International Women’s Day celebrated across State with enthusiasm, zeal

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 8: International Women’s Day was celebrated across the State with enthusiasm and zeal.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and Member Parliament (MP) Mehbooba Mufti said objective of observing the International Women’s Day is to change the way the society treats the women and ensure a world where the only limit on them is their talent not their gender. She said the responsibility to provide a conducive and protective atmosphere to the girl child rests first with the family and then the society at large. Mehbooba said the PDP-BJP coalition Government headed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had introduced some path-breaking women welfare schemes including Laadli Beti, Aasra and Marriage Assistance in the State to address the concerns of girl child right from the birth to adulthood and provide financial security to them. “As we celebrate International Women’s Day this year let us also bear in mind that the struggle is far from over. Women’s empowerment should never be reduced to individual success stories. It should be about collective well-being”, she said.
To commemorate the International Women’s Day, the J&K State Women’s Development Corporation (JKSWDC) in collaboration with the Government Women’s College Parade, today organized an impressive function in the College auditorium. Advisor to Governor Khurshid Ahmed Ganai was the chief guest, while Secretary Social Welfare Department, Sanjiv Verma was guest of honour on the occasion. Director Social Welfare, Veerji Hangloo, Managing Director, JKSWDC, Nahid Soz, Managing Director J&K SC/ST Corporation, YP Suman, Principal GWC Parade, Prof Renu Goswami and large number of women entrepreneurs, members of various Self Help Groups (SHGs) sponsored by JKSWDC from across the State, faculty members and college students were present on the occasion. JKSWDC also organized a 2-day exhibition-cum-sale of goods produced by the SHGs in the college premises, which was inspected by the Advisor. Highlighting the importance of the day, Khurshid Ahmed Ganai said that entire world celebrates this day with lot of enthusiasm to highlight the endeavors and achievements of the women in different spheres of life which give them courage and freedom to perform much better in life. Advisor also distributed prizes amongst the members of SHGs who excelled in entrepreneurs activities. He also released broachers on the achievements of the corporation. The artists of Information Department, students of GWC Parade and beneficiaries associated with SHGs presented a colourful bonanza of cultural items based on social evils.
On the occasion of International Women Day, BJP Mahila Morcha under its State President Purnima Sharma organized a programme, wherein BJP State President and MLA Sat Sharma was the chief guest. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao State Convener SS Bijral, Former MoS and MLA Priya Sethi, MLA Rajesh Gupta and Heritage School Chairperson Sunita Mahajan addressed the gathering.
Five women including Police Officer Shakti Sharma, Yoga Expert Prem Lata, Handicrafts field activists Nirmal Kour and Suman Ranawat and prominent NGO activist Sushma were felicitated for having achieved distinctions in their respective fields.
To mark the International Women’s Day, District Administration Kathua organised a mega awareness programme at mini sports stadium, Hiranagar. MLA Hiranagar Kuldeep Raj, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Ramesh Kumar and SSP Kathua Neeva Jain were present on the occasion. Women folks from all walks of life besides ASHA and Anganwadi Wokers, health workers, school and college students turned  out in large number to participate in the event. A scintillating song performance on ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ theme by the artists of District Information Centre Kathua was highly appreciated by the audience. Cash prize was also conferred upon the anganwadi workers and ASHA worker along with mother of fully immunized girl child. Outstanding female performers in the field of sports of Sub Division Hiranagar were also felicitated during the event.
On the eve of International Women’s day, CPI(M) held a convention  in Anantnag district to express solidarity with women’s struggles for equality and emancipation. Addressing the convention CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said “The exponential increase in violence against women requires contrary effort to build up broad based resistance through united actions by women organizations and groups”.
Pardesh Mahila Congress organized a meeting of its workers, which was presided over by its President Indu Pawar. Pawar in her address said that today’s women is educated and well equipped to handle any situation may it is in house hold or in social life or administrative capacity.
