The 6th Bharat Soka GSSI Women’s Awareness Seminar convened on Sunday at the Music Academy in Chennai, drawing participants from across the city. The event, organized by the global peace‑education network Bharat Soka GSSI, marked its sixth edition, underscoring a sustained effort to spotlight gender‑related issues in the Indian context. Actress Revathi, a noted figure in Indian cinema and social advocacy, was invited as the chief guest, lending the gathering both star power and a platform for her long‑standing concerns about gender socialisation.
During her address, Revathi emphasized that the formative environment at home plays a decisive role in shaping boys’ attitudes toward gender. “We need to pay attention to what boys see and learn as they grow up at home,” she said, urging parents and caregivers to be vigilant about the messages, media, and behaviours that young males absorb. Her remarks positioned the seminar’s broader agenda within the intimate sphere of family life, suggesting that societal change begins with everyday interactions.
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Revathi’s call resonated with the seminar’s core objective: raising awareness about women’s issues and promoting gender equity. While the programme’s detailed agenda was not disclosed, the presence of a high‑profile chief guest signals the organisers’ intent to attract public attention and stimulate dialogue among educators, activists, and community members. The Music Academy’s cultural setting provided a symbolic backdrop, linking artistic expression with social advocacy.
The event’s timing on a Sunday allowed for greater community participation, reflecting the organisers’ strategy to engage a wide audience beyond typical weekday constraints. By hosting the sixth iteration of the seminar, Bharat Soka GSSI demonstrates a commitment to continuity, suggesting that each annual gathering builds on the insights and recommendations of its predecessors. Revathi’s intervention added a personal, celebrity‑driven dimension to the discourse, potentially amplifying the seminar’s reach through media coverage and public interest.
In concluding her remarks, Revathi called for concrete steps at the household level, such as mindful media consumption, open conversations about gender roles, and modeling respectful behaviour. She urged families to view the home as a primary site for cultivating gender‑sensitive values, thereby complementing broader institutional efforts. The seminar’s organizers thanked Revathi for her contribution, indicating that her perspective would inform future outreach and educational materials.
