Srinagar, Jul 06 (KNO): Terming women empowerment as key to ‘Viksit J&K,’ Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for granting J&K women their due rights by eliminating discrimination.
Addressing the felicitation ceremony of Fellows (Gender Equity Advocates) in Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “Women empowerment is key to a Viksit J&K; their progress ensures the progress of society. I envision a Jammu Kashmir where women lead in academia, industry, social organizations and governance, shaping policies, driving entrepreneurship, and enriching our culture through art and literature.”
He said, “I envision a Jammu Kashmir where every young girl grows up believing that her dreams are valuable, her voice is powerful, and her future holds limitless possibilities.”
He exuded hope that after 2029, women would have much greater political representation.
“The country has created an enabling atmosphere for increased participation of women in electoral politics. Over the past few years several initiatives have been launched to ensure financial independence of women in Jammu and Kashmir, including programmes such as Hausla, Mumkin, Rise Together, Umeed, DGP Sakhi, Krishi Sakhi and other entrepreneurship schemes" he said.
Referring to academic achievements, LG Sinha said girls are consistently outperforming boys, with nearly 70 to 75 per cent of university gold medals being secured by female students.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon the youth and men to actively support women's leadership, saying the responsibility of empowering women cannot rest on women alone.
LG Sinha also felicitated 32 talented recipients of the Kashmir Women’s Organization (KWO) Fellowship. He described the fellows as symbols of Jammu Kashmir’s ongoing transformation towards a future built on self-confidence, equal opportunities and dignity for all.
He lauded the efforts of Dr. Fida Firdous and all the members of Kashmir Women’s Organization for creating a robust platform where the Nari Shakti from the region could move forward confidently, embracing their talent, ideas, and identities and play a meaningful role in building a bright future for Jammu Kashmir.
“In a short span, Kashmir Women’s Organization has earned the distinction of becoming a powerful hub of hope, trust, and positive change. This fellowship program is a tangible realization of collaborative and shared responsibility.
By challenging deeply entrenched stereotypes, these fellows have redefined what is possible. They have paved a new path for future generations and their contributions would serve as a foundation of inspiration, confidence, and guidance for years to come,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor paid homage to historical icons such as Rani Didda, Kota Rani, Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon, Mata Rupa Bhawani, who had shaped the consciousness of Jammu Kashmir and contributed to its development. He highlighted that the women of J&K have always scaled the highest peaks of Nari Shakti.
“We have many such remarkable examples before us, and I wish for the women of Jammu Kashmir to lead the region's development,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to PM Modi for empowering the women of Jammu Kashmir by granting them their due rights and eliminating discrimination.
He outlined a progressive vision for the Union Territory, powered by women leaders.
The Lieutenant Governor exuded confidence that the fellowship program of Kashmir Women's Organization will propagate the core principle that women deserve equal, dignified participation across all social, cultural, economic and political spheres.
“We must remain steadfast in our resolve to accord due respect to our Nari Shakti, while creating an environment that fosters their capabilities and progress. When women progress, society progresses; when women lead, the nation scales new heights; and when women realize their dreams, the entire world becomes more just, more compassionate, and more prosperous,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the need to address the rising challenge of substance abuse among women. He advised the fellows to conduct a comprehensive, region-specific analysis to identify its underlying root causes. He said that this study will significantly strengthen rehabilitation frameworks and provide vital support to our daughters and sisters who have fallen victim to drug addiction.
The Lieutenant Governor also commended the guides who mentored the fellows throughout the program.
He hoped that the dedication of all the members of Kashmir Women’s Organization would serve as a catalyst for positive change in the lives of countless women in the years to come.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor released a book titled “Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipal Council in India”, written by Dr. Nazrul Islam.
Dr. Fida Firdous, President, Kashmir Writers Association, Dr. Darakshan Hassan Bhat, President, Kashmir Women’s Organization, members of Kashmir Writers Association and Kashmir Women's Organization and senior officials attended the felicitation ceremony—(KNO)