Aarohan

Aarohan, meaning “to rise,” perfectly captures the spirit of Zone 1 at the Inner Wheel District 314 District Rally 2025.
Zone 1 achieved a momentous victory, emerging First Place Winners with their spectacular dance drama “Gajendra Moksha.” The performance beautifully depicted the divine story of faith, surrender, and liberation, symbolizing the essence of Aarohan – the rise of the soul through devotion.
Zone 1 also secured a Consolation Prize – Firdaus Atlaswala (IWC Bombay North) – in the ISO Saree Draping Competition at the District Rally.
The Story of Gajendra Moksha
The mythological tale narrates how Gajendra, the elephant king, was once caught in the powerful grip of a crocodile in a lake. Despite his immense strength, he could not free himself. In a moment of surrender, he lifted a lotus and called out to Lord Vishnu for help. Moved by his pure devotion, Lord Vishnu descended from Vaikuntha and rescued Gajendra, granting him moksha (liberation).
Through expressive dance and music, Zone 1 brought this powerful story to life – a reminder that true strength lies not in power, but in faith and humility. The Rampwalk in Red, symbolizing the many emotions of womanhood, and the soulful singing performance “Sakhi Saheli,”celebrating friendship, further showcased Zone 1’s creativity, coordination, and artistic depth.
This remarkable achievement was made possible under the inspiring leadership of DC Lakshmi Singh and team, rally chairman PDC Pallavi Choksi and DS Monila Bhattasali Zone 1 led by Zonal Coordinator Kavita Waghani (IWC Bombay Queen’s Tiara), with Sir Neville, Imran Sir, and Memaji guiding the creative vision for the dance drama, rampwalk, and singing respectively.
The core committee – Ishita & Jaya (IWC Bombay Hanging Garden), Camy and Munira (IWC Bombay Pier), and Sangeeta (IWC Bombay Pier Tiara) – managed coordination and session flow seamlessly. Kashmira Vaghani & Bhairavi Daftary (IWC Bombay Queen’s Necklace) led script writing, visualization, and venue logistics with excellence, while Vidhi Shah conceptualized and designed the performance aesthetics.
Special thanks to Gopika Doshi (President, IWC Bombay Queen’s Tiara) for arranging the perfect practice venue; Aamir Bhai for costumes; Pradeep Bhai for hair and makeup; and Rupesh for creating the impactful AV. Heartfelt appreciation to Shilpa Mehta (IWC Bombay) for lending her soulful voice to the recording.
Our backstage support team ensured flawless execution – Nita Doshi, Varsha Kapadia, Bhavna Shah (IWC Bombay Queen’s Necklace), Rikita Dodia (IWC Bombay Queen’s Tiara), Ashita Davda & Bharti Vikamsey (IWC Bombay Downtown). To all our performers – the dancers, the Kings, Rishis, Elephants, Crocodile, Rampwalk, and Singing Teams – your passion, unity, and spirit brought the stage to life.
Zone 1’s triumph at Aarohan – District Rally 2025 stands as a shining testament to teamwork, creativity, and the unyielding spirit of Inner Wheel, reminding us all that when we rise together – we truly Aarohan. (By Zonal Co-ordinator, Kavita Waghani)