Assam Governor Declares Empowerment of Adolescent Girls a National Priority
In a significant address at the Assam Administrative Staff College in Guwahati, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya underscored the critical importance of empowering adolescent girls, framing it as a national priority essential for the country's overall progress. The event was organized as part of the Sewa Sankalp Saptah awareness program on Thursday, where Acharya delivered a powerful message linking women's capacity building to societal advancement.
Nari Shakti: The Key to National Development
Governor Acharya articulated that 'Nari Shakti'—or women's power—holds the fundamental key to the comprehensive development of the nation. He emphasized that empowering women transcends mere social responsibility, stating, "Empowerment of women is not merely a social responsibility but a national priority, as the progress of society and the nation is not possible without the progress of women." This declaration reinforces the government's commitment to integrating gender equality into national development strategies.
Honoring Grassroots Contributions
During the program, several individuals were recognized for their exemplary contributions at the grassroots level, highlighting the practical efforts being made to support adolescent girls. The honorees included:
- Kuntala Devi, an Anganwadi worker, celebrated for her dedicated service in community health and child welfare.
- Malavika Kalita, a district child protection officer, acknowledged for her efforts in safeguarding vulnerable children.
- Roshemi Boro of the Nari Adalat Justice Sakhi, felicitated for her work in uplifting and advocating for women's rights.
These awards underscore the vital role of local initiatives in driving change and providing support systems for adolescent girls across Assam.
Celebrating Young Achievers
Governor Acharya also took the opportunity to laud inspiring young achievers who have made notable impacts in their respective fields. Among those commended were:
- Gauri Gosai, recognized for her courageous stance in opposing child marriage, a critical issue affecting many adolescent girls.
- Namita Kherkatari from Chirang, applauded for winning medals at national and international karate championships, showcasing excellence in sports.
- Jessica Ramudamu, felicitated for securing gold and silver medals in kickboxing, highlighting athletic prowess and determination.
These recognitions serve as motivational examples for other young girls, demonstrating that empowerment can lead to significant achievements in various domains.
The governor's address and the accompanying awards ceremony collectively emphasize a holistic approach to women's empowerment, linking policy-level priorities with grassroots actions and individual successes. By focusing on adolescent girls, the initiative aims to build a foundation for sustained national growth through inclusive development.
