Manama : The Indian Ladies Association (ILA), Bahrain, successfully hosted the Leela Jashanmal Memorial Lecture 2025 at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), delivering an evening of inspiration, empowerment, and inclusivity. With an overwhelming attendance of over 300 guests, the event was a roaring success, reinforcing its impact as a platform for meaningful dialogue.
The evening commenced with a warm welcome from Pia Banerjee, followed by an opening address from ILA President Smitha Jensen, who emphasized the association’s commitment to resilience, leadership, and inclusivity—values that define the spirit of the Leela Jashanmal Memorial Lecture.
Two distinguished speakers, Shaikha Al Shaiba and Dr. Arunima Sinha, took center stage, sharing their journeys of triumph over adversity. Shaikha, a dedicated advocate for inclusivity and sports accessibility, inspired the audience with her unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges. Arunima Sinha, the first female amputee to conquer Mount Everest, captivated listeners with her powerful story of perseverance and determination. Their words served as a beacon of hope and motivation, making the evening truly unforgettable.
A special Academic Felicitation Ceremony recognized top-performing students from New India School, Asian School, New Millennium School, New Horizons, and The Indian School. Principals proudly joined their achievers on stage as their names were displayed, celebrating excellence and dedication in front of a distinguished audience.
Meera Ravi moderated a dynamic Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with Shaikha Al Shaiba and Arunima Sinha. Thought-provoking questions sparked meaningful discussions on resilience, leadership, and inclusivity, further enriching the event’s impact.
The event was graced by several eminent dignitaries and leaders, reinforcing its significance within the community. Mr. Rhizlane Siabri, Jashanmal & Sons GM Jashanmal,Yusuf Lori, Director of Information and Follow-Up, Capital Governorate,H.E. Mr. Tirtha Raj Wagle, Nepal Ambassador
H.E. Shaikh Mohamed Bin Duaij Al Khalifa, President, Bahrain Paralympic Committee
Mr. Mohammed Mansoor, Chairman, Bahrain Cricket Federation, Zeyad Adel Derwish, Undersecretary, MOSD,Mahmood Abdul Wahed Turky Al Matrook, Assistant Undersecretary, MOSD
Dr. Ahmed, BIBF, Mario Ford, Almoayyed, Para Athletes & Coaches Shaikha Shaiba, Arunima Sinha were present the event.
Their presence elevated the event’s prestige and underscored the importance of resilience, inclusivity, and leadership in today’s world.
ILA expresses its sincere appreciation to Lulu, our main sponsor, for their invaluable support in making this event possible. Special thanks to our event sponsors, BIBF and Bahrain Islamic Bank (BISB), for their partnership in bringing this vision to life. Their contributions were instrumental in ensuring the success of the evening.
Additionally, heartfelt gratitude conveyed to the ILA team, whose dedication and seamless coordination ensured the event’s smooth execution. The talented children of Sneha Recreational Center crafted beautiful handcrafted mementos, presented to dignitaries as a token of appreciation, symbolizing creativity, inclusivity, and community spirit.
The event concluded with a networking dinner, where guests, dignitaries, and sponsors engaged in enriching conversations, reinforcing the evening’s message of empowerment and inclusivity. With overwhelming support and engagement, the Leela Jashanmal Memorial Lecture 2025 continues to serve as a beacon of empowerment, fostering meaningful dialogue on resilience, leadership, and inclusivity.
