Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said women empowerment must remain a top priority for both society and government, while stressing the need to strengthen women-led innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
Addressing the “Lal Ded National Award Ceremony” organised by Sarhad, Pune, in Srinagar, Sinha said women achievers honoured with the award had set new standards in their respective fields and contributed significantly to society.
“By setting new standards in their fields, remarkable women achievers have helped shape the soul of society. Women empowerment must be a top priority for both society and government. We must also prioritize women in innovation and entrepreneurship so enterprises led by them become stronger,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said saints like Lal Ded had nurtured and preserved the nation’s vision, arts, literature, music, folk traditions and spiritual wisdom.
Referring to Lal Ded’s teachings, Sinha said her message of compassion, truth and morality remained relevant in today’s world and could guide humanity towards peace and inclusion.
“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,” he said.
He said Lal Ded’s life reflected how inner strength, faith and courage could help individuals overcome challenges and become a source of inspiration for society.
“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,” Sinha said.
Highlighting the role of women in nation-building, the Lieutenant Governor said it was the responsibility of society and the nation to ensure full rights for women.
“I believe gender equality is a call for men to stand shoulder to shoulder with women and to be partners and allies, and to jointly build a just society and developed India while fulfilling their responsibilities,” he said.
The Lal Ded National Award was conferred on contemporary Kashmiri poet Bimla Raina, Sahitya Akademi Award-winning poet Prof Naseem Shafaie, scholar and author 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.
National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya K Rahatkar, educationist Vijay Dhar, Sarhad Founder President Sanjay Nahar, Sarhad Founder Secretary Sushma Nahar, senior officials and prominent citizens attended the event.