Vodafone-Idea's All-Women Driven Kasba Stores Receive Adishakti Award

Shree Siddhashram Celebrates Lalita Jayanti 2025 by Honoring Women Empowerment: Vodafone-Idea's All-Women Kasba Stores Receive Adishakti Award and Certificate of Excellence

News | Kolkata | February 16, 2025

Kolkata, West Bengal – In a grand celebration that seamlessly blended spiritual reverence with the spirit of women's empowerment, Shree Siddhashram commemorated Lalita Jayanti 2025 by bestowing the prestigious Adishakti Award and Certificate of Excellence upon Vodafone-Idea's fully women-operated Kasba stores on 16th February 2025. This event not only highlighted the significance of Lalita Jayanti but also underscored the pivotal role of women in modern business landscapes.

Lalita Jayanti: A Celebration of the Divine Feminine

Lalita Jayanti, observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna, venerates Goddess Lalita Tripurasundari, an embodiment of beauty, grace, and divine feminine power. She is considered one of the ten Mahavidyas in Shaktism and represents the quintessential form of Shakti, the cosmic energy that drives the universe. Devotees believe that worshipping Goddess Lalita brings prosperity, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment.

This auspicious day is marked by various rituals, including recitations of the Lalita Sahasranama (a hymn of a thousand names of the goddess), special pujas, and community gatherings that celebrate the strength and grace of womanhood. Temples and spiritual centres across India, especially in West Bengal, become hubs of devotion and festivity during this time.

Shree Siddhashram: A Beacon of Spiritual and Social Initiatives

Nestled amidst the bustling cityscape of Kolkata, Shree Siddhashram has long been a sanctuary for spiritual seekers and a catalyst for social change. Established in the early 20th century, the ashram has been instrumental in promoting Vedic traditions, yoga, meditation, and various community welfare programs. Over the years, it has evolved into a center that not only nurtures spiritual growth but also addresses contemporary societal issues.

Under the visionary guidance of Sadhguru, Shree Siddhashram has initiated several programs aimed at women's empowerment, education for underprivileged children, and healthcare services for the needy. The ashram's philosophy intertwines spiritual upliftment with social responsibility, making it a revered institution in the region.

The Adishakti Award: Honoring Excellence and Empowerment

In line with its commitment to recognizing and promoting the divine feminine energy, Shree Siddhashram instituted the Adishakti Award in 2008. This accolade is awarded annually to individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to women's empowerment and have exemplified excellence in their respective fields. The Award symbolizes the strength, resilience, and nurturing essence of womanhood.

The selection process for the Adishakti Award is meticulous, involving nominations from various sectors, followed by a thorough evaluation by a panel of esteemed judges. The criteria include impact, innovation, sustainability, and alignment with the values of Shree Siddhashram.

Vodafone-Idea's Kasba Stores: A Paradigm of Women-Led Excellence

In the heart of Kolkata's Kasba neighbourhood, Vodafone-Idea embarked on a pioneering initiative by establishing fully women-operated retail stores. This endeavour aimed to break gender stereotypes in the telecommunications industry and provide a platform for women to lead, manage, and excel in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

The Kasba stores have not only set benchmarks in customer service but have also become symbols of empowerment. The all-women teams handle everything from sales and customer queries to technical support and store management. Their success has led to increased footfall, and higher customer satisfaction rates, and has inspired similar models across the country.

The Award Ceremony: A Night of Reverence and Recognition

The Lalita Jayanti celebrations at Shree Siddhashram commenced with traditional rituals, including the chanting of hymns, devotional songs, and a grand aarti (ceremonial worship) dedicated to Goddess Lalita. The ashram was adorned with intricate decorations, and the ambience resonated with spiritual fervour.

As the evening progressed, the focus shifted to the award ceremony. The main hall, illuminated with lamps and floral arrangements, was filled with devotees, dignitaries, and special guests. The atmosphere was a blend of devotion and anticipation.

Yogi Yogananda, in his address, emphasized the importance of recognizing and nurturing the potential of women in all spheres of life. He stated, "Goddess Lalita represents the infinite possibilities and strengths inherent in every woman. Today, as we honour her, we also honour the women who, through their dedication and excellence, bring her essence to life in our world."

The announcement of Vodafone-Idea's Kasba stores as the recipients of the Adishakti Award was met with resounding applause. The women from the stores, dressed in traditional sarees, gracefully ascended the stage to receive the Award and the Certificate of Excellence. Their faces reflected pride, joy, and a sense of accomplishment.

Voices from the Ceremony: Testimonials of Triumph

Sharanya Dutta, the manager of one of the Kasba stores, expressed her gratitude, saying, "This recognition is not just for us but for every woman who aspires to break barriers and redefine norms. We are grateful to Shree Siddhashram for acknowledging our efforts and to Vodafone-Idea for believing in our potential."

Keya Das, a customer service executive, shared, "Working in an environment where women lead and support each other has been empowering. This award motivates us to continue striving for excellence."

The success of the Kasba stores is a testament to what happens when organizations invest in diversity and inclusion. We are immensely proud of our team and honoured by this recognition.

The Ripple Effect: Inspiring Change Beyond Kasba

The recognition of the Kasba stores has sparked conversations about the role of women in the telecommunications industry and beyond. Other corporations are now looking at this model as a case study for promoting gender diversity in the workplace.

Sadhguru commented, "The success of these stores challenges the traditional notions of leadership and competence. It showcases that when women are given equal opportunities and support, they can excel in any domain.

Conclusion: A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Progress

The Lalita Jayanti 2025 celebrations at Shree Siddhashram were a testament to the harmonious blend of spiritual tradition and progressive values. By honouring Vodafone-Idea's all-women-driven Kasba stores with the Adishakti Award Trophy and Certificate of Excellence, the ashram not only celebrated the divine feminine but also highlighted the tangible achievements of women in the modern world.

This event serves as a reminder that true empowerment arises from recognizing and nurturing the inherent strengths of individuals, irrespective of gender. As the evening drew to a close, the resonating chants and the gleaming trophy stood as symbols of a society moving towards inclusivity, excellence, and reverence for the divine feminine in all its manifestations.

News reported by Sritama Bhattacharyya, Special Correspondent Shree Siddhashram