International Women’s Day celebrated across J&K, Ladakh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 8: International Women’s Day was celebrated today across Jammu & Kashmir as well as Ladakh to mark and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and raise awareness about women equality and accelerate gender parity.
While addressing activists of Women Association of Kashmir in Srinagar on International Women’s Day, CPI (M) leader Mohd Yousuf Tarigami said amid the challenging times, the perfect way to celebrate the Day is to remind that all men and women are equal and can work together in shaping the world. Focusing on women’s issues and empowerment is what we should strive for, he said, adding thousands of women employed by the Government under various schemes like anganwadi workers and ASHA workers are not even recognized as workers and are paid a paltry amount as ‘honorarium’ or ‘incentive’. He reiterated his commitment to continue fight until achieves the goal of emancipation and a society free from exploitation. Click here to watch video
International Women’s Day program was also organized at Om Shanti Meditation Center 248/A, Brahma Kumaris Road Jammu. Former Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta was present as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, Kavinder said that a seed was sown 88 years ago which has now grown into a big tree and the main objective of the teachings of Brahma Kumaris is to eliminate evils from the society. Special guest Priya Sethi (former Minister) said that the entire universe revolves around women. Ashwani Sharma (former MLA), Yudhvir Sethi (J&K BJP vice president), Purnima Sharma (former Deputy Mayor Jammu), Rajinder Sharma (former Mayor Jammu, Chander Mohan Sharma (senior BJP leader) and BK Harbans Lal (retired session judge) were present as special guests.
A silently working social activist Saroj Mahajan was felicitated on International Women’s Day by Nami Dogri Sanstha (NDS) in collaboration with ABMBS and MASAHRA. Saroj has been working for the last about 40 years to empower the poor, physically challenged, mentally retarded, sick, helpless and socially abandoned women folk. “Nari Shakti Welfare Society” was founded by her in 1989. Vanshika Kaw (a primary level student) was also honoured for her all round outstanding potential especially in the field of singing. Both Saroj and Vanshika were presented with shawls and mementos by the dignitaries and executive body members of NDS present on the occasion.
As part of celebrations, five stations of Northern Railway viz. Firozshah on Firozpur Division, Mohali on Ambala Division, Malhaur & Manak Nagar on Lucknow division and Delhi Safdarjung on Delhi division have declared as Pink Station and trains are running by women staff on these stations. These stations are managed by lady staff and duties of Guard, Assistant Stations Master, Loco Pilot and RPF are performed by women. Pink Stations are the newest addition to the Railway. These stations are run by an all women staff and managed by them. This initiative is good way to empower women as it creates a safe space for women workers and passengers.
To mark the occasion, renowned International Wellness Coach, Dr Samita Gupta captivated over 100 eager students with her expertise on the topic “Journey of Women from Womb to Tomb, in an enlightening session at SMVD University. The expert lecture, organized by the National Service Scheme (NSS) at SMVDU, centered on crucial aspects of women’s health and wellness in contemporary society. Other members from SMVDU present on the occasion were Prof Ankush Anand, Dr Kamini Pathania and Shivani Khajuria.
International Women’s Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Police Stations of Jammu district. SP Rural Jammu along with officers of Rural Zone participated in the celebrations. Speaking on the occasion, SP Rural Zone Jammu said that the services of JK Police are always available 24×7 at Mahila Desk existing in all Police Stations; and Women Police in the JKP have been playing an important and pivotal role in solving sensitive cases related to women. SDPOs and SHOs of Rural Zone were present in the programs at their respective police stations.
Take One Television & Digital Network organized a heartening donation drive and celebration event at Mahila Jagriti Udyog Kendra Rehan Basera, aimed at uplifting underprivileged women from all walks of life. Supported by Patanjali, V Flow, and Sanjeev Caterers, the event brought together community leaders, sponsors, and volunteers in a celebration of empowerment and solidarity. Sanjeev Prabhakar, owner of Sanjeev Caterers, graced the occasion and handed over gift hampers including personal hygiene products from Patanjali and V Flow among the underprivileged women. Veena Bakshi (president, Mahila Jagriti Udyog Kendra), Mona Dogra (Team Sahara) and Sham Lal Basson (former Corporator) were also present on the occasion.
Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) observed the International Women’s Day at SCOPE Complex, New Delhi. Atul Sobti (Director General, SCOPE) calling women ‘multifaceted’ and the ’embodiment of strength and exuberance’, exhorted them to give their best and transcend to newer heights of success. The celebrations were joined by International delegates from 25 countries as part of VVGNLI program.
