rest — not just the limbs, but the mind, the memory, the soul. Reclining on mats, cocooned in layers, women drifted into Yoga Nidra, the “sleepless sleep.” Her voice, like a lullaby, led them into deep restoration — where healing could bloom in stillness.
Amid the chill and gray of the weather, the pavilion itself stood in vibrant contrast, dressed in beauty and intention thanks to the elegant décor by Nikita Shah. Splashes of color, thoughtful floral arrangements, and feminine accents turned the space into a sanctuary — a visual ode to the divine feminine.
Despite the persistent rain, voice of Keynote speaker Dr. Taz Bhatia, Founder and CEO of CentreSpringMD, Powered by hol+, rang clear and stead. An acclaimed integrative medicine expert, she shared what it truly means to be well — not in fleeting wellness trends, but in ancient, inner alignment.
“Your energy, your mood, your sleep, your weight, your focus — these are your five vital signs,” she urged. “Check in with yourself monthly. You are your own compass.”
She delved deep into Ayurvedic doshas, energy systems, emotional chemistry, and the layered bodies — physical, mental, energetic, communal. Her wisdom was not clinical, but deeply human.
“You can eat perfectly, take every supplement, do daily yoga… but if you’re isolated, you’re not truly well. Connection is medicine.”
In that moment, surrounded by community and care, the women were reminded — wellness is not a destination. It is a relationship. With the self. With others. With life.
Guest of Honor Renugadevi Subramanian echoed similar sentiments on the need for women to be aware — not just of their roles, but of their wellness. She reminded everyone that empowerment begins with self-awareness and conscious care. Her message echoed the day’s theme — that strength begins with stillness, health with mindfulness.
Another voice that shaped the spirit of the day was that of Rajesh Jyotishi, sponsor and founder of MedRates, whose words echoed the very essence of what Mother’s Day celebrates:
“Mothers are the backbone of their families — offering security, comfort, and solace in both joy and adversity.”
For over three decades, Rajesh and his wife, Pari Jyotishi, have served their clients with the same unwavering commitment. Their mission, as he shared, goes beyond financial services — it’s about showing up with peace and loving kindness, no matter the storm. “We can’t control the storms of life,” he said, “but we can help navigate.” Their sponsorship of the IACA Women’s Forum Mother’s Day event was not just an act of support, but a reflection of values deeply lived.
As the clouds lingered, the pavilion brightened with movement again — not of warming up this time, but of reverence and art. Dance became language, and the stage, a page for stories told through the body.
Tressy’s dance group burst forth with vibrant vigor — Lehegas swirling like petals in the wind, each step a stanza in celebration. Their energy lit up the pavilion, weaving strength into rhythm and elegance into power.
Children from Megha Dance School, guided by their teacher Megha, performed with a youthful radiance that felt like spring incarnate. And from the classical folds of tradition, Kinkini Kuchipudi Dance Academy, led by Harini Vemaraju, brought divine grace, their movements echoing centuries of cultural memory.
Together, these performances weren’t just entertainment — they were embodiment. Of heritage, of expression, of feminine energy in all its forms.
Vaibhavi Mathapathi, Atlanta Indian Idol Junior Champion, lifted spirits with her golden voice, followed by the soulful melodies of Vyshali Menon. Their songs floated like incense, threading emotion into the air.
At the card-making station, small hands worked diligently with crayons and glitter. Children poured their love into handmade messages — each a love note to the mothers, grandmothers, and aunties who anchor their worlds.
A delightful Mother’s Day brunch offered the time for warm conversation, shared meals, and sisterhood.
The grand Indian brunch was a feast for the senses and a celebration of tradition. Aromatic spices filled the air as guests savored a delicious spread of regional delicacies. Women broke bread together as laughter flowed, forging bonds across generations in a shared appreciation for food, family, and culture.
“This gathering was more than a celebration of Mother’s Day — it was a powerful reminder that when women come together in sisterhood, we don’t just weather storms, we rise through them. In every breath of yoga, every note sung, every story shared, we affirmed our commitment to cultivating empowerment, leadership, and wellness — not just for ourselves, but for each other,” ! Thanks to our Sustainability Champion, Malini Devi Akula, even our waste found purpose — returned to the earth through composting, sowing seeds for a greener tomorrow. And a big shout out to our strong team of organizers who dedicated their time, energy, and passion to bring this event to life — your hard work made all the difference,” the Women’s Forum team headed by Dr. Paddy Sharma with directors Suma Potini, and Jyothsna Hegde said in a joint statement. The org committee included Lakshmi Narayani, Nikita Shah, Mrinalini Garv, Bandana Gupta, Chaya Dewan, Vani Ghanate. The organizers also expressed their gratitude for the support from IACA – “This gathering would not have been possible without the unwavering support of IACA President Dhananjay Gupta and Chairman Kaushal Tripathi, whose encouragement of the Women’s Forum has consistently empowered its mission.”
President Gupta and Chairman Tripathi appreciated the efforts of forum and extended an invitation to everyone to attend Festival of India on August 16 at Gas South Center.
The organizers thanked and recognized sponsors and supporters include Rajesh and Pari Jyotishi of MedRates, GAPI (Goergia Association of Physicians of Indian Origin), Bhindi Jewelers, Mrinalini Garv, SAWM (South Asian Working Moms), Sapna Patel of DreamGirlYoga, Priya Dharmendran of Disha, Mini Nair, Food Sponsors Madras Chettinad, Dr. Paddy and Chandler Sharma and Sri Krishna Vilas, Dr. Praveena Kommidi for art supplies, Dr. Jyoti Maekar for onsite medical support, and Renuka Molleti for Photography.
Rain poured, yes. The wind nipped. But under that modest pavilion, something magnificent unfolded: a celebration of the sacred feminine in all her forms — moving, resting, singing, stretching, and simply showing up.
Because no matter the weather, when women gather in purpose, something holy happens.
The IACA Women’s Forum, initiated in January 2023 as part of IACA’s community outreach efforts, provides a safe, inclusive space for women to connect, collaborate, and thrive. Its mission is to empower women by fostering autonomy, leadership, and community, ultimately strengthening families and society. Rooted in three core pillars—Empowerment, Leadership, and Sisterhood—the forum supports women in building personal and professional skills, encourages them to take on leadership roles, and fosters a strong network of mutual support. Through events, workshops, and dialogue, the Forum continues to create meaningful opportunities for growth, connection, and collective progress.