Rotary Club Jammu Tawi celebrated International Women’s Day, wherein large number of women took part. On the occasion, DGP K Rajendra Kumar was the chief guest, while DC Jammu Simrandeep Singh was the guest of honour. President, Rotary Club Jammu Tawi Ashok Gupta along with K Rajendra Kumar and Simrandeep Singh honoured prominent women from Jammu for their relentless efforts towards upliftment of women folk. K Rajendra Kumar and Simrandeep Singh in their speeches highlighted the importance of the day and emphasized on all the participants to give respect to the women. They also applauded the efforts of Rotary Club Jammu Tawi especially its President Ashok Gupta for organizing the function and recognizing the social services rendered by the ladies towards society.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, K Vijaya Rajendra, Chairperson, Jammu and Kashmir Police Wives Welfare Association was felicitated by ADGP Hqs. VK Singh, ADGP CID SM Sahai, and AIG (Personnel) Tahir Sajad Bhat, on behalf of all ranks of J&K Police in the presence of K Rajendra Kumar, Director General of Police, J&K. K Vijaya Rajendra has contributed immensely in various welfare activities including, inter-alia, development of Police-Public Schools, welfare of NOKs of Police Martyrs, organizing medical camps/inter School competitions, Police-Public Melas, inter-school girls sports activities and establishing Gym and Creche in Women Police Battalions.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir Prof Khurshid Iqbal Andrabi said the incidence of crime against women “appears to be on rise and the society has to come forward to fight this disturbing trend”. He said this during a seminar titled “Sensitization of Police and Media Personnel in Curbing Violence Against Women” organised by the University’s Women’s Studies Centre in collaboration with Dean College Development Council, Department of Student’s Welfare and Department of Law to mark the International Women’s Day. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Central Kashmir Range), Ghulam Hassan Bhat and Dean Students Welfare, Prof Fayaz Ahmad also spoke on the occasion. On the occasion, a documentary titled ‘Eve’s Silent Nightmares’, produced by Dr Saleema Jan from KU’s EMMRC was also screened.
NSS unit of KC College of Education organized extension lecture on “Women Empowerment” to commemorate International Women’s Day, which was chaired by Dr Shamima Bano, Principal, Adnan Syed, Munsiff Judicial Magistrate from District Legal Services Authority and Sonia Thakur, Creative Head from KC Public School.
To commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Dogra Group of Educational Institutions and to create awareness and sense of social service especially among youth, Dogra College of Education celebrated International Women’s Day and inaugurated Chairman’s Gallery in College Campus in Bari Brahmana. The chief guest on the occasion was Khurshid Ahmed Ganai, Advisor to Governor. Shefali Sharma, Principal Dogra College of Education presented the welcome address. SC Khajuria, Director Administration and Campus Development and Gulchain Singh Charak, Chairman Dogra Educational Trust were also present. A symposium on the theme “Empowerment of Women” was organized by the NSS unit of Dogra College of Education.
Ramisht College of Education, Basohli organised a programme on International Women’s Day. A symposium on women empowerment was organized, in which ten students took part. Principal of the college inspired the participants to take part in such activities in future also.
Students of Yogananda College of Engineering and Technology (YCET) organized ‘Collage Making and Slogan Writing Competition’ to celebrate International Women’s Day. The theme of the competition was ‘Say No to Violence against Women’. Faculty members, staff and all the students of YCET participated in the event which was organized by TNL Club under the guidance of Er Sakshi Sharma, the club co-ordinator. Er Vidhi S Singh, Chairman, JGEI, Shiv Dev Singh Jamwal, Vice Chairman, JGEI, and Er Renu Bangroo, Managing Director, JGEI called upon the participants to generate and foster greater awareness towards ‘Violence against women among people’.
NSS Unit of Trikuta Degree College, Nardni-Raipur celebrated International Women’s Day and organized symposium on “Women Empowerment”. Sambhvi, Sonakshi and Asif claimed first, second and third positions respectively and were awarded accordingly. A skit was also presented by the students on the topic ‘Dowry system”. Chairperson Suman Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion, while Sunita Mangotra, Principal was also present.
