Port Blair, March 8: To mark the International Women’s Day, a function was organised by the A&N State Social Welfare Board in the auditorium of Tagore Govt. College of Education, Port Blair. The First Lady of the Islands, Smt Bhawanee Singh inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial oil lamp. She also felicitated some of the eminent women of the Islands for their dedicated services towards the society and gave away prizes to participants of the cultural programme. 

Speaking on the occasion, the First Lady stated that International Women’s Day is observed throughout the world on 8th March every year which also inspires and motivates women about their ability to excel in every field and to contribute immensely towards the nation building.

She further stated that our visionary forefathers had enshrined the principle of gender equality in the fundamental rights, directive principle of our Constitution and in the fundamental duties and we had since come a long way in achieving this goal. The amendment of 1993 made in the Constitution for providing reservation of seats in the local bodies further laid a strong foundation for the participation of women in decision making at the grass root. She noted with appreciation that PRIs in the Islands are playing a pivotal role in the process of enhancing women’s participation in public life. It is a matter of pride for all of us that the Chairpersons of both the Zilla Parishads in the Islands are women.

Lauding the contribution of Social Welfare Board in the development of women in the Islands, she stated that women in the islands are better aware about their rights and secured as  compared to women of some of the other parts of the country. And if the right and dignity of women in our Islands is harmed in any form, they should not hesitate to raise their voice. Considering the increasing crime against women, the law has also given them certain provisions for their security and protection, she said. She further called upon all social workers to collectively work for the development and security of women in the society and take a pledge not to allow any form of discrimination towards women.

In his brief address, the Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Shri G. Theva Neethi Dhas said that women in the Islands have done really well in various fields. He further stated that a number of welfare schemes are being implemented for the benefit of women and there is a greater need for generating awareness about these schemes among the women folk of rural areas.        

Others, who also spoke on the occasion, included Dr. S.K. Jagpal, Vice-Principal of Khalsa Public School, Smt Zanifer Paul, Inspector, Police Women Cell, Smt Malati Mondal, President, Pronab Kanya Sangh, Dr. Manju Nair, Lecturer, JNRM and Ms Bhuneshwari, Advocate.  

Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and others, the Chairperson, SWB, Smt Ratna Kannan highlighted the importance and significance of the day. She also highlighted the activities of Social Welfare Board and the initiatives taken by the Board for the welfare of women in the Islands.  A colourful cultural programme was also held to mark the occasion.