Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized India’s long-standing tradition of women empowerment and equality during his presidential address at the valedictory session of the week-long first Women’s National Integration Camp on ‘Women Empowerment and Emancipation through NSS’ held at Padma Shri Padma Sachdev (PSPS) Government College for Women, Gandhinagar.
The camp, organized by the Regional Directorate of National Service Scheme (NSS) under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with GCW Parade and PSPS GCW Gandhinagar Jammu, brought together participants from 16 states and Union Territories.
In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted that India was founded on principles of equality, granting women the right to vote in the very first election. “This country has seen women in leadership roles before others who try to teach us lessons. We had a woman Prime Minister before many developed nations even considered it,” he said.
He further noted, “Our country has had more than one woman President, and currently, the highest office in the nation is occupied by a woman. We have also had a woman Lok Sabha Speaker in the past, which underscores the ideals of women empowerment in our democracy.”
The Chief Minister acknowledged, however, that women’s representation in public governance still lags. “True empowerment will be realized when women occupy an equal number of positions in governance and decision-making without relying on reservations,” Omar Abdullah remarked. “Women make up 50% of the population but do not constitute 50% of elected representatives,” he added.
Expressing gratitude to the participants, the Chief Minister urged them to act as ambassadors of goodwill, love, and friendship, carrying a message of unity from Jammu to their respective states.
Minister Sakina Itoo Advocates for National Integration
Addressing the gathering, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakina Itoo, lauded the diversity of participants coming together under one roof. She stressed the importance of national integration and encouraged young participants to promote peace and unity in their communities. “Women are marching ahead in every field and profession,” she added.
Camp Activities and Felicitations
Additional Chief Secretary for Higher Education, Shantmanu, provided a comprehensive overview of the camp’s activities. Director Colleges J&K and State NSS Director, Sheikh Aijaz, presented the camp address.
During the valedictory session, the Chief Minister felicitated winners and participants of various categories. Distinguished attendees included Vice-Chancellor of Cluster University of Jammu, Professor K.S. Chandrasekhar, Regional Director NSS & Principal GCW Gandhinagar, Dr. Saraswat, Principal GCW Parade Ground, Dr. Tikku, and Camp Commander, Dr. Gurpreet Kaur.
The week-long camp showcased India’s unity in diversity, fostering collaboration and understanding among participants from across the nation.
