*Attended the valedictory session of NIC
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 9: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the nation’s rich legacy of women empowerment, rooted in the principle of equality since its inception, during his presidential address at the valedictory session of the first Women’s National Integration Camp focused on ‘Women Empowerment and Emancipation through NSS’, held at Padma Shri Padma Sachdev (PSPS) Government College for Women in Gandhi Nagar.
The week-long camp, organized by the Regional Directorate of the National Service Scheme (NSS) under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, was conducted in collaboration with GCW Parade and PSPS GCW Gandhinagar Jammu.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the foundation of this country is built on equality, having granted women the right to vote in its inaugural elections. “This nation has witnessed women in leadership roles long before other nations learned such lessons. We had a female Prime Minister while many developed countries had yet to consider such a possibility,” he noted.
He added, “Our country has seen multiple women Presidents, and currently, the highest office is held by a woman.”
The Chief Minister went on to mention that we have also had a female Lok Sabha Speaker, which demonstrates the ideals of women’s empowerment in our democratic nation.
However, he pointed out that one area still requiring attention is women’s representation in public roles. He lamented, “The unfortunate reality is that we have not achieved true empowerment. Although we discuss reservation as a means forward, genuine empowerment occurs when women can attain equal representation in governance and decision-making processes without depending on quotas.”
“Women constitute 50% of our population, yet they are not equally represented among elected officials,” he stressed. On this occasion, he expressed appreciation to participants from 16 different states and Union Territories for their involvement in the camp.
He urged the attendees to act as ambassadors of goodwill, spreading messages of love and harmony wherever they go. Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakina Itoo, highlighted the joy of seeing diverse participants come together and underscored the importance of national integration in a varied society, encouraging young participants to foster peace and unity within their communities.
She noted the significant strides women are making in various fields and professions.
During his address, Additional Chief Secretary for Higher Education, Shantmanu, outlined the primary activities conducted during the camp. Director Colleges J&K and State Director of NSS, Sheikh Aijaz, also delivered remarks.
At the valedictory session, the Chief Minister recognized winners and participants across different categories. Vice-Chancellor of Cluster University of Jammu, Professor K.S. Chandrasekhar, Regional Director NSS & Principal GCW Gandhi Nagar, Dr. Saraswat, Principal GCW Parade Ground, Dr. Tikku, Camp Commander Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, and other dignitaries were also in attendance.
