SILCHAR: A remarkable milestone in the journey of women’s empowerment was celebrated in Silchar as the Cachar district administration, in collaboration with the District Social Welfare Department, marked the 10th anniversary of the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ initiative organized by Sankalp: Hub for Empowerment of women, Cachar. The event, held at the auditorium of Gurucharan College, on Saturday, coincided with International Women’s Day, making it an occasion of profound significance.
The gathering was graced by an esteemed panel of doctors, social activists, educators, and achievers from diverse fields, each contributing to the overarching vision of gender equality and progress. The presence of Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Subrata Sen as the chief guest added further prestige to the event. In his keynote address, ASP Sen emphasized that a truly progressive society is built upon the pillars of women’s safety, dignity, and leadership. He urged the community to dismantle societal barriers and foster an environment where every girl can pursue her aspirations without fear or hesitation.
One of the key highlights of the celebration was the felicitation of distinguished individuals who have made remarkable contributions to society. Among the honourees were Dr. Tanushree Dev Gupta, Associate Professor at Silchar Medical College & Hospital; Anusuya Majumder, a renowned singer of Barak Valley; Dr. Jayashree Dey, Associate Professor in the Department of Social Welfare at Assam University; Sunanda Choudhary from Niranjan Paul Institute, Silchar; and Ranjit Dutta, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Cachar Zilla Parishad. Their inspiring journeys stand as testaments to resilience, excellence, and the transformative power of dedication.
Speaking at the event, Assistant Commissioner and In-Charge District Social Welfare Officer Anjali Kumari shed light on the far-reaching impact of the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme. She elaborated on how the initiative has transcended beyond policy frameworks, making a tangible difference in the lives of young girls by encouraging them to excel in academics, sports, and professional fields. Stressing the need for sustained efforts, she called for continued support from both the government and society to ensure that every girl receives the opportunities she rightfully deserves.
Deputy CEO of Cachar Zilla Parishad, Ranjit Dutta, further enriched the discourse by highlighting the pivotal role of local governance in advancing women’s welfare. He underscored the necessity of strengthening self-help groups, fostering women’s entrepreneurship, and ensuring financial independence, particularly in rural areas. His words resonated deeply, reinforcing the belief that true empowerment begins at the grassroots level, with communities playing an active role in uplifting women.
Beyond policy discussions, the event also celebrated the cultural and artistic contributions of women. Acclaimed singer Anusuya Majumder delivered an impassioned address on the influence of art and music in shaping societal perspectives. She emphasized the need for greater representation of women’s stories in literature, cinema, and performing arts, advocating for cultural expressions that challenge stereotypes and honour the indomitable spirit of womanhood.
Adding further depth to the event, Dr. Jayashree Dey, Associate Professor in the Department of Social Welfare, Assam University, spoke eloquently on the essence of true empowerment. She underscored the importance of recognizing women’s voices in decision-making processes, emphasizing that their perspectives are vital in shaping family choices, education, and career paths. Her speech reinforced the urgency of ensuring that women are given due recognition in every sphere of life.
The highlight of the event was an emotionally stirring performance by visually impaired artist Rudrani Das, whose soul-stirring voice left the audience mesmerized. In a historic moment, her music album was officially released, marking a significant milestone in her artistic journey. Having been honoured for her outstanding musical achievements at Assam University in 2023, Rudrani continues to break barriers, proving that talent knows no limitations.
Women achievers from various domains, including security personnel, health workers, ASHA, ANM, Anganwadi workers, helpers, Sakhis of ASRLM and other professionals, were also felicitated and honoured for their outstanding contributions. Their stories served as powerful reminders of resilience, dedication, and the unwavering spirit of women striving for excellence, stated a press release.
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