We should work sincerely to bring the most authentic equality, gender-based equality: His Excellency the Vice President

Vijay Gaur Bureau Chief - Delhi

On the occasion of the 33rd Foundation Day of the National Commission for Women (NCW), Sudesh Dhankhar, Minister of State (Women and Child Development) Savitri Thakur, Anil Malik Secretary (Women and Child Development) Commission Member Mamta Kumari and Dr. Archana Majumdar, Meenakshi Lekhi Member Secretary were present.

The grand event of the 33rd Foundation Day of the National Commission for Women (NCW) was held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. This year's theme Punyashlok focuses on the inspirational tradition, highlighting the life and teachings of Mata Ahilyabai Holkar.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, Vijaya Rahatkar, emphasised on the growing role of women in India's progress and elaborated on how the last decade has seen unprecedented progress in women empowerment, supporting and expanding the role of NCW in advocating for women's rights. She reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to advancing gender equality and promoting women.

On the occasion, the Chief Guest His Excellency Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, shared his insights on the role of women in shaping a developed India. During his address, His Excellency the Vice President said that Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar is in a 24/7 mission mode. He expressed confidence that the Commission will see glorious days under her tenure. He said that women are crossing every limit and they are in combat positions in the defence forces. There is an ecosystem all around which is positive for them. Women have stood the test of development, the women of this country are the most aspirational at this time and when a class is the most aspirational, the challenges are huge, because the energy has to be regulated. I have no doubt, without the contribution of half of the humanity, neither the earth can be happy nor the nation can prosper. The pleasant aspect is that India, where one-sixth of humanity lives, is getting affectionate attention of the mothers, sisters, they are making a huge contribution. The National Commission for Women should realize its strength. I firmly believe that strength is never in the exercise of power. Strength is in realizing the limitations, your limitations determine your power. She urged the Commission to start a new trend, the trend is dissemination of information and constructive persuasion, creating sensation or using coercive mechanisms to get into the limelight should be the last priority, it should be done only if it cannot be avoided at all. We have seen that there is a temptation by different instances to sensationalise and seek headlines in the best work being done. There should be a culture of working in silence, working quietly, working underground. I would urge the media to be extremely sensitive. It is very easy for a media person to sit at a desk and create sensationalism, go into minute details, minute details of an event, ignoring the overall system, which is extremely pleasing. So I would urge that this be adopted soon. This dominance has to end, this dominance is psychologically depressing for women because when it comes to merit and talent, they are no less than anybody. So I would urge that we create such a system in trade, industry, commerce, business, politics, education and other such fields that women get equal status in financial gains. Unfortunately, this is not the trend. The Commission has to deal with this issue, because these are the problems. Today we think there is a woman bureaucrat, a woman scientist, a woman entrepreneur, a woman academician, a woman vice-chancellor. But their challenges are different from their rules. We must work sincerely to bring about the most authentic equality, gender-based equality.

As a part of the celebrations, a special session on the life and learnings of Mata Ahilyabai Holkar was organised. Eminent panelists shared valuable insights into her remarkable journey, drawing lessons from her leadership, resilience and dedication to public welfare. The discussion served as an inspiration for women to pursue their aspirations fearlessly, undeterred by personal challenges. The occasion was graced by the presence of (Smt.) Sudesh Dhankhar, Minister of State (Women and Child Development), Savitri Thakur, Anil Malik, Secretary (Women and Child Development), Aayog Member Mamta Kumari and Dr. Archana Majumdar and Member Secretary Meenakshi Lekhi.