In a heart-warming celebration of International Women’s Day, Shrimati Shanti Gupta Centre for Women’s Studies (MIER College of Education) and its Gender Champions Club organized a nukkard natak on the UN theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” in its adopted village, Domana, Jammu. The focus of the nukkard natak was on the education and vocational training and opportunities for women and girls, as highlighted in different Government schemes. A team of 24 club members and two faculty members visited the village. The whole activity was organized under the leadership of Rupa Gupta, Joint Director MIER and Director Centre for Women’s Studies.
2 J&K Boys Battalion NCC Unit of Government Degree College (GDC) Paloura celebrated the Day by organizing a speech competition on women empowerment in which the NCC Cadets acknowledged the achievements of Indian women like Rani Laxmi Bai, Indira Gandhi, Kalpana Chawala, Sushmita Sen etc. Speaking on the occasion, Principal Prof (Dr) Ashu Vashisht informed the students that it is the day to remember women leaders and women rights activists who advocated for gender equality and gender justice.
In an inspiring gesture on International Women’s Day, Narendra Singh Bhau, a dedicated advocate for women’s empowerment, commemorated the achievements of approximately 100 homemakers who have successfully transitioned into “Lakhpati Didi” this year. Drawing inspiration from the resolute leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Bhau exemplified a commitment to uplifting and encouraging women to strive for financial prosperity. Emphasizing the importance of fostering female independence and self-sufficiency, Bhau passionately advocated for the recognition of homemakers as pillars of strength within society.
National College of Education Purkhoo Camp (Domana) celebrated International Women’s Day by organizing various activities like poem recitation, speech, songs, dances etc. Principal Dr Manju Dwivedi and Ajay Jamwal (Dean Administration) also spoke on the occasion. Senior faculty member Yashumati Jamwal said that a progressive society should be gender equal world, free of bias stereotype and discrimination.
To commemorate the Day, an event was organized by the Ganesha Academy of Martial Arts (GAMA) under the supervision of Mukesh Thakur, an International player. More than 30 women participated in the event. The event was started with the introduction of all participant women. The session included self-confidence, self-defense, and moral building which was carried out by the senior belts of the Academy.
Brahma Kumaris celebrated International Women`s Day at its Digiana Branch in Jammu. On the occasion, a campaign to reach out to the women of rural and remote border areas was inaugurated. The occasion was graced by Dr Navneet Kour (founder chairperson of NGO SUPPORT & Creative Self Employed Entrepreneurs Cooperative Limited) as chief guest. In her address, she shared the value of educating a girl child and providing skill education to the women and girls and giving them opportunities to be self empowered. Brahma Kumari Nirmal reflected on the spiritual aspect of International Women`s Day saying, the true identity of us is a soul.
Kashmir-based medico cum noted columnist Dr Tasaduk Hussain Itoo on the occasion of International Women’s Day said that it is a day to acknowledge the role of women in transforming the society and impacting lives. He said women are excelling in various fields with great competitive attitude and bringing laurels to their home states and nation at large. They deserve highest regards and honor and should be given more opportunities to express their talent and capabilities, he added.
Sankoo Campus of Government Degree College Kargil celebrated the Day with great enthusiasm. A poetry session on Motherhood was organized by Nasir Ud Din Khafi, Assistant Professor English. A documentary on life, challenges and achievements of mountaineer late Savita Kanswal was shown to the girl students. Dr Saleem Ahmed, Nodal Principal in his address urged the girl students to come forward for expressing themselves in making the Women’s Day more meaningful in real sense. Group activities -Story Telling Workshop on Indian Women Achievers and on the Spot Embroidery Competition were also organized on the occasion.
Shalz Salon and Medispa organized a captivating talk show, showcasing the remarkable achievements and inspiring journeys of esteemed women from various walks of life in Jammu. The panel featured trailblazing women representing eight different genres, each making significant strides in their respective domains. Among the distinguished panelists were Kritika Khanna (1st female para-rower), Namrata Hakhoo (founder of Hakhoo Street Animal Foundation), Preety Choudhary (first woman biker), RJ Shwetima and Dr Mitali Gupta (a leading dietitian). Many more illustrious personalities graced the stage, sharing their experiences, insights, and visions for a more inclusive future.