"There must be a solution to world poverty. We can't rest till we find an early solution." Mrs Shetty thumped the table for added effect.
A round of applause followed. The fairly large crowd comprised of women from all ages, working women and homemakers too. All heavily decked up, in chiffon and silks, the discussion was on since nine in the morning.
The topic of poverty touched every nerve in their body. They met every second Saturday of each month.
Mrs Kamala Shetty, the secretary of "Women against exploitation" club, was an extremely vocal and capable woman. She had organized club meetings three years in a row. Advertised club activities in local magazines and newspapers too.
Some T.V channels had interviewed her some time back. They all gave them a thumbs up for the good cause they supported.
Breaking up for lunch, they soon formed small groups. They agreed on this five star resort as the best place to gather. Great ambience, delicious food.
The AC had been giving some trouble since morning, but a thundering rebuke from Mrs Shetty had the hotel staff quickly fixing the problem. The women had paid through their nose to get this place for themselves, so things needed to be up to the mark.
The discussion soon veered to errant hubbies, nosy maids, annoying kids over lunch.
"Wah, where did you find these lovely earrings?" asked someone.
All eyes turned to her, Mrs Sharma, indisputably the prettiest of the group, blushed. She loved the attention. She'd do anything to grab that extra compliment.
Heavy discussion continued in the afternoon session. Everyone had a say. Mrs Shetty was a good coordinator. She could bring out the best in every body.
"Good, we kicked out Shamala last time. She and her great ideas." said Vyjanti. She hated her.
"How shabbily dressed she was, remember? And to think she wanted us to actually visit slums and know their problems firsthand.."
"What a bore she had been," they all chorused as one.
The meeting culminated with gift hampers for everyone.
"Wow. This is awesome. I must make it a point to attend every meeting hereafter," said Meeta, a newcomer. Everyone laughed. They all came here for the goodies, though none would dare admit it.
After another hour of chitchat, admiring one another's appearances, topped with crucial gossip, the women dispersed.
This matter of women's empowerment really gripped them hard.
They must discuss some more in the next meeting.
