Madhubani District Observes International Women's Day with Grand Celebrations
International Women's Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm across Madhubani district on Sunday, featuring a series of events dedicated to honoring women's achievements and advocating for greater gender equality, education, and empowerment. The main program, held at Nagar Bhawan, saw District Magistrate Anand Sharma inaugurate the proceedings by lighting the ceremonial lamp, setting a tone of reverence and progress for the day.
District Magistrate Highlights Women's Progress and Future Goals
In his keynote address, DM Anand Sharma emphasized the remarkable journey of women from traditional domestic roles to active and equal participants in modern society. He attributed this transformation primarily to increased access to education and the recognition of merit over gender. Sharma proudly referenced his strategic decision to deploy women on election duty in 2025, a move that he credited with helping Madhubani district receive a Presidential Medal for the first time in its history.
"We must continue to break down barriers and ensure our daughters receive the same educational opportunities as our sons," Sharma urged parents and community leaders. He called for a collective effort to eliminate societal obstacles that hinder women's advancement, reinforcing the day's theme of empowerment through action.
Recognition of Outstanding Women Across Diverse Fields
The ceremony served as a platform to honor numerous women who have excelled in their respective professions, showcasing the district's talent and dedication. Awards, including shawls and scarves, were presented to recipients in various categories:
- Law: Vikramshila Devi
- Politics: Soni Kumari
- Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs): Rekha Kumari and Sweta Kumari
- Madhubani Painting: Sumit Kumari, Pranidhi Jwala, Vidya Mandal, and Siddhi Kumari
- Medicine: Dr. Ragini Kumari, Dr. Anju Kumari, and Dr. Anamika
- Entrepreneurship: Nutan Jha, Priya Kumari, Kanchan Kumari, Juli Kumari, and Vibha Devi
- Banking and Gramin Bank: Rashmi, Sapna, Kiran, Komal Sandil, Pushpa Singh, Monika Kumari, Riti, and Rupam Kumari
Additionally, several Anganwadi workers and supervisors were recognized for their invaluable contributions to community welfare. The program was skillfully anchored by Sharda Kumari and attended by senior district officials, adding to its significance.
Inauguration of Sakhi One Stop Centre in Jhanjharpur
In a parallel event in Jhanjharpur, an additional Sakhi One Stop Centre was inaugurated to bolster women's safety, dignity, and empowerment. This initiative was part of a broader state-wide launch, with Social Welfare Minister Madan Sahni virtually inaugurating 11 such centres from Patna, including the one in Jhanjharpur. Locally, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Subodh Kumar Sinha and District Program Manager Hemant Kumar Mandal formally opened the centre.
The Sakhi One Stop Centre is designed to provide comprehensive, integrated support for women in distress, all under one roof. Services include security assistance, psychological counseling, legal aid, medical help, and access to various government schemes. This facility aims to ensure quick response times, protect women's rights, and offer a safe haven for those facing challenges.
Key Officials and Staff Present at the Centre Launch
The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of dedicated personnel who will manage the centre's operations:
- Centre Administrators: Sushma Kumari (Madhubani) and Shayna Mirza (Jhanjharpur)
- Counselor: Deepshikha Singh
- Case Workers: Gayatri Kumari and Manisha Kumari
- Paramedical Staff: Neerja Shankar
- Block Coordinator: Alok Chaudhary
Local Anganwadi workers also attended, highlighting the community-wide support for this initiative. Assistant Superintendent of Police Rashmi addressed the gathering, detailing various government women empowerment schemes and encouraging women to seek police assistance without hesitation whenever needed.
These events in Madhubani district underscore a committed push towards gender equality and women's welfare, blending recognition of past achievements with concrete steps for future empowerment through education, safety, and support services.
