Srinagar – Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the “Lal Ded National Award Ceremony” in Srinagar, celebrating the accomplishments of women leaders. The event, organized by Sarhad, Pune, recognized the significant contributions of women across various sectors. Addressing the attendees, Sinha emphasized the critical role of women in shaping society and the importance of prioritizing their empowerment.
Sinha highlighted the profound influence of spiritual figures like Lal Ded in preserving the nation’s cultural and spiritual heritage. He noted that the women honored at the ceremony have not only achieved excellence in their respective domains but have also contributed significantly to the overall progress of society. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the need for collective efforts to empower women through innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling them to become stronger and more influential.
The Lieutenant Governor articulated that Lal Ded’s teachings offer a valuable message for humanity, particularly her emphasis on compassion, truth, and morality. He suggested that her philosophy could serve as the cornerstone for a global society that values peace, inclusion, and fraternity. Sinha remarked that Lal Ded’s life exemplifies how inner strength and courage can transform challenges into opportunities for personal and societal growth. Her ideals, he added, continue to inspire people to strive for a more harmonious world.
Sinha stressed that women embody qualities of sacrifice, compassion, and equality, making it imperative for society and the nation to ensure their full rights are protected. He expressed his belief that gender equality requires men to actively support women as partners and allies, working together to create a just society and a developed India. He reiterated his firm conviction that the progress of women leads to the progress of families and, consequently, the progress of the nation. He acknowledged the crucial role women play in nation-building, a fact evident in every aspect of life.
The Lal Ded National Award was presented to several distinguished individuals, including contemporary Kashmiri poet Smt. Bimla Raina and Sahitya Akademi Award-winning poet Prof. Naseem Shafaie. Scholar, author, and Rajbhasha expert, Dr. Sakina Akhtar, also received the award, alongside Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board. The Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred upon Prof. Neerja Mattoo, an eminent writer, academician, and translator.
The event was attended by notable figures such as Vijaya K. Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women; Vijay Dhar, an educationist; Sanjay Nahar, Founder President of Sarhad; and Sushma Nahar, Founder Secretary of Sarhad. Senior officials, members of the Sarhad Foundation, and prominent citizens from various backgrounds were also present at the award ceremony. Participants at the event echoed the Lieutenant Governor’s sentiments, lauding the achievements of the award recipients and reaffirming their commitment to promoting women’s empowerment across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Lieutenant Governor’s participation in the Lal Ded National Award Ceremony underscores the administration’s focus on recognizing and supporting the contributions of women to society. The awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the broader importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment in driving progress and development in the region.
The event also served as a platform to promote the teachings and philosophy of Lal Ded, a revered spiritual figure in Kashmir. By emphasizing her message of compassion, truth, and morality, the Lieutenant Governor encouraged attendees to embrace these values in their personal and professional lives, contributing to a more peaceful and harmonious society. The focus on women’s empowerment aligns with national initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and providing women with equal opportunities in all spheres of life. The event is part of a broader effort to create a more inclusive and equitable society in Jammu and Kashmir, where women are empowered to reach their full potential and contribute to the region’s growth and development.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.