Shopian, July 12: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that social & economic upliftment of women is their top priority. Paying rich tributes to Baba Saheb Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that Baba Saheb was the pioneer of women’s rights and women’s empowerment while his timeless values and resolve for selfless service, equality, and social justice continues to guide the nation.While addressing a felicitation ceremony during the valedictory function of women’s vocational training course at Army Goodwill School Balapur, Shopian, LG Sinha hailed Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar as an envoy of women’s rights and empowerment.Pertinent to mention here, around 125 girls have completed their vocational training programmes at Army Goodwill School Balpora and five other centres in Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Pampore, and Budgam.LG Sinha hailed the efforts of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar Vikas Evam Sewa Sansthan and the Indian Army, calling it a remarkable initiative for women empowerment. “We are all aware that because of Baba Saheb’s unwavering commitment to equality and social justice, the country has witnessed a significant transformation,” LG said. On the occasion, LG Sinha lauded Monica Pal Bharti, her entire team of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Vikas evam Sewa Sansthan, Project Toha Social, and Indian Army for the wonderful initiative of women empowerment and providing vocational training to 1481 women, including 125 women trainees of the recently concluded training course.
He remarked that Monica Pal Bharti and her mother must have drawn inspiration from Dr Ambedkar’s ideals when naming their organisation Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar Vikas Evam Sewa Sansthan.LG hailed the organisation’s work for women’s development in J&K, wholeheartedly congratulated Monica Pal Bharti and her team, and extended his best wishes.“Nari Shakti has brought a tremendous change to the rural economy. Our multi-pronged approach and women centric initiatives have empowered the women in Jammu Kashmir with training and financial support. It is being ensured that the women are not just beneficiaries of development but a key partner in J&K’s growth journey,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He also saluted the Indian Army, its officers, and the brave soldiers of the Rashtriya Rifles.“The Indian Army not only works tirelessly to safeguard the nation’s security and integrity but also undertakes the noble task of ushering positive change among the people of J&K,” he said. He noted that he was closely listening to an instructor mentioning how initially people were reluctant to come to a school run by the Army. “It is unfortunate that while a soldier lays down his life for our security, we hesitate to send our children to a school managed by the Army,” he said, adding that such a narrative was once deliberately created.
“But in the last five years, there has been a major change,” he observed, stressing that in India’s galaxy of great men, Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar shines as a brilliant star. He recalled that seven decades ago, through struggle, sacrifice, dedication, and conviction, Dr Ambedkar resolved to eradicate social and economic inequalities.“Those values still guide our society,” he said, adding that by drafting the Constitution, Dr Ambedkar laid the foundation of nation-building on the principles of selfless service, firmness, and sacrifice.“It is the responsibility of every section of society to give greater priority to the underprivileged,” he said, noting that Dr Ambedkar strived to secure a rightful place for women.He highlighted that the Constitution framed by Dr Ambedkar was the first in the world to grant women equal rights like men had.“At that time, Dr Ambedkar said that for him, women’s empowerment is the true measure of progress in any sector,” he added.“For me, Baba Saheb is truly an envoy of women’s rights and empowerment who ensured that half of the nation’s population becomes strong and self-reliant,” he said.