Nari Shakti Puraskar: Government honours real women achievers

The nation at this time is torn between nationalists and anti-nationalists. While the definition of these terms can be called ambiguous. they can be understood better when placed in the context of pro and anti- Modi campaigns. We aren't taking sides, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a great gesture by honouring women who won the Nari Shakti Puraskar. Not only that, he personally met the women on the morning of Women's Day and learnt about their stories and struggles.

Modi government has shown more emphasis on women-led development than women's development. Their schemes like gold incentivization in education, free loans for women through Mudra Banks, skill development, etc have displayed to the world the nation's unwavering commitment towards inclusive growth. On the occasion of Women's Day, the Ministry of Women and Child Development honoured some of these women across sectors and cultures, whose efforts have made a significant change in improving the situation of women from certain sects in the society. A total of 15 women, including social workers, journalists and creative messengers were awarded.

Haryana won the award for the best performing state in terms of improvement in gender inequity. It was the first time in a decade that the state's female to male ratio crossed 900, while about 190 FIRs were registered against pre natal sex-determination, TOI reported. The state has taken some serious steps towards effective implementation of these policies.

Here is what Maneka Gandhi, Minister of Women and Child Development had to say:

Literally translating to `women power', this award specifically recognises unsung heroes who spearhead change and demonstrate tangible impact in their immediate communities...

Varanasi has not only been a holy centre of tourism, but has been a trafficking hub of migrant sex-workers. Guria, an NGO that works towards rehabilitation and empowerment of families of such victims, also received an award for their efforts. The NGO has managed to successfully eradicate the most active red-light area, Shivpuri in the city.

Other winners included playwright and founder of Stri Mukti Sangathana and Sister Lucy Kurien from Maharashtra, Ladakh's education activist Sujata Sahu, founder of Rangsutra, Sumita Ghosh, who works on inclusive rural development; environmentalists Basanti Devi from Uttarakhand, Suparna Baksi Ganguly from Karnataka, agri-researcher Saurabh Suman, triathelte and comedian Vasu Primalani, Rajasthan-based freelance journalist Meena Sharma.

Such efforts made by the government might not be symbolic or inspirational for many, but may we all have consensus on the fact that they are sure to inspire masses to drive towards change. We congratulate these women and the government for a great kickstart to upcoming eventful times in the history of womanhood.