Shimoga, March 09, 2021: The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society®, Shimoga celebrated the International Women's Day on 09 March 2021 at Kuvempu Rangamandira, Shimoga. The celebration began at 10.30 am with a prayer dance. Smt. Vaishali M. L., Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayat, Shimoga inaugurated the celebration, Smt. Anuradha G., Additional Deputy Commissioner, Shimoga was the chief guest. Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, the Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga and the President of SMSSS presided over the programme. Sr Jenifer Pinto, UFS, Mysore Province and Advocate, Free Legal Aid Services, Chamarajanagar and Mysore was the resource person.
Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto, the Director of SMSSS spoke about the purpose of the programme and noted that women can become the agents of change and explained the theme of International Women’s Day 2021, “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 World.” The example of how a bold step of 7 women on 15 March 1959 has provided job for more than 44,000 women through Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad gave a clear message to the participants. As part of the celebration the participants decided to plant and nurture at least 2 plants every year, ban the use of plastic and construct soak pits wherever possible so that the environment is protected from further damage.
In her inaugural speech Smt. Vaishali M. L., Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayat, Shimoga noted that women on the remote areas or from poor families are facing several problems. But the Government has brought out several schemes for the welfare of poor and marginal women and for those who are willing to start micro enterprise. Through Anganwadis and ASHA workers the Government is trying to reach out to each and every poor woman in the villages. She wished success to everyone.
Smt. Anuradha G., Additional Deputy Commissioner, Shimoga too noted that several programmes are organized for the empowerment of women. It is only through one's own conviction and hard work one can develop one's family. Today there are several opportunities for women to come out of crisis situation.
During the celebration the meritorious II PUC students, children of the members of Streebandhu Multipurpose Souharda Cooperative Limited, who secured 90% and above marks in the final exams of 2020 were honoured with certificate, medals and a cash award of Rs 2,000/- each.
Sr Jenifer Pinto, UFS, Mysore Province and Advocate, Free Legal Aid Services, Chamarajanagar and Mysore addressed the women on the theme Women Leadership and Legal Awareness. She noted that life begins with a woman and woman is the one who is the architect of the family and the society. Women can do wonders in the world. The examples of Babita Kumari Phogat, Geeta Phogat, Malala Yousafzai, Mother Teresa, Arundathi Nag, Anita Nair, Nisha Millet, Sudha Murthy, Veda Krishnamurthy, etc. gave a clear message to the participants that women have excelled in various fields, women are at the forefront of social service and wherever women are leaders, there is a certain system in the society. Woman plays different roles in the society. As mother, wife, teacher she strives for the wellbeing of children, husband and the society. The law of the land provides sufficient protection for women. However due to the ignorance of the law and the possibility of availing free services from legal aid cells women are suffering today. Women dream big and strive to achieve their goal. Without sexual discrimination one should support the growth and progress of women was the call she gave to the participants.
Three women achievers, namely Smt. Sudha Rajappa from Ganjenahalli and Smt. Manjamma Sureshappa from Masadi and Smt. Sudha Govindappa from Abbalagere were honoured during the celebration.
In his presidential address Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ congratulated the women for the visible development in their lives. It is only through determination and hard work one can see success.
Smt. Gracy, the staff of SMSSS welcomed the gathering. Smt Vathsala Padmavathi, the staff of SMSSS proposed the vote of thanks. Smt. Asha C., the staff of Streebandhu VSSN and Smt Alwina D’Souza, member of our SHG compered the programme. More than 900 women participated in the programme. At the conclusion of the programme food was served for all. The staff of SMSSS under the able leadership of the Director, Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto worked tirelessly for the success of the programme.
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