Flames of Tanmaya Speak...

(Flames of Tanmaya is the name suggested by the core members of Goal Orientation Programme.)

On June 17, 2024, the Tanmaya Provincial House buzzed with a sense of purpose and unity as the Province Leadership Team hosted a transformative Goal Orientation Programme (GOP) for its younger members. 45 sisters from the 1994 to 2017 batches gathered for this event, themed ‘Gratitude.’ It was a joint venture between the PLT and the core group members of the GOP. The gathering aimed to inspire and foster a spirit of thankfulness.. “

The day commenced with a profound and meaningful prayer service led by Sr. Laveena, the Coordinator of GOP, emphasized gratitude towards the province, the sisters, and the congregation.

As part of the ceremony, Srs. Molly and Priyanka carried a lit candle, a powerful symbol of the connection and inspiration shared among different generations of sisters, encouraging each to be a guiding flame for others.

Sr. Sangeeta, the Councillor in charge of GOP, warmly welcomed the gathering, acknowledging their commitment and enthusiasm.  Her words set a positive tone for the day. The event featured insightful sessions from sisters Vineeta, Neha, and Nidhi, who shared their experiences and wisdom. Sr. Vineeta began by recounting her journey of embracing adversity and cherishing the blessings bestowed upon her by God, the sisters, and the province. She recited a poignant poem by her friend Grace David, highlighting the intrinsic resilience within human vulnerability and the pursuit of happiness.

Following this, Sr. Neha energized the room with a dynamic session highlighting the importance of recognizing the sisters as the community's most valuable resources. By prioritizing the well-being and support of one another, she stressed that everything else naturally falls into place.

The programme then transitioned into a group discussion where the sisters, divided into seven groups, deliberated on two pivotal questions: their experiences of gratitude towards the congregation and their insights on the future of religious life amidst the current political climate. The discussions were rich and varied, reflecting the deep gratitude the sisters felt for the formation, education, love, care, and numerous opportunities provided by the congregation. They acknowledged the challenging and risky future but emphasized the importance of trust in the Lord, vigilance, unity, and continuous self-improvement.

In the afternoon, the sisters shared their collective insights. The conversations revealed a profound appreciation for the congregation's support in various aspects of life, including spiritual growth, medical care, and the development of personal and professional skills. There was a shared awareness of the impending challenges due to the political climate, but also a strong resolve to remain united, vigilant, and proactive.

The day's final session was led by Sr. Nidhi, who posed a thought-provoking question: "How do you want to spend the rest of your life? As a Maximizer, as a Maintainer, or as a Minimizer?" She encouraged the sisters to adopt the qualities of a maximizer—being trendsetters, striving for excellence, expanding their horizons, and walking the extra mile. Her words were a call to action, urging the sisters to become the 'Flames of Tanmaya,' inspiring change and growth within the community.

Laveena D Souza, Tanmaya/India