Smita Murmu, First Lady of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, attended a “Ladies Cultural Programme” organized by Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS) at Teachers Bhawan, here today.The program aimed at celebrating the spirit of womanhood through a host of cultural programs, skits and exchange of thoughts is organized every year on 27th January as part of the Republic Day celebrations by the Department of Youth Services & Sports and is exclusively for women from all walks of life- working women, housewives, teachers and students from different educational institutions, and participants from various Women organizations and NGOs working on the similar lines.Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Murmu said that it becomes all the more necessary to ponder over and work towards women empowerment since women constitute half of world's population and are responsible for developing future generations.She observed that women are inherently talented and she realized it while working with an NGO in the rural and tribal belts of Jharkhand and Odisha. All they need is a conducive atmosphere and a little hand holding from the agencies, NGOs working in the field so as to make them bloom to the full potential towards being self sufficient and independent citizens.She stressed that focus on women empowerment is a Nation Building strategy and to rid a society of its deep rooted bias embedded in cultures, economies, political and social institutions will only facilitate women in playing a full part in society and decision-making.
Mrs. Murmu said that it is the need of the hour to look beyond economic resources or material prosperity into cultural and social influences, to stimulate collective thought process on the various aspects such as creating awareness, identifying the workable areas, moving towards making women self sufficient by way of skill enhancement, self help groups and engaging with various welfare organizations and NGOs to shape women's autonomy by making women socially, politically and economically empowered.While complimenting the organizers of the cultural programme, she said such programs are part of an all encompassing approach to focus on Women’s sense of self-worth; their right to have and to determine choices; their right to have access to opportunities and resources; their right to have power to control their own lives, both within and outside the home, and other important aspects.Mrs. Murmu applauded the enthusiasm of the teachers and students from various educational institutions and representatives of Women Welfare Organisations who participated in the programme and presented enthralling performances showcasing the diverse cultures of India and expressed her pleasure to be a part of such programme. Rajasthani Folk Dance presented by the teachers of Crescent Public school, Skit on Women empowerment by an NGO received special mention of the First Lady.Dr. Saleem-ur-Rehman, Director General, Youth Services and Sports, presented the Welcome Address. Mrs. Ninette Vas Sharma, Dr. Amita Mehta, Mrs. Anita Choudhary, Mrs. Deepa Kotwal, Prof. (Dr) Sanjana Koul were among the distinguished Guests who were present on the occasion.