Noted social activist Suraiya Hassan Bose, who worked for the revival of the Deccan handloom industry and the welfare of weavers, was presented the 23 Yudhvir Memorial Award by The Yudhvir Foundation.
At a function organised in this regard on Thursday, where she was felicitated, distinguished guests recollected Ms. Bose’s rich contribution to the handloom industry. Accepting the award, the activist said she intended to revive the khadi industry in various parts of the State.
Change in politicsOn the occasion, a lecture was delivered by Padma Shri award winner and social activist Bilkees Latif on Our People...Tragedy and Triumph . She expressed concern that there were no values in today’s politics as a large amount of money was being used to bribe voters. Something had to be done to bring about a change in the present form of politics, she said.
Focusing on various issues plaguing the country, she said, “16 lakh children died of starvation last year in the country and about three lakh newborns die annually due to malnutrition. These figures are decreasing when compared to previous years but even then the issue is serious.”
Talking about her work in Dharavi slums and other tribal and Dalit areas in Maharashtra, she said the role of NGOs was very crucial in creating awareness and also in keeping a check on the irregularities in government schemes.
