ITANAGAR, Mar 8: International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated with much fervour and enthusiasm across the state by the department of information & public relations (DIPR) in collaboration with the district administrations, during which the aims and objectives of the ‘Arunachal Rising’ campaign were also highlighted.
The department led the movement by organizing events like radio talk shows, street theatres, marathon races, tree plantation, workshops, etc.
The ‘Arunachal Rising’ campaign was conceived in 2018 with the aim of ensuring that the benefits of all government-sponsored schemes and policies reach the remotest corners of the state.
It is aimed at enhancing the dissemination of information on government schemes and welfare measures at the grassroots level through various media tools and innovative techniques.
The DIPROs in all the districts have been working tirelessly to this effect.
Around 7000 women SHG members from 13 blocks in Upper Subansiri, Lower Subansiri, East Kameng, Kamle and Kra Daadi districts congregated at Yazali in Lower Subansiri district under the aegis of the Tani Anne Dokum to celebrate IWD.
With the theme ‘For awakening and uplifting each other towards glorious future of Arunachal Pradesh’, the women shared stories of their journeys from being meek housewives to becoming bold and informed citizens.
Greeting the gathering on the occasion, Home Minister Bamang Felix gave a clarion call to the women to be aware of their rights.
“Being aware of your rights and privileges will ensure your uplift. Leave no stone unturned to ensure that your children, specifically the girls, are educated,” he said.
Describing women as “the storehouse of courage and power,” Felix appealed to them to join hands with the police in ensuring safe and secure environment.
“The Hamara Arunachal Abhiyan is a move towards communal harmony and social security. The success of this abhiyaan will definitely depend on the coordination between the police and the womenfolk in particular,” he said, and informed that the formation of mothers’ associations has been encouraged in all the sectors.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by the Tani Anne Dokum, Felix assured to increase the state’s share of initial funds provided to SHGs under the ArSRLM in the next budget. He also assured to coordinate a meeting with all the block coordinators to look into the grievances of the SHGs under the ArSRLM.
Education Minister Taba Tedir, who read out the CM’s message on the occasion, lauded the efforts of the SHGs, particularly the Ligu Ane Nyame, for streamlining the Ligu higher secondary school by imposing strict timetables for the students as well as teachers. He expressed hope that “with the womenfolk leading from the front, positive social changes are imminent.”
ArSRLM CEO T Siga while highlighting the objectives of the ArSRLM said, “Sustainable livelihood activities are the prime focus for eliminating poverty and elevating the social status of the poorest of the poor.”
Reports of IWD celebration have been received from the DIPROs in Khonsa (Tirap), Roing (Lower Dibang Valley), Tawang, Changlang, Namsai, Seppa (East Kameng), Bomdila (West Kameng), and Yupia (Papum Pare).
IWD was also celebrated by Donyi Polo Government College, Kamki, the 12 Bn NDRF stationed at Doimukh, Don Bosco School, Vivek Vihar, the Subansiri sector of the Indian Army at Maro village in Upper Subansiri district, the Jan Shikshan Sansthan, Naharlagun, the Arunachal Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee, and the state BJP Mahila Morcha.
The Itanagar Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society, under the banner of the Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society of India and the TRIHMS conducted breast and cervical cancer screening at the 12 NDRF headquarters in Doimukh as part of the IWD celebration. Seventy-six families benefitted from the camp and the screening was done free of cost. (DIPROs)