International Women’s day was celebrated enthusiastically in Rajiv Gandhi Memorial College of Education, Kathua by holding a seminar on the topic “Women are not born weak but they are made weak”. Eight students spoke on the topic by highlighting various hurdles and problems being faced by the women of the country. A cultural programme was also organized. Dr GP Sachdev, Principal was also present.
NSS wing of MC Khalsa College of Education celebrated valedictory function after three days long activities to celebrate International Women’s Day. At the onset Principal Dr Madhu Singh gave detailed information to the students about the importance of celebrating Women’s Day. Harbans Singh, Managing Trustee member was the chief guest on the valedictory function. A Play was presented by the students on the theme “Status of Women in present day society” which was highly appreciated by the audience. A presentation was given on “Problem of working women of 21st century” by Dr Madhu Singh.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, essay writing competition on the topic “Challenges that women face in the modern society” and Rangoli Competition were organized by Population Education and Adult and Continuing Education Club of Sant Mela Singh College of Education. Prof Anmol Singh was the chief guest, while Dr Kiran Luthra, Principal of the college was also present. In essay writing competition, Damini Sharma stood first, Manpreet Kour and Nikha Rani bagged second prize, Keerti and Paramdeep Kour were declared third. In Rangoli Competition, Group 2 (Nazia and Bhawana), Group 6 (Rasmeet Kour and Mandeep Kour) and Group 4 (Mansi and Swati Yadav) secured first, second and third positions respectively.
An inter college slogan writing competition on the theme “Rejuvenating Self Respect and Honour” was organized by Chenab College of Education, Kaluchack on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Students from various colleges took part in the competition, wherein MC Khalsa College of Education, MIER College of Education and the host college claimed first, second and third positions respectively. The performances of the students were judged by Dr Divya Aggarwal, working with WEHO, RS Chib, Chairman of the College and Kamaldeep Kour, Principal of the college. An extension lecture was also organized on the occasion.
NSM College of Education celebrated International Women’s Day. A symposium was organised on the theme “Women Empowerment”. Parneesh Mahajan, Secretary NSM Group of Institutions, Principal Dr Suman Thussu, Administrative Officer Mangal Dass and staff members were present on the occasion. Anshu, Sonam and Amitesh were adjudged best speakers of the day.
WDC Unit of Government College of Education, Jammu celebrated International Women’s Day. A collage-cum-poster making competition was organised on the theme “Contribution of eminent women in various fields”, wherein Pankhuri, Nisha and Diksha clinched first, second and third positions respectively. Principal of the college, Dr Koushal Samotra was the chief guest.
International Women’s Day was celebrated at GDC Akhnoor by organizing a lecture on “Woman Empowerment” followed by exhibition of hand made things. Principal of the college Prof SP Sharma was chief guest. Dr Surbhi was the resource person on the occasion, who aware the students about the health and then to empower themselves.
Government Degree College for Women celebrated International Women’s Day. Dr Satinder Singh, Principal presided over the function. NSS volunteers presented colourful cultural items. A skit on women issues was also presented by NSS volunteers, followed by poem recitation.
Jammu Sanskriti School Kathua celebrated International Women’s Day. A seminar under the guidance of Principal Shuchita Gupta was organized on the occasion in which all the teachers shared their views on gender equality and the burning topic save girls and educate them.
Shiv Public Higher Secondary School, Sari Rakhwalan, Ghou Manhasan Road celebrated International Women’s Day by organizing a debate competition on “women empowerment” to acquaint the students about gender sensitivity. Principal Mehak Manhas distributed prizes among the winners. Managing Director Shiv Salaria was also present.
Jammu Sanskriti School celebrated International Women’s Day by organizing poster making and colouring activity for students. Activities for teachers were also organized. The program was held under the supervision of Coordinators Prabhjot Kour, Varuna Mangotra and Nidhi Kohli. School Management and Principal were also present on the occasion.
International Women’s Day was celebrated at Government Higher Secondary School, Pouni. On the occasion, HOD DIET Reasi was the chief guest while BDO Pouni was guest of honor. Principal HSS Pouni threw light on the importance of the day.
