ITANAGAR, March 8 - A society where there is respect for women, there is peace and progress, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (retd) said on Sunday on the occasion of International Women�s Day.
Participating in the celebrations at Raj Bhavan in Itanagar, the Governor urged the people to take men and women as equal in the growth and advancement of the society, stated a press release issued by Raj Bhavan. The women employees of Raj Bhavan led by first lady Neelam Misra organised the programme.
Quoting the oldest Indian legal treatise by ancient jurisprudence luminary Manu, the Governor said that providing rightful positions to women in society is the national objective and the present government is sincerely doing it.
He said the flagship programme of �Beti Bachao Beti Padhao�, provision of toilets in each house, cooking gas, abolition of triple talaq and death sentence for rape of minor girls are a few examples of the efforts of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Governor called upon the women of Arunachal Pradesh to fight against drug abuse, which he said, was a challenge for every Arunachali citizen. He exhorted the women to motivate and encourage their daughters to join the Indian armed forces and air hospitality sectors.
On the occasion, the Governor felicitated women achievers of the state, including Taba Yall Nabam (music), Joya Tasung Moyong (social service), Licha Ampi (entrepreneur), Nachat Munham (music), Dr Jamuna Bini (literature) and Onilu Tega (sports).
Niharika Rai, Secretary (Women and Child Development), highlighted the government projects and schemes for empowerment of women.
A short documentary Bunai Ke Rangin Duniya, conceptualized by the first lady was also screened, while a play, Ek Parampara, Ek Pechan, showcasing the indigenous textiles of Arunachal Pradesh was presented by the members of the Oju Welfare Association, Naharlagun. Ake Deekshitha presented a Kuchipudi classical dance, while Manami Moyir Gamlin presented a Kathakali dance.
Our Imphal Correspondent adds: International Women�s Day was celebrated in a befitting manner in Manipur on Sunday.
In Imphal, the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) women�s department in collaboration with the MBC Centre Church observed the day under the theme �Each for equal�. The All Manipur Working Journalists� Union observed the day by honouring women journalists of the state.
In the Bishnupur district headquarters, 30 km south of Imphal, the administration celebrated the day under the aegis of the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) Cell as part of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme.
Bishnupur Deputy Commissioner Neeta Arambam administered the Poshan Pakhwada Pledge in presence of Superintendent of Police Priyadarshini Laishram and District Programme Officer Th Shantibala Devi of the ICDS Cell. The programme was attended by officers, students, and Anganwadi workers. Various cultural items, dance, skit play and other entertainment items were presented during the function.
In the Tamenglong district headquarters, 150 km west of Imphal, Deputy Commissioner Armstrong Pamei also administered the Poshan Pakhwada Pledge. The event was organised by the district administration with the United Women Organisation, Tamenglong.
Tamenglong Autonomous District Council members including G Apoukhui and Ramning Pame attended as special guests, while Dr KC Grace Darling, associate professor at Banaras Hindu University, spoke as the resource person.
The Thoubal Battalion of the 9 Sector Assam Rifles organised awareness programmes for women to commemorate International Women�s Day at Salampatong village in Kangpokpi district.
Talks on preparation of nutritional dishes and nutritional gardens introducing the bio-fortified seed varieties marked the International Women�s Day celebration at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) complex in Imphal.
The event was organised by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, was attended by Imphal West Adhyaksha RK Taruni Devi as the chief guest and ICAR North East Hill Region, Manipur Centre, Joint Director Dr Narendra Prakash. The speakers highlighted the role of women in shaping the society and also lamented that the problems faced by women in Manipur were not being addressed.
Somishon Keishing, assistant professor at GP Women�s College, gave a presentation on �Nutri-Thali�, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle by choosing low-cost and locally available vegetables, fruits and cereals. Assistant Chief Technical Officer K Lily Rangnamei of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Imphal West, spoke on how to set up a �nutri-garden�.
