Women’s achievements inspire social change: Telangana Governor
Hyderabad, Oct 23 (TNT): Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Friday said women’s empowerment was essential for social justice and the country’s overall development, stressing that women’s achievements across fields were inspiring social change.
Addressing the 41st edition of the Devi Awards, organised by The New Indian Express here, the Governor said women were making significant contributions to science, sports, business, arts, culture and public service.
He said true empowerment required equal opportunities, freedom, security and dignity for women.
Referring to government initiatives such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Ujjwala Yojana, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and Lakhpati Didi, Mr Shukla said these programmes were aimed at improving women’s opportunities and socio-economic status.
He noted that women’s self-help groups in Telangana, with over 65 lakh members, were strengthening women’s economic and social independence. Initiatives such as Indira Mahila Shakti were enabling women to enter diverse sectors, including transport, renewable energy and small businesses.
Congratulating the 10 awardees, the Governor lauded their contributions to sports, cinema, water conservation, technology, classical music, handlooms, heritage conservation, education, power distribution and healthcare.
He said their achievements would inspire younger generations and urged families and educational institutions to encourage girls to pursue their aspirations.
Emphasising the role of the media, Mr Shukla said it should highlight inspiring individuals and initiatives contributing to public welfare and social progress.
The Governor also called for active participation in the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and urged citizens to create awareness against substance abuse at the family level.
Expressing hope that the Devi Awards would continue to recognise women’s achievements, Mr Shukla said such recognition would help build an equitable, safe and empowered society.
The awards, instituted in 2014, have honoured 482 women achievers across 40 editions before the Hyderabad event.
TNT TS
