ADVERTORIAL
LIGHTING THE
CANDLE
BY VARTIKA BAJPAI
The world celebrates what women achieve. Spirituality reminds us to celebrate who women are becoming.
A single candle makes no sound. It does not seek recognition, nor competes with other candles yet the moment it is lit, darkness begins to retreat.
Some of the most remarkable women are like candles. And Women’ s Month offers us an opportunity to celebrate remarkable women. We honour their achievements, their courage, and the many ways they have shaped our world. This month also invites us to pause and ask a more personal question:
WHO AM I BECOMING? Some women change the world from a stage. Others, from around the dinner table. Some lead nations; others lead their families. Yet others inspire thousands; others transform one life at a time.
We live in a world that celebrates achievement. Milestones deserve recognition; they reflect dedication, perseverance, and hard work. Yet they tell only part of our story. Long after people forget what we accomplished, they remember who we were.
Deep within each of us lie qualities such as peace, love, compassion, and wisdom. Life gives us opportunities to express them. When we reconnect with them, we allow our authentic selves to shine. This is where the true beauty of a woman begins: in the character she cultivates and the values she lives each day.
AM I LIVING FROM THE BEST WITHIN ME? The greatest journey is within. When we create moments of stillness, it reminds us that our worth has never depended on applause, perfection, or the opinions of others. It reminds us that peace is something we can choose. Love becomes the way we live. Strength is measured by remaining true to our values even when life becomes difficult.
Women have always carried the power to create harmony where there is conflict; to offer hope where there is discouragement; to remain calm when everything around them feels uncertain; to respond with dignity when anger seems easier, and to inspire without needing applause.
Like the candle, they simply shine.
And the beautiful thing about light? You lose nothing by lighting another candle.
When a woman encourages another woman instead of comparing herself to them, her own light does not diminish. When she offers kindness instead of criticism, understanding instead of judgement, and generosity instead of competition, her light grows brighter. IB
THE BRAHMA KUMARIS SOUTH AFRICA + 27 67 250 9763 info @ brahmakumaris. org. za
VARTIKA BAJPAI
THE BRAHMA KUMARIS SOUTH AFRICA: DURBAN: 143 Belmont Road | 083 430 8926 | 031 563 3502 | durban @ za. brahmakumaris. org MUSGRAVE: 4 Southwold Mansions, 286 Musgrave Road | 084 663 3502 | musgrave @ za. brahmakumaris. org PHOENIX: 132 Chartford Road | 084 062 0066 | phoenix @ za. brahmakumaris. org VERULAM: 11 Palm Street, Grangetown | 082 451 1837 | 084 583 4361 | verulam @ za. brahmakumaris. org JOHANNESBURG: 28 Judith Street, Observatory | 066 495 1367 | johannesburg @ za. brahmakumaris. org LENASIA: 124 Rose Avenue, Ext 1 | 072 437 8339 | lenasia @ za. brahmakumaris. org SOWETO: Ekukhanyeni, 1042 Phase 3, Diepkloof | 083 742 8701 | 067 733 4786 | soweto @ za. brahmakumaris. org CENTURION: Thatchfield Crescent, 33b Moonflower Crescent | 082 446 0128 | centurion @ za. brahmakumaris. org NELSPRUIT: 16 Paperbark Street, Thorny Creek Complex | 072 118 3690 | nelspruit @ za. brahmakumaris. org CAPE TOWN: 7 Dunluce Avenue, Claremont | 077 374 1967 | capetown @ za. brahmakumaris. org PORT ELIZABETH: 8 Dan Pienaar Street, Glendinningvale | 072 117 1468 | portelizabeth @ za. brahmakumaris. org