The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today attended the “Lal Ded National Award Ceremony” at Srinagar. The prestigious award event was organised by Sarhad, Pune. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said the Nari Shakti, honored by Lal Ded National Award, has achieved remarkable accomplishments in their respective fields. He said the blessings of saints like Lal Ded have nurtured and preserved the nation’s vision, its arts, literature, music, folk traditions, and deep spiritual wisdom.
“By setting new standards in their fields, remarkable women achievers have helped shape the soul of society. Women empowerment must be a top priority for both society and government. We must also prioritize women in innovation and entrepreneurship so enterprises led by them become stronger,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said in today's world, Lal Ded’s message can become a lifeline for humanity and her philosophy of compassion, truth, and morality is the foundation of a global society that seeks peace, inclusion, and fraternity.
“Lal Ded’s life teaches society that no matter how great the challenge, a person’s inner strength, faith, and courage can turn even the toughest trials into opportunities for growth and learning. Lal Ded became a beacon of hope for all seekers who dared to believe that humanity can truly become better and her ideals guided people toward a more harmonious world,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He observed that Nari Shakti exemplifies sacrifice, compassion, and equality, and it is solemn duty of society and nation alike to secure full rights for women.
“I believe gender equality is a call for men to stand shoulder to shoulder with women and to be partners and allies, and to jointly build a just society and developed India while fulfilling their responsibilities. I firmly believe that when women progress, families progress and families progress, the nation progresses. Women play a crucial role in nation-building and its evidence is visible across every sphere of life,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The prestigious award was conferred on contemporary Kashmiri poet Smt. Bimla Raina; Sahitya Akademi Award-winning poet Prof. Naseem Shafaie; scholar, author and Rajbhasha expert, Dr. Sakina Akhtar; Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board and the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to eminent writer, academician, and translator Prof. Neerja Mattoo.
Smt. Vijaya K. Rahatkar, Chairperson, National Commission for Women; Shri Vijay Dhar, educationist; Shri Sanjay Nahar, Founder President, Sarhad; Smt Sushma Nahar, Founder Secretary, Sarhad; senior officials, members of Sarhad Foundation, and prominent citizens from different walks of life attended the award ceremony.