Shimla, March 8:
The Women and Child Development Department celebrated International Women’s Day with a special programme at the Gaiety Theatre today. Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap attended the event as the chief guest.
The programme began with the chief guest lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner said that women have the ability to create history in every field. He said that times have changed and women are now working shoulder to shoulder with men in every sector. Girls play a leading role in the development of the nation and the world.
He highlighted that women are currently serving as administrative officers in Lahaul-Spiti district, and their work is being widely appreciated. Education, he said, plays a crucial role in making women self-reliant.
He also shared that a new batch of 18 judges has recently arrived for training, out of which 17 are women, which he described as a matter of pride. He added that society has moved beyond the era of limitations and that girls are now studying even in Sainik Schools.
The Deputy Commissioner urged parents to remain concerned about their daughters’ education, health and careers. He said women possess strong willpower and should explore new opportunities in the age of technology to become self-reliant. True women’s empowerment, he added, will happen when women support each other. “No one can build a society better than women,” he said.
Child Welfare Committee Chairperson Santosh Sharma said that women are not only the pillars of the home but are also reaching great heights in various fields. She said women symbolize strength in every form — whether it is the courage of Kalpana Chawla, the determination of Mary Kom, or the unconditional love of mothers. Today women are excelling as doctors, engineers, pilots and protectors of the nation.
Principal of Fine Arts College Dr. Kamayani Bisht said that women are making their mark in every field through their outstanding work. She emphasized that boys and girls should be raised equally and there should be no gender discrimination. She added that women deserve equality, respect and the freedom to make decisions. When a woman is educated and empowered, the entire family, society and nation progress.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner also participated in a signature campaign.
Among those present were ADM (Law and Order) Pankaj Sharma, Child Welfare Committee members Kiran Okta and Usha Rathore, District Programme Officer Mamta Paul, along with Anganwadi workers and other officials.
Students and Achievers Honoured
Several meritorious students of Classes 10 and 12 from different government schools were honoured during the programme. Under the DHI initiative, many young sportspersons who have excelled at national and international levels in badminton, kabaddi, volleyball, fencing, taekwondo, grappling, cricket and kickboxing were also felicitated.
Anganwadi workers, members of Nari Seva Sadan, and various Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were also honoured for their outstanding work.
In the Best Self-Help Group category, Jai Maa Shali of Block Basantpur secured first place, followed by Krishna Self Help Group of Block Tutu in second place. In the Best Village Organisation category, Shiv Shakti secured first position. In the Best Cluster Level Federation category, Nayi Disha CLF secured first place.
Participants who presented cultural performances during the programme were also honoured.