International Women’s Day was celebrated in District Legal Aid Clinic Kheora under the guidance of Chairman District Legal Services Authority Inder Singh. In the programme large number of people took part including women, sarpanchs, panchs, para legal volunteers, retainer lawyers and employees of legal services authority. Speakers threw light on the importance of the day and gave detailed information of schemes incorporated for legal aid to the different deserving litigants especially women were highlighted.
Acknowledging women and their contribution to the world, society and its organization, Vodafone J&K Circle marked the International Women’s Day with a panel discussion on the theme “Pledge for Parity, How?” in association with ‘The Business School (TBS), Jammu University. Sharing his thoughts, Pushpinder S Gujral, Business Head, J&K, Punjab and HP, Vodafone India, said, “Vodafone India has always laid great emphasis on equal rights and opportunities for our employees and our policies encourage women employees to aspire for and achieve their career ambitions”. The prominent women professionals from J&K who graced the panel were Sushma Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner, Resai, Avny Lavasa, SDM, Jammu North, Prof Neelu Rometra, The Business School, Rector Kathua and Billawar Campus and Founder Director ICccR & HRM, Anita Sharma, SSP, Armed Forces, Ladies Battalion, Dr Ravinder Madan, Gyanecologist, Madan Hospital and Roma Wani, General Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu & Kashmir. The panel discussion was concluded with vote of thanks by Prof BC Sharma, Director, TBS and Prof Alka Sharma, Prof, TBS, Jammu University.
LIC employees under the banner of Northern Zone Insurance Employees’ Association celebrated International Women Day. Women sub committee of Northern Zone Insurance Employees Association held a meeting in which women sub committee members Com Alkiya Sharma and Com Rekha Sharma deliberated about the importance of the day. Com Pawan Gupta Divisional Secretary NZIEA Srinagar Division along with other Divisional Committee members Com Romesh Chand, Com Raj Kumar and Com Dinesh Sharma were also present in the meeting.
To celebrate the International Women’s Day, Territorial Army based in Ramban under the aegis of 11 Sector RR, Delta Force and Nirvana Academy organized a programme in Community Hall, Maitra. Commander 11 Sector RR was the chief guest while Officiating Commanding Officer 109 INF Battalion (TA) Maratha LI presided over the function. As many as seven women from different section of society were felicitated for their outstanding contribution in their respective field in the programme. A colorful dance and singing performances were also performed by girls of various schools.
Celebrating International Women’s Day, J&K Bank organized ‘Free Medical Camps for Females Only’ at Iqbal Park in Srinagar and Rajinder Park in Jammu. The camp at Srinagar was supported by the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) as the Institute provided a team of lady doctors across various faculties. Help Poor Voluntary Trust (HPVT), Abbott India Limited and SD Biosensor Health Care Private Limited also extended their support to the camp. The camp at Rajinder Park was organized in association with Maxxlyfe Hospital and Trauma Center. More than 1200 women visited the twin medical camps in Srinagar and Jammu, wherein specialists in Gynecology Dr Cimona L Saldanha, Dr Mehvish and Dr Uma Kohli, Ophthalmology Dr Jasiya and Dr RK Mengi, Medicine Dr Sheenam and Dr Dushyant Chowdhary, Orthopedics Dr Harish Deng and Endocrinology Dr Mehroosa examined, counseled and prescribed them treatment. The bank distributed free medicines among the patients who visited the camps. More than 500 free investigations like Blood Sugar, Uric Acid, Lipid Profile, HB and HBA 1 (C) of the patients were conducted at the Clinical Labs set by SD Biosensor Health Care Private Limited in Srinagar and Maxxlyfe in Jammu.
Jamola Nehru Youth Club and NABARD jointly celebrated International Women’s Day at Dhra Border District Poonch. On the occasion, the participants were made aware of various Central Government sponsored scheme for the welfare of women. Mohammad Nasir Khan, president, JNYC, Ravinder Singh, RSETC Poonch, Mohammad Shafiq, Social Worker and Akis Naseer were also present.
