Formation of human chain, honouring of achievers, awareness speeches, and oath taking marked celebration of International Women's Day in the district on Friday.
In the human chain programme organised by the Rotary Club of Tiruchi Shakthi and the Rotary Club of Tiruchi Central, about 100 college students took part. The human chain meant to create awareness on the ways to curb violence against women was formed from the E.R. School to Mambazhasalai.
At a programme organised by the all-women associations and Shrimati Indira Gandhi College, Superintendent of Police Lalitha Lakshmi called for sensitisation of the upcoming generation of girls at the family level to stand up courageously against injustice.
She said society had taught girls to be patient from childhood and they were unsure whether or not to raise their voice when they get victimised.
Ms. Lalitha Lakshmi honoured Chef Mallika Badrinath in the presence of the Tiruchi Mayor A. Jaya and Vice-Chancellor of Bharathidasan University K. Meena.
Sewing machines
Canara Bank observed the day by distributing sewing machines to visually impaired women and free uniforms to students. Under the aegis of Mahalir Thittam, T.P. Poonachi, Minister for Khadi and Village Industries, took part in a programme along with the Tiruchi Mayor and other dignitaries.
Several colleges including the Holy Cross College, National College, and Pavendar Bharathidasan institutions organised awareness programmes. A number of schools also observed the day by organising cultural events and taking oaths.
At the Crea Matriculation School, a special assembly was convened where students of 11th standard took a pledge to be true sons and daughters of their mothers.
Describing the shameful situation where women were beaten up, insulted, attacked and outraged, the students promised to respect all women and never to utter any word or involve in any action that was against the dignity of women. “We envisage a world of gender equity where both men and women will live as equally dignified human beings,” they said while undertaking the pledge administered by the school principal Christie Subhadra.
S. Ananthi and A. Sarumathy from ISHA Yoga Centre were the guests at the celebrations held at the Rane Engine Valve Limited, Viralimalai. Both the chief guests shared their expertise on Kriya yoga and women empowerment with womenstaff.
