One cannot even think of a strong and vibrant society without active cooperation and participation of the women in every sphere. This was stated by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over the 'Nari Samman Samaroh' organised by the Divya Himachal Media Group here last evening to honour the women of the State excelling in their respective field.While lauding the efforts of the Media group in honoring the women, the Chief Minister said that women constitute almost half of the population and they have proven time and again that if opportunity given, they can excel in every field.Chief Minister said that the State Government was committed for the empowerment of the women and for this several initiatives have been taken during the last seven months. He said that it was a matter of happiness that the society was slowly but steadily coming alive towards the empowerment of the women, by ensuring their participation in decision making process.Jai Ram Thakur said that the State Government was ensuring that the women were empowered from the grassroots level and for this free education was being provided to them at highest level. He said that mindset of the people about girl child needs to be changed only then healthy society can be ensured.
The Chief Minister lauded the role of Divya Himachal for upholding high professional ethics. He said that in the short period of about 21 years Divya Himachal has created a special place in the hearts of the readers of the State.Jai Ram Thakur honored Radio Jockey Shalini Sharma, Folk singer Varsha Katoch, Truck driver Neelkamal, Yoga Teacher Dr. Garima Thakur, Social Worker Preeti Sood, Dancer Shruti Gupta, HAS Officer Kumud Singh, Weaver Meena Kumari, Taxi Driver Raveena, IPS Officer Monika, Writer Meenakshi Chaudhry, Writer Saroj Parmar and Handball Coach Snehlata for excelling in their respective fields.Chief Managing Director, Divya Himachal Media Group Bhanu Dhameja welcomed the Chief Minister and also presented him book “Why India Needs Presidential System” written by him.Editor, Divya Himachal Anil Soni presented vote of thanks.Wife of the Chief Minister Dr. Sadhna Thakur, Chief Secretary Vineet Chawdhry, Additional Chief Secretary Health BK Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary cum Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Shrikant Baldi, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Ram Subhag Singh, Director General of Police S.R. Mardi, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjay Kundu, Principal Secretary Onkar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Amit Kashyap, Director Tourism Rakesh Kanwar, Special Secretary to Chief Minister D.C. Rana, Director Information and Public Relations Anupam Kashyap, Director Elementary Education Rohit Jamwal, SP Omapati Jamwal were also present on the occasion.