Education will empower women and equip them to fight for their rights, said Lakshmi Ramakrishna, film actress and director, here on Sunday.
Speaking at the International Women’s Day celebrations organised by women organisations and Srimathi Indira Gandhi College, she said that teaching should begin at home. While we teach girls about their freedom and rights, we should teach boys to respect women. While women are at an advanced level on the one hand, incidents like Nirbhaya are happening on the other hand because of lack of proper teaching. Women should not forget our culture. Child marriages should be avoided and girls should be given an opportunity to go for higher studies, she added.
K. Meena, former Vice-Chancellor, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchi, said safety and security are important for women and that is why the Centre has created Nirbhaya fund.
R. Jaya, Tiruchi Corporation Mayor, said women like Muthulakshmi Reddy, Kalapana Chawla, P.T.Usha are examples for exemplary women.
Women who have rendered excellent service in their fields were honoured on the occasion.
K. G. Meenakshi, Founder President, Sri Sivananda Balalaya, was honoured for her service to education. Sathya, Principal of the Balalaya, received the award on behalf of Meenakshi. Awards were presented to T. Ramani Devi, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, and M.Lakshmi, Gram Sevog, Gandhigram.
Women who gathered at the meeting took pledge to prove that they are equal to men, and to create awareness of the importance of safety, security, health and education for women.
S. Vidya Lakshmi, Principal, Srimathi Indira Gandhi College, Tiruchi, welcomed the gathering.
People’s Development Initiatives (PDI) celebrated International Working Women’s Day on Sunday. A rally was taken out from Kohinoor theatre, Saalai Road.
Z. Annie Vijaya, Superintendent of Police, Southern Railways, Tiruchi, honoured PDI volunteers.
Tiruchi district unit of the National Women’s Front took out a rally from Singara Thoppu to Chatram bus stand to create awareness of female foeticide and atrocities against girls.
Femina Shopping Mal-Hyper organised “Spirit of women” to celebrate Women’s Day at Femina Shopping Mal Hyper.
Karur
Women’s Day was celebrated at the Government Higher Secondary school at Thanthondrimalai in Karur district on Sunday. The function was organised by Pudu Vazhvu Scheme, Social Welfare Department and Mahalir Thittam.
Rangoli, singing and painting competitions were held in connection with the celebrations. Collector S. Jayanthi distributed prizes. M. Aruna, District Revenue Officer, Thiruvalarselvi, Chief Education Officer, Poongothai, Social Welfare Officer, participated in the function.
