Stressing the need for providing ample opportunities and conducive environment to the girls, Minister of State for Education, Technical Education, Culture, Tourism, Horticulture, Floriculture and Parks Priya Sethi said that they have the talent and capabilities which need to be nurtured so that they outshine and create a niche for themselves in the field of their choice"Women empowerment is pre-requisite for societal progress and prosperity for which the present government is determined", maintained the Minster.The Minister was speaking at the women wrestling competition during the 12th Mission Dosti, Rustam-e-International Indian Style Dangal held as a part of the Navratra festival at Katra.Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Information Technology, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, CA&PD, Tribal affairs, Labour and Employment, Relief and Rehabilitation Ajay Nanda was the guest of honour on the occasion.DDC Reasi Ravinder Kumar, ASP Sumir Kotwal, SDM Katra Neelam Khajuria, Tehsildar and other district officers were present on the occasion.
The wrestling Navratra Festival Committee in collaboration with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board , J&K Tourism Department, J&K Bank , J&K Police, NHPC, LIC, SBI, J&K Sports Council and HDFC Bank today organized 12th Mission Dosti, Rustam-e-International Indian Style Dangal.While appreciating the women wrestlers, Priya said that girls are showing their abilities in every field and bringing laurels for their family and country.Reiterating the commitment of the government at the centre and state towards women empowerment, the Minister said that various women centric schemes being implemented in the country are ensuring socio economic emancipation of the women folk who are equal stakeholders in progress and development of the nation.Stressing on 'Beti Bachao, Beti padhao and Beti khelao, Ms Sethi said that Women are excelling in every field, be it the education or sports'.She further said that the present Government is committed to promote tourism in the state and concerted efforts are on in this direction to develop requisite infrastructure to optimally tap the tourism potential of all the regions.Stating that Katra has a wide potential in religious tourism, she added that many new tourist ventures have been explored and developed for attracting more and more tourists at various tourist destinations at Reasi district. She further added that with an aim to promote and popularise the Navratra festival on a larger platform this year budget was enhanced from Rs thirty lakh to fifty lakh. She also exhorted upon the participating wrestlers from various countries to act as an ambassador for the state to dispel any misconception regarding the atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir. She added that the government has put in place a strong mechanism to ensure a favorable environment in the state for the visitors who throng our state to enjoy the scenic splendour besides satiating their spiritual aspirations.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest announced Rs. 75000 for all the women wrestlers who had participated in the wrestling competition. MoS Finance and Planning Ajay Nanda extended his greetings to the people of Katra on the occasion of Navratra festival and urged the people to cooperate in attracting more and more tourists to the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine board.A total of 41 bouts for both men and women were organised.Out of the total 9 bouts played by the Women wrestling competition, the first was won by Sonia from Punjab who defeated Shivani from Delhi. Similarly the second bout was won by Neha from Delhi. Harjeet from Punjab clinched the title of third bout while Simran from Punjab won the fourth bout. Jaspreet and Preeti both from Punjab were declared as the winners of fifth and sixth bout respectively whereas Varsha from Delhi defeated Jaspreet. The eighth and ninth bout were won by Raaj and Preeti respectively, both from Punjab respectively. The winners of different bouts were felicitated with the cash prize of Rs. 2700 while the runner ups were given Rs. 2300 as cash prize.The event was attended by Ex MLA B.S Mankotia, Senior BJP leaders Yudhvir Sethi and Mr Dubey among other prominent citizens and tourists in large number.