Society can only advance if women get respect, opportunities: Speaker
BHUBANESWAR, SEP 8 : Speaker of Odisha Legislative Assembly Surama Padhy on Sunday called upon women to step forward and make their mark in every sphere of the society.
Presenting the 33rd Devi Awards, instituted by The New Indian Express, here, Padhy said women are the cornerstone of the society. “A society truly advances when its women are respected and given opportunities,” she said.
She said the real development of women is possible through their participation and inclusion in education, health, employment, social security and politics. When women become self-reliant and experience economic growth, it lends speed and strength to development and progress of the entire country, starting from individual families.
“I hope women will step forward and make their mark in every sphere of society. They should strive to become unique and self-sufficient, and set an example for others. Ultimately, they will contribute to building a prosperous and developed India,” Padhy added.
Recalling the great contribution of iconic leader and social reformer, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, whose 300th birth anniversary was celebrated recently, Padhy said she was an exemplary leader who introduced a model of good governance in which the poor and the marginalised were given utmost priority. She is a symbol of the idea that with willpower and firm resolve, no matter how adverse the circumstances, one can achieve remarkable outcomes.
“Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was another visionary leader who not only conceptualised the idea of ‘Gold Quadrilateral’ project but implemented it successfully linking the entire country. Very few people today know that Ahilyabai unified the country by linking all Char Dhams (four sacred pilgrimage sites) by roads,” she added.
A former minister and the only woman from Odisha to serve as the national president of BJP’s Mahila Morcha, Padhy said it is a matter of regret that not many people of Odisha are aware about the life and legacy of Ahilyabai simply because there is no book in Odia written about her. “I earnestly appeal that one of our women litterateurs take up the challenge to write on the life and history of Ahilyabai who represents the power of ‘Nari Shakti’ through her enduring legacy of devotion, good governance and commitment to social reforms,” Padhy said.
“On this occasion of Devi Awards, I expect that women should come forward to protect the dignity of their folk and strengthen them to fight injustice in all forms. This award ceremony by TNIE will certainly inspire the women of the state in such endeavour,” she said.
The fourth edition of Devi Awards in Odisha honoured 14 trailblazing women from the cross-section of the society, who have stood out through their achievements, excellence and impact. They included conservation architect Vijaya Amujure, the first girl from the primitive Didayi community to crack NEET Champa Raseda, disability activist Gargi Bhattacharya, farmer and preserver of Shree Anna (millets) Raimati Ghuria, ENT specialist Dr Smruti Swain, globally-acclaimed Odissi exponent Sujata Mohapatra, entrepreneur and innovator Minushri Madhumita, scientist Jyotirmayee Dash, social activist Nibedita Lenka, chef Madhusmita Soren and the valorous forest guard who captured 17 poachers Khirabdi Seth. Lacquer doll craftsperson Kanakalata Das and award winning Ollywood actor Archita Sahu were honoured in-absentia while the aunt of Odisha’s sprint queen Srabani Nanda received the award on her behalf.
Editorial director of TNIE Prabhu Chawla, The New Indian Express Group CEO Lakshmi Menon and resident editor of TNIE Odisha Siba Mohanty were present.
-PTI
