Celebration of International Women’s Day

Chandigarh, 8^th March, 2016: On the occasion of “International Women’s Day”, which is celebrated worldwide on the 8^th of March, 2016, the Chandigarh Administration organized a series of events, seminar and celebrations throughout the city.

In a tribute to the spirit of womanhood, celebrations were held at MCM DAV College for Women, Chandigarh, wherein, a seminar on the theme of “Empower Girls to Empower World” was organized by the Chandigarh Education Department, Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society and Yuvsatta in collaboration with State Cell-NSS.

During the celebrations, Girl Star Awards 2016 was presented by the Chief Guest, Sh. Vijay Dev, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator, U.T, Chandigarh to 17 girls from the city who have achieved remarkable heights in various fields. Among others present during the celebrations were Sh. Ujjal Singh Dosanjh, former Premier of British Colombia and Ex-Health Minister of Canada, Smt. Raminder Dosanjh- a women's rights activist from Canada, Dr. Vanita Gupta, Project Director, Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society, Dr. Markandey Rai, Senior Adviser, Youth Affairs, UN Habitat, Sh. Bikram Singh Rana, State Liaison Officer, NSS and Dr. Nisha Bhargava, Principal, MCM DAV College For Women.

Sh. Vijay Dev, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator, U.T Chandigarh taking recourse to religious literature, said that since women are equal partners in the growth of the society, progressive men should let women become 'better-half' of Indian society by harnessing their talent. He further added that, men play an important role in shaping up a society where women are treated as equal partners. When they act responsibly and make committed efforts towards the women in their lives, only then they can help in sustaining equality in the world.

The celebrations continued with a series of events planned by the Social Welfare Department, Chandigarh Administration at Bal Bhawan, sector-23 and Aasha Kiran Vocational Training Center, sector-46, Chandigarh on the theme of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. A cultural programme was presented by the officials and members of the Social Welfare Department at Bal Bhawan, which was presided over by Sh. Vijay Dev, IAS, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator in the company of Smt. Bhawan Garg, IAS, Secretary Social Welfare and Smt. Nishu Singhal, HCS, Director Social Welfare.

The programme showcased a skit enacted on the increase of the evil of female infanticide and how the society and men in particular can contribute in curbing it. The skit on "Save Girl Child" was performed by Area Coordinators of Poorna Shakti Kendras, a unit of Chandigarh Child and Women Development Corporation, followed by a Giddha by AWWs of ICDS. There was also a dance performance of students of Snehalya and a ghazal sung by a special child Ms. Tejaswani. A cake cutting ceremony was also organized to mark the celebration of the Birthday of the Chief Guest, Sh. Vijay Dev, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator, U.T, Chandigarh. The program concluded with the National Anthem presented by Hearing Impaired students of Aasha Kiran.

Addressing the gathering during the celebrations, Sh. Vijay Dev, IAS, congratulated the Social Welfare Department for putting up such a great programme. He further added that, women if they get together have the power to change the outlook of men towards women. He concluded by saying that, “each woman is gifted and when equipped with the necessary education and opportunity, they can excel in any field.”

The Adviser to the Administrator, Sh. Vijay Dev, IAS, also inaugurated the Centre of beautician and boutique at the Aasha Kiran Vocational Training Center, sector-46, Chandigarh. The centre has been set up as a step to facilitate the talent of girls and to empower them to achieve more through their talent and skills. During the celebrations, ​Secretary Social Welfare, Smt. Bhawan Garg, IAS, wished everyone for International Women's Day and announced an expedition drive by Indian Mountaineering Federation after selection for a batch of 60 Women from different field and 30 specially abled persons.

In addition to this, a yoga session was also organized by the Chandigarh Administration for the female staff of various departments at the U.T Secretariat in the press room of Department of Public Relations. Huge number of women participated in the yoga session and learnt yoga mudras performed by the yoga instructor Shobhna.

Celebrations of the International Women’s Day continued at TS Central State Library, Sector- 17 Chandigarh where the chief guest Sh. Vijay Dev, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator along with the guest of honor Rubinderjit Singh Brar, PCS, Director Higher Education cum School Education felicitated women from different walks of life. Ten women were honored by the Worthy Adviser of various fields, such as active members, professional, senior citizens and women in different fields which did wonderful job in their field.  The Adviser in his speech gave the message to give parity to the women and stressed upon the education of women.  He also emphasised that it is the duty of the men to make balance in the societal structure.