Srinagar, July 06: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Women’s Wing President Shameema Firdous on Saturday chaired a meeting to finalise the arrangements for the 24th death anniversary of “Madar-e-Meharban” Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah.
She chaired the meeting at the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subha here. Senior leader Bimla Luthra, provincial president Women’s Wing Er Sabiya Qadri, district president and functionaries attended the meeting, the party said in a statement.
On the occasion, Shameema announced that the main gathering for Fateha and Quran Khawani will take place at Qaid Mazar Naseem Bagh. NC President Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah will lead the party in paying tribute to “Madar-e-Meharban”.
Enumerating various facets of Begum Sahiba’s life, Shameema said, “A trailblazer in the realm of J&K politics, her emergence in a male-dominated society is a testament to her resilience and capability. She was not motivated by partisan politics but by a sense of statesmanship and a genuine concern for the marginalised. Her vision for women’s empowerment and their role in the 21st century was revolutionary, advocating for their equal standing in society. Revered and respected even by her critics, her unwavering faith in God was a driving force behind her actions. This faith enabled her to tirelessly work for those trapped in poverty and illiteracy.”
In her address to the functionaries, Er Sabiya Qadri said, “As the leader of the Red Cross Society, she established a relief committee to address the nutritional needs of displaced individuals. She went above and beyond to facilitate the return of thousands of women who had been forcibly uprooted during the chaos of 1947. Additionally, she founded the Markaz-e-Behboodi Khawateen, an organization that continues to provide women with skill training in arts, health, and crafts as a means of social security.”
Bimla Luthra while recalling Begum Sahiba’s life and struggle said that her legacy was one of compassion, dedication, and empowerment, exemplifying the true essence of leadership, leaving an indelible mark on society.
