Bimla Raina, Naseem Shafaie, Sakina Akhtar, Darakhshan Andrabi get Lal Ded National Award; Lifetime Achievement Award to Prof Neerja Mattoo
RK News Service
Srinagar, May 19: Nari Shakti exemplifies sacrifice, compassion and equality, and it is the solemn duty of society and nation alike to secure full rights for women, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Tuesday.
Addressing the Lal Ded National Award Ceremony organised by Sarhad, Pune, Sinha said women’s empowerment must be a top priority for both society and government. “We must also prioritise women in innovation and entrepreneurship so enterprises led by them become stronger,” he added.
The LG said that Nari Shakti, honoured by the Lal Ded National Award, has achieved remarkable accomplishments in their respective fields, and that the blessings of saints like Lal Ded have nurtured and preserved the nation’s vision, its arts, literature, music, folk traditions, and deep spiritual wisdom.
Sinha said that in today’s world, Lal Ded’s message can become a lifeline for humanity, and her philosophy of compassion, truth, and morality is the foundation of a global society that seeks peace, inclusion, and fraternity.
“Lal Ded’s life teaches society that no matter how great the challenge, a person’s inner strength, faith, and courage can turn even the toughest trials into opportunities for growth and learning. Lal Ded became a beacon of hope for all seekers who dared to believe that humanity can truly become better, and her ideals guided people toward a more harmonious world,” he said.
He added, “I believe gender equality is a call for men to stand shoulder to shoulder with women, to be partners and allies, and to jointly build a just society and a developed India while fulfilling their responsibilities. I firmly believe that when women progress, families progress, and when families progress, the nation progresses.”
The prestigious Lal Ded National Award was conferred on contemporary Kashmiri poet Bimla Raina; Sahitya Akademi Award-winning poet Prof Naseem Shafaie; scholar, author, and Rajbhasha expert Dr Sakina Akhtar; and J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to eminent writer, academician, and translator Prof. Neerja Mattoo.
The award ceremony was attended by National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya K. Rahatkar, educationist Vijay Dhar, Sarhad Founder President Sanjay Nahar, Sarhad Founder Secretary Sushma Nahar, senior officials, members of Sarhad Foundation, and prominent citizens.