International Women’s Day was celebrated by BJP Mahila Morcha, Samba. Monika Sharma was the chief gyest, while secretaries Monika Khosla and Sushma Gupta, Rama Khajuria, District President, Pramila Sharma vice president, Shashi Negi general secretary Mahila Morcha were also present. Nav Usha—a nukkad play was performed on the occasion. The story of the play was written and directed by Naveen Pal. The artists, who acted the play, were Usha Sharma, Naveen Pal, Santosh Basotra and Kanchan.
Jammu Police while celebrating International Women’s Day deployed women police in District Jammu to perform various activities i.e Naka Checking, Traffic Management, Vehicle Checking/Challan under Motor Vehicle Act at Naka points Bakshi Nagar, Nowabad, City and Pacca Danga. Special briefing sessions were conducted at DPL Jammu regarding women empowerment and rights of women.
On International Women’s Day, a massive awareness programme was organized by Purkhoo Branch of Jammu Women Credit Co-operative Limited at Purkhoo. Chairman, J&K Grameen Bank, RK Chibber was chief guest while Virender Sharma was guest of honour. In her welcome address Namarta Jamwal complier of JWCCL threw light on the functioning of the organization. Chairperson Kailash Verma, Seema Jamwal incharge Purkhoo Branch of JWCCL, Indu Sharma Vice Principal Co-operative Training Institute, Kanchan Sharma one of the Board of Director, Tribunal Court, social worker Preeti Chowdhary also expressed their views on women issue. On the occasion, RK Chibber distributed clothes to economically weaker women of the society.
To salute the ‘Women Power’ on International Women’s Day, a grand event was organized by 16 Maratha Li, under the aegis of Kargil Sentinels Bde, in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Kargil at Army Goodwill School, Harka Bahadur. Women from the borders villages of Kargil region participated in the event. Archoo Sehar, Marzia Banoo, Member (YAKJAH), Fiza Banoo, Volunteer NYKS and Sweta Priyadarshan, Coordinator, Army Goodwill School, Harka Bahadur besides other military and civil dignitaries also attended the event. The event including talks by professional on subjects of women health, need for women empowerment and schemes run by the Government for progress of women. Thereafter, ten inspiring local women were felicitated for working selflessly towards the betterment of the society. The event ended by motivational speeches by the chief guest Sayeed Abbas Rizvi, Executive Councilor RD LAHDC, Kargil and the guest of honour Colonel Manish Priyadarshan.
Rashtriya Rifles Battalion at Kalakote under the aegis of Rashtriya Rifles Counter Insurgency Uniform Force Headquarters, Reasi on the eve of International Women’s Day piloted an Op Sadbhavna project of empowering the women with driving skills to make them self-reliant to manage their daily household chores. A driving training capsule course has been organized for women of twenty days at Kalakote with the initial participation of ten women. The successfully trained participants will be tested by RTO for the process of issuance of learner’s license.
On the eve of International Women’s Day, a meeting of JKNPP was held under the leadership of its general secretary Anita Thakur where it was resolved that women should be treated equally at par with men in every sphere of life including politics, governance, religion and social sectors. Asha Rani, State Secretary, NPSU, Jeevan Jyoti, Radha Sharma, Koshika Sharma, Bandana Sharma, Neeru Gupta, Usha Jamwal, Babli Manhas and Sonia also expressed their views.
Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing today organized Civic Action Awareness Programme on the occasion of International Women’s Day at Zanana Park, Jammu. Speaking on the occasion, Director, Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing O P Sharma said that involving women in protecting the environment would help societies develop the sense responsibility needed to maintain a good balance between humans and the earth’s resources. A special cultural programme was also presented by the artists.
A legal awareness camp on the occasion of International Women’s Day was organised at Kehli Mandi under the supervision of Chairman District Legal Services Authority, Principal District and Session Judge, ML Manhas, in collaboration with Chairman Tehsil Legal Services Committee, Sub-Judge RK Dubey, DSWO Mushtaq Chowdhary and CDPO Deepak Kumar. RK Dubey apprised the women about their legal rights, while DSWO informed the women about various schemes being run by the Social Welfare Department. A cultural programme celebrating the empowerment of women was also organised by Information Department.
