SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday attended the Lal Ded National Award Ceremony in Srinagar, where he underlined the importance of women’s empowerment, gender equality and greater participation of women in innovation and entrepreneurship.
The award ceremony, organised by Sarhad, Pune, recognised several women achievers for their contributions in literature, academia and public life. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said women honoured with the Lal Ded National Award have made notable contributions in their respective fields and play a key role in shaping society.
He said the teachings and legacy of saint Lal Ded have preserved and enriched India’s cultural heritage, including arts, literature, music, folk traditions and spiritual thought.
Sinha said women empowerment must remain a priority for both society and government, adding that greater focus is required to support women-led innovation and entrepreneurship.
He said Lal Ded’s philosophy of compassion, truth and morality remains relevant in the present era and can serve as a guiding principle for a peaceful and inclusive society.
The Lieutenant Governor said women represent sacrifice, compassion and equality, adding that securing their rights is a collective responsibility of society and the state. He further stated that gender equality requires men and women to work together as partners in building a just and developed nation.
Sinha also said that progress of women leads to the progress of families and, in turn, the nation, adding that their contribution is visible across all sectors of life.
The award was conferred on poet Bimla Raina, Sahitya Akademi Award winner Prof Naseem Shafaie, scholar and author Sakina Akhtar, and Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the JK Waqf Board. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to writer, academician and translator Prof. Neerja Mattoo.
The ceremony was attended by Chairperson of the National Commission for Women Vijaya K Rahatkar, educationist Vijay Dhar, Sarhad Founder President Sanjay Nahar, Founder Secretary Sushma Nahar, senior officials, members of the Sarhad Foundation and other dignitaries.
