Saluting a ‘super’ lady this Diwali
This auspicious day is an opportune time to honour a versatile lady who has dedicated her life in the service women’s rights, theatre and creative arts in Kenya. She is Mrs Kapil Dhingra. PHOTO | AFP
What you need to know:
- The association was initially formed to quench the cultural thirst of the Indian expatriate community, but later spread its wings and became a group presenting oriental entertainment for all Kenyans.
- She has over the years not only directed creative cultural activities of ICWAK but also participated in promoting Asian theatre and allied arts.
The socio-religious festivities that have been happening throughout October culminate today as faithful mark Diwali, the festival of lights. This is easily the most ecstatic of Indian festivals. It marks the coronation of Lord Rama as the King of Ayodhya on his return to the kingdom after 14 years in exile and after defeating the forces of evil.
The festivity takes a brilliant dimension as traditional lamps are lit at residential and business premises. It is believed that the little lamp is a symbol of communality, as the barriers of separation based on economic status, race, creed and class cannot stop the penetration and spread of light. The aim of lighting these lamps is to rekindle the message of love peace and harmony.
This auspicious day is an opportune time to honour a versatile lady who has dedicated her life in the service women’s rights, theatre and creative arts in Kenya. She is Mrs Kapil Dhingra.
SERVICE TO HUMANITY
Currently the Chairperson of Indian Women’s Association, Kapil spearheads the organisation’s which initiates projects to assist women and the under privileged. Snce the late 90s, she has chaired the Indian Citizens Welfare Association-ICWAK.
The association was initially formed to quench the cultural thirst of the Indian expatriate community, but later spread its wings and became a group presenting oriental entertainment for all Kenyans. She has over the years not only directed creative cultural activities of ICWAK but also participated in promoting Asian theatre and allied arts.
Kapil is certainly a multi-talented lady of all seasons, so to say, as she in another of her passions is involved in organising religious activities as Secretary to Shree Sanatan Dharam Sabha.
She sits on the board of Kenya India Friendship Association and leads GOPIO the global organisation of people of Indian origin. In recognition of her sterling service to Kenyan Indian community, Kapil Dhingra was awarded the Hind Rattan – the Jewel of India award in the year 2000.
Kapil lives in Nairobi and is married to educationist and talented social worker Ramesh Dhingra. I envy Kapil’s love for service to the community and her passion for theatre and creative arts, and wish her all the very best in her future endeavors.
And on this occasion it is Happy Diwali and a prosperous Hindu New Year to all our readers.