On the eve of International Women’s Day, Mahila Mandal, Sant Shri Asaram Bapu Ashram, Bhagvati Nagar today took out a rally throughout main bazaars of the city of temples to focus on the role of women in society, their rights, equality and respect.
Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidhyaliya organised a programme on international Women Day. Former MoS for Education Priya Sethi was the chief guest. Sheela Koul Handoo was also present as guest of honour. A large number of women folk attended the programme. Rajyogni BK Sudarshan, BK Meena from RS Pura, Dr Veena from Bantalab and others expressed their views regarding issues related to women.
At Srinagar District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) organized a seminar on International Women’s Day at District Court Complex, Sannat Ghar, Bemina Srinagar. A seminar was held under the chairmanship of Principal District and Sessions Judge Srinagar, Rashid Ali Dar. Chief Judicial Magistrate, Shazia Tabasum, Additional Special Mobile Magistrate, Traffic and Secretary, DLSA, Abdul Baari, Sub Registrar, District Session Court, Srinagar, Fayaz Qureshi besides many others were present on the occasion.
At Baramulla an awareness programme was organised by Tehsil Legal Services Committee Baramulla at Court premises Chandoosa Baramulla. The awareness camp was aimed at providing awareness to the people especially the women folk about their rights and duties. A special programme was also organised by Tehsil Legal Services Committee Pattan at Court complex Pattan. Sub-Judge Pattan was the chief guest on the occasion. During the programme awareness regarding different aspects of women empowerment and the rights of women were highlighted.
A seminar was today held at Government Degree College for Women Baramulla. District Development Commissioner, Yasha Mudgal was the chief guest on the occasion. Principal Government Degree College, Prof Parveen Pandit and various other academicians were also present.
Yasha Mudgal highlighted various issues being faced by women, notably dowry, female foeticide and infanticide. DDC expressed concern over the declining sex ratio in the society.
In Anantnag district, an awareness programme was held on International Women’s Day to create mass awareness about the rights of women and to acknowledge their achievements. The awareness programme themed ‘Empowering Women-Empowering Humanity, planet 50-50 by 2030, set it up for gender equality’ was organized by ICDS Anantnag under the flagship scheme Beti Bachao Beti Padhao at the Auditorium of Degree College Boys, Anantnag. Speaking on the occasion, DC Anantnag, Muneer ul Islam said that the multifaceted role played by women needs to be appreciated and promoted. DC felicitated various girls for their achievements in different fields.
At Pulwama, a function was organized by J&K Yateem Trust in collaboration with District Administration Pulwama at Town Hall Pulwama. On the occasion, Assistant Commissioner Development, Pulwama said that the day also aims to initiate more effective actions to safe guard the rights of women in the society.
A seminar was held in collaboration with District Legal Services Authority, Srinagar and Degree College Bemina at College premises. On the occasion, Secretary DLSA, Abdul Bari highlighted the legal rights of women folk.
At Bandipora, a function to commemorate International Women’s Day was organised by Tehsil Legal Services Committee Bandipora at Higher Secondary School Aloosa. Principal District and Session Judge Bandipora, MA Malik chaired the function while as CJM Bandipora, Munsiff Bandipora, Tehsildar Aloosa, Principal of School, senior advocates and citizens besides the students participated in it. The speakers highlighted the importance of the day and spoke about the legal rights of women.
On the eve of International Women’s Day, Namrta Sharma, State General Secretary, Pradesh Congress Committee while speaking at a function held at Bishnah strongly advocate the equality of women in the society and pledge to fight with gender discrimination which is still prevalent in various sphere of society.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Tehsil Legal Services Committee, Reasi under the chairmanship of Kamlesh Pandit, Chairman, Tehsil Legal Services Committee organized a Legal Awareness Camp. During the camp, speakers made participants aware about the rights of women and their duties towards the upliftment of the women fold in the society.

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