Port Blair, March 15: The International Women’s Day 2021 was celebrated by ISMAT (Islanders Social Movement for Awareness and Training) – a women’s initiative on 13th March  2021 at Ummat Public School, Middle Point, Port Blair. Around 65 women from various walks of life participated along with ISMAT members.

Ms. Anjali Sherawat, Secretary Municipal Council & Urban Development, Director, ANIIDCO was the chief guest for the occasion. The celebration was marked by the felicitation of five “Women of Substance” by the Chief Guest. Smti. Shanta Lachman Singh, Social Activist & Ex. Chairperson Municipal Council, Smt. Ayesha Majeed, Social Worker and Chairperson, Tribal Council, Nancowry, Smti. Nina Thomas, Social Worker from Car Nicobar, Smti. Rasheeda Bibi, Pradhan, Hope Town and Smti Baby Farida, Ex Chair Person, Municipal Council were felicitated by shields and certificates for their selfless contribution to the welfare of people in these Islands.

Speaking on this occasion Ms. Sherawat stressed upon how education and encouragement can help women achieve their vision. Her story is an inspiration to all the women who give up on their dreams to fulfil their family commitments.

There were also three Women oriented lecture sessions. Dr. C. Jameela Banu, CMO, CHC Bambooflat emphasized on the importance of health and hygiene of women during her session on “Personal hygiene and general health issues of women”. She highlighted the various types of often ignored health issues prevalent in women right from infancy to old age.

Mrs. Deepika Tomar, Ex Dietician, Apollo Hospitals, Delhi spoke at length on “Healthy Eating and Diet tips for women at every age”. She underlined the need of healthy eating and balanced diets at every stage of life. The final session “Psychological problems of women and how to deal with them” was delivered by Mrs. Sajida   Zubair, Incharge Crescent Public School, Primary Block, Vice Pres, Andaman Unit & Member Ismat, who is experienced in counseling men, women and children. She drew attention to the fact that though women are equal to men but are not same as men and highlighted the means by which women can deal with psychological issues. The sessions were very informative, thought provoking and very well received by the audience.

To add spice to the evening few fun games were also organized and prize distributed to the winners. The activities carried out by Ismat during the past 5 years were also showcased through a presentation.

The august gathering included several prominent islanders like Smt Rashida Bibi, former Pradhan, Smt Rita Devi, Social Welfare, Smt Zubaida Begum, Former Chairperson, PBMC, Smt Mariyam Bibi, Former Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad, Smt Komal Anand, President, Pankh, Smt Mumtaz Bano, among others.

Earlier Ms. Shahnaz Jadwet, Charter President, Ismat welcomed the Chief Guest with a shawl while Dr. Shirin Jadwet, President ISMAT gave the welcome address. The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Mehwash Jadwet, Ex-President, Ismat.