Gangamma: A Beacon of Tradition and Women Empowerment

Dr. Gangamma T A, the founder of Shri Rajarajeshwari Gangabhavani Temple & Shri Rajarajeshwari Mahila Samaja and Gangabhavani Mahila Cooperative Bank Tumkur, awarded with Gangalamma Awarde, Rashtriya Suputri Awarde, Bharatha Seva Ratna prashasthi award and Doctorate in the Field of Social service and divinity, have an experience of 42 years. This article tells about her life journey, her achievements, and her work for women's empowerment.

Introduction:

Dr.Gangamma T A was born in Sagar, Shimoga Dis trict, as the daughter of Mr. T.S. Arumugam and Mrs. Kamalamma. At the age of seven, she moved to Tumkur with her parents, where she found a new home. She completed her primary and high school education in Tumkur and practiced Vedic mantras during this time. Additionally, she obtained a diploma in tailoring.

In 1986, Ganagamma began her career as a priest at the Sri Rajarajeshwari Gangabhavani Temple, following in her mother’s footsteps. Later, she entered into marriage with Pandit Vidwan Sri R. Namahshivaya. Together, they both have been actively involved in both religious and social activities, particularly focusing on the empowerment of women.

Gangamma is the founder of Shri Rajarajeshwari Mahila Samaja, she says “The 200-year-old Sri Rajarajeshwari Gangabhavani Temple has given rise to the Sri Rajarajeshwari Mahila Samaj, established to provide religious and social services to the community alongside our priestly duties to Goddess Gangabhavani”.

Missions and Accomplishments:

In the year 2014-15, Gangamma and her husband established the Shri Gangabhavani Women's Co-operative Society to empower women and cultivate saving habits. As president, she has facilitated loans for women in need, promoting self-reliance through easy repayment systems and supportive installment plans.

Apart from this Gangamma has initiated various plans for women empowerment under her foundation Shri Rajarajeshwari Mahila Samaja some of them are:

1. On behalf of the Women's Society, they actively participate in national festivals such as Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Women’s Day, Republic Day, Ambedkar Jayanti, Basava Jayanti, Valmiki Jayanti, Kanaka Jayanti, Nada Habba (Kannada Rajyotsava), and World Environmental Day, among others. During these celebrations, members gather to highlight the importance of each occasion and its local significance. 
2. Gangamma and her team aim to raise awareness among children about education, culture, Sanatan Dharma, and heritage by organizing essay competitions and distributing prizes to winners to encourage their participation. Sweets will be distributed to all members and children present. 
3. The Society also invites dignitaries to provide guidance and good wishes to the members and the public. We honor these dignitaries for their contributions to society. 
4. To promote health awareness, they organize annual health camps featuring expert doctors who sensitize women members and surrounding communities about health, child well-being, and environmental cleanliness.
5. They also recognize academic excellence by inviting students who score over 85% in SSLC and PUC across the district, along with political representatives and senior officers. In every year they award 350 to 400 students, helping them build self-confidence and prepare for the competitive world ahead. 
6. On Children's Day, Gangamma visits disability centers with her women members, Missions of the Women's Society organize competitions, and award prizes to winners, while also distributing sweets and rice meals to foster self-confidence among disabled children. 
7. On Mother's Day, they visit an old age home in Maidala near Tumkur city, providing fruits, sweets, and essential items to the elderly. 
8. The "Gangashree" award is presented to women achievers in the community who have dedicated five consecutive years to social service.

For her work, Gangamma received many awards like:

• Honored by the Mayor of Tumkur Municipal Corporation. 
• Recognized by State Awardee Smt. Narasammanavar, a distinguished midwife. 
• In 2012, honored with the title of Draupadi Devi by Dr. C. Somasekhar, the then District Collector of Tumkur. 
• Received recognition from former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara. 
• Honored by the President of the Zilla Sahitya Parishad, KuII Ba.H. Ramakumar. 
• On Women's Day in 2021, received the Women's Achievement Award Honors and Awards from the Matrusree Srimati Gangamalamma Gangadharaiah Memorial Foundation, presented by Dr. G. Parameshwara. 
• On September 1, 2023, honored by Atmasree Kannada Cultural Pratisthan in Basaveshwar Nagar, Bangalore.Congratulated and recognized at the Women's Conference "Narishakti Sangam," organized by the Jana Kalyana Trust at Sri Siddhivinayak Bhawan. 
• Awarded the 'National Daughter' award by Atmasree Kannada Cultural Foundation. 
• Honored with the 'Bharat Seva Ratna' award by the Kannadambe Social and Cultural Association in Bangalore. 
• Received an honorary doctorate from the Kannada Cultural Foundation. 
• Global Women Inspiration Awards & Conclave 2024 – She gained recognition for her outstanding example in advancing opportunities for women in leadership. The award was presented on October 17, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Dwaraka, New Delhi, by Hypedge Network India in partnership with SheInspire. Additionally, she received the Certificate of Excellence as one of the Top 100 Inspirational Women of 2024, awarded on the same date and at the same location.

Future Mission:

Looking to the future, Gangamam aims to maintain the Sri Rajarajeshwari Gangabhavani Temple building, which is currently being reconstructed, and to continue her efforts in women's empowerment through cooperative societies. Gangamma and her team are also launching new projects that promote self-reliance, and we have a strong desire to establish an old age home for the elderly in need.

Gangama’s life is a testament to the power of determination, faith, and community service. Through her work, Gangama has not only uplifted her community but has also set a remarkable example of what it means to be a leader in both the spiritual and social spheres.