MPP &Power Minister, Sujan Singh Pathania honoured 44 eminent personalities from Himachal Pradesh and other states for distinguished services in various fields with Inspire Aspire India Award in the 1st Prerna Foundation Award Ceremony on the theme of Women Empowerment organized by Prerna Foundation in collaboration with Developing Countries Research Centre of Delhi University at New Delhi today.Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pathania said that woman has always been a symbol of power since ages and the foundation of any society rests on her. Their contribution as mothers, sister's daughters in nurturing family has been immense since generations. If we look at present scenario, there is hardly any field where women have not marked their presence, he added. He said that the country couldn't march ahead on the path of development until their equal participation is ensured. They should be given an atmosphere where they can make their own free choices and independent decisions, have complete control over their lives, he added.The Minister said that NGOs can play a very constructive role and can supplement the government’s efforts for the well-being of people. He urged more people to come forward and associate themselves with social causes and added that it was our collective responsibility as citizens as well as human beings to serve the helpless, under-privileged and the needy.
Pathania said that youth are ambassadors of the India of our future dreams and called upon them to participate in all social activities which can strengthen our society and country. He asked them to contribute towards generating awareness for women empowerment. He said that most important aspect of this is ensuring that every woman is respected and accorded her due right and dignity. The outlook towards them should be such that they are treated as equal partners in the growth of nation as well as in homes, he added.Smt Poonam Sharma, President, Prerna Foundation welcomed the Minister and detailed about the activities of the Foundation. She said that training was being imparted in various trades like stitching, beautician etc to women living in remote areas and villages to make them financially independent. She said that main focus was upon empowering women in a true sense by making them strong economically, promoting girl child education, getting equal employment opportunities and ensuring them lead a life of self worth, respect and dignity. Resource Persons from various fields spoke about women empowerment and a colourful cultural programme was also presented on the occasion.