Port Blair, Mar 08 : The Lt. Governor, Lt. Gen A. K. Singh (Retd.) today appealed to all sections of the society to encourage women to realize their potential and genius. He also emphasised the need for education of women, as education leads to empowerment and can also give them the strength to fight for their rights. The Lt. Governor said this while speaking as the chief guest at a function on the occasion of International Women’s Day celebration at JNRM auditorium. The theme for this year’s observance was “Make it happen”. The function was jointly organized by the State Social Welfare Board and Social Welfare Department.
Among others, the function was attended by the Chief Secretary Shri Anand Prakash, Smt. Rupa Ray, Chairperson, Social Welfare Board, Smti Ratna Kannan, Smt. Sheela Singh, Municipal Councillor besides a host of senior officers of the Administration and a large gathering of women.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Lt Governor, in the first instance, greeted all women on the occasion of International Women’s Day. He said it is a day of global celebration to mark the economic, political and social achievements by women, not only in India but also in the whole World. The Lt Governor said that we in A&N Islands are proud of the achievements and contribution of women in every field.
The Lt Governor said that women have greater moral strength which helps them set a good example for society. He urged the people to recognize the contribution of women in every sphere of life and also to appreciate the sacrifices she makes to take care of her family. It is the responsibility of the Administration to look after every citizen, especially women so that they get equal opportunity, rights, respect and safety, the Lt Governor added.
The Lt Governor also referred to the recent medal winning performance of the islands sportspersons and noted with appreciation that all the medal winners were women and lauded them for bringing laurels to the Islands.
The Lt Governor described women’s empowerment in one word as “freedom of choice”. He urged all to create an environment so that women can exercise their own choice. He also referred to the gender discrimination, which, he said is low here and said that women are well respected and are given opportunity in all walks of life. “Our Islands can be model to the rest of the Country as far as the respect shown to women is concerned. He requested the DGP to create an environment so that women in these islands move forward without fear.
Stating that suicidal tendencies have shown an upsurge in these islands, the Lt Governor urged one and all to put their best effort to reduce the incidence of suicide. In his message to all the women, the Lt Governor said “Since you are undoubtedly strong: first and foremost respect yourself, always give more than you receive, be confident in whatever work you do, continue to be generous, caring and forgiving but not at the cost of your dignity”.
The Lt Governor also felicitated some women for their achievements in their respective fields. The selected women included Ms Deborah, Aysha Majeed, Kanak Radha Chatterjee, Savitri Tirkey (Posthumously), Maya Rani Das, Rani Anbumalar and S J Tamil Selvi.
Ms Reeta Devi, Welfare Officer (women) Social Welfare Department spoke on the topic ‘Safeguards for women within legal framework’ and Smt. Geeta Raj, Ex –Counselor, SSWB, stressed on the need for education of women.
In her welcome address, Chairperson, Social Welfare Board, Smt Ratna Kanan highlighted the importance of International Women’s Day. She also demanded for creating an additional Female Ward at GB Pant Hospital and developing an Old Age Home for the needy people. The function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Smt. Irene Nicolas, CDPO, Social Welfare Department.
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