INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY
Women play an integral role in society. They are the backbone of families and are crucial to the growth and development of communities. Today, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of women in society. Women have been making a significant contribution to modern Indian society in various fields, including politics, education, business, social services, arts and culture, sports, aerospace, journalism and media, science and technology, literature, entertainment, philanthropy, spiritual and religious activities. Women's participation in politics is essential for the development of democratic societies. When women are represented in political leadership, they bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, resulting in more informed decision-making. Women's political participation also leads to policies that are more inclusive and address the needs of the entire population. Fewer women staying at home, fewer children born to families, more women in college and a large women work force in all sectors is the driving force for any societal change. Napoleon said, “Give me good mothers and I will give you a good nation.” Nothing can highlight the role of a woman more than this saying. The main functions of women in the household are the transmission and implementation of cultural values, principles and beliefs to their children. Women's positions in society focus on human growth and social justice and influence political reform. In India, women's policy activism includes the context-specific challenges posed by religious and political communities and organisations.
This article highlights the role of various women of our society who have played a key role in this development and progress. In their own words-
The evolution of Dwarka's development stands as a testament to the collective contributions and challenges encountered by its residents. What was once a landscape marked by sporadic amenities and infrastructural deficiencies now boasts significant transformations across various facets of civic lives. The metamorphosis is palpable, evident in the strides made in electricity, roads, water supply, and waste management. Electricity, once a sporadic luxury, now flows reliably, illuminating homes and powering businesses with a consistency previously unseen. Roads, once rutted pathways, now weave through the locality, connecting neighborhoods and facilitating smoother transportation. Water, a perennial concern, has witnessed interventions aimed at ensuring accessibility and quality, albeit with persistent challenges in distribution and conservation. Waste management initiatives have also gained momentum, striving to mitigate the environmental footprint while instilling a sense of responsibility among residents. However, this journey of progress has not been devoid of hurdles. Residents have navigated through channels of authority, leveraging collective voices in dharnas and public meetings to address pressing issues. Water scarcity, a perennial concern, remains a focal point of contention, prompting community actions and engagements with local governance bodies. The specter of increased water bills serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between development and affordability, sparking debates and negotiations in pursuit of equitable solutions. Moreover, the interface with law enforcement underscores the complexities inherent in community dynamics. Police-public meetings serve as platforms for dialogue and collaboration, fostering understanding and cooperation in upholding safety and order within the locality. In essence, the journey of Dwarka's development epitomizes the intricate interplay between progress and participation. What stands today is a testament to the collective resolve of its residents to forge ahead, confronting challenges and embracing opportunities along the way. As the community continues to evolve, the spirit of collaboration remains foundational, guiding the trajectory towards a more inclusive and vibrant future.
Sudha Sinha, Social activist, Founder Ek Mutthi.
Going back in time, I take pride in having the distinction of being one of the earliest "settlers" of the sub city and have therefore the opportunity of witnessing the growth and evolution of one of the most modern residential habitations from a fledgling extension of the Capital to a buzzing modern, state of art residential and institutional hubs that is a pride of the nation. Needless to say, my career has been closely intertwined with the development of this area. As a writer, author and journalist and an artist, my creative passions have found roots here and have flourished in these very salubrious and enriching surroundings. The encouragement I have received has undoubtedly helped me play a very meaningful role in making a community cohesive. Communication is the most powerful medium of influencing and bringing people and society together and my passion for journalism really bore wings here starting from the early years of the decade of 2000s. As a journalist, shifting between print and with equal ease, I can say with pride that over the significant span of nearly two and half a decade, I have played the role of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting information and crafting it into a structured narrative for the audience's consumption. Journalists serve as messengers and interpreters of events and facts, providing context, analysis, and insights that help the public make sense of the world around them. With the advent of the digital age, the importance of Journalism has undergone significant transformations. From print newspapers and radio broadcasts to television and now online platforms, the mediums may have changed, but the essence remains the same. It is my firm opinion that good Journalism challenges perspectives, educates communities, and instigates positive change. It is therefore my continued effort to continue to act as an agent of positive change. My role and duty has always been to ensure that every individual has access to accurate, unbiased, and comprehensive information to make choices that shape the society they want to live in. I am happy that I have been able to play the important role of being a Social catalyst through my profession. Bringing to the readers stories of human interest, crises or discrimination or institutional inaction can galvanise collective action. These actions lead to sparking reforms and leading to societal advancements. It is also humbling to know and feel that I have to some extent helped be a unifying force. When people read about the challenges and triumphs of individuals and communities it creates a sense of shared humanity. An important facet of my engagement with society has been to highlight and celebrate human achievement. Be it excellence in sports or academics, stories of innovation, bravery, art, and human resilience, or the challenges and issues societies face, it has always been my effort to play a pivotal role in celebrating human achievement and make every resident aware of this. It has given me immense satisfaction to find my reporting inspiring others and bringing moments of joy and pride. I have had the opportunity of playing an important role in actively and at times indirectly promoting cultural understanding through feature stories, interviews, and cultural reporting and showcasing achievements in art, music, literature, and traditions from diverse communities. This not only celebrates the richness of human cultures but also promotes mutual respect and understanding among diverse populations.
Ms. Swati Khanwalkar, Journalist
I am a postgraduate from Lady Shriram College, Delhi University and a postgraduate Diploma holder in Linguistics from Delhi University. I worked for BHEL and Gail India Limited as Head of the Official Language Department. During my tenure at GAIL India Ltd, I was adjudged as best Hindi Officer amongst all PSUs of the Ministry of Petroleum. The award was given by the then Petroleum Minister, Dharmendra Patel. I won the Prestigious Indira Gandhi Award for best implementation of Official Language for my company many times. This honour is awarded by the President of India. I was responsible for hosting all the prestigious events – be it company stamp release at President House, dedication of various Projects to the nation in the presence of the whole Cabinet and official cultural function. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Inspire inclusion”. I started working on this theme 4-5 years before my retirement. I created a second line by motivating and mentoring my juniors and inspired them to step into the mainstream. Besides my official career, I have flair for literary writing and love for music. To pursue my interests in literature, music, and event anchoring, I have undertaken the responsibility of leading music groups, namely Dwarka Kala Sargam and Dwarka Beats. This has given me a very good platform and opportunity to connect people through music. It is very fulfilling to see such people meeting at one platform and interacting with each other which they couldn’t have done otherwise. I, with my group, have organised many music evenings at old age homes, namely “Godhuli” and “Silver Lining” for elderly people to help them to come out of depression. I have participated in “Project Sanitation '' for educating the underprivileged women folk for personal hygiene. I am actively involved in the activities for the benefit of senior citizens of Dwarka (SHD) through Seniors Hub Dwarka. SHD nominated me as their representative for conducting the Security audit of Dwarka societies. I, with my team, physically conducted audits of 38 societies.
Ms. Shashi Jain, Dwarka Beats
Ms. Bhavna Pandey is a well-known and highly respected figure in the realms of education and social activism, with over two decades of relentless work in Dwarka sub-city. Her journey commenced at The Taj Group of Hotels, where she worked for nearly a decade before transitioning to esteemed educational institutions such as Delhi Public School, Basava International School, GD Goenka Public School and Sri Venkateshwar International School. In 2013, she embarked on a new chapter by joining The British Council and subsequently founding her own English Academy, The EnglishBytes. She is a fervent advocate for social upliftment, actively engaging with numerous NGOs to effect positive change. Through her tireless efforts, corporates have started supporting organizations like Pahal Pathshala and DAVO Old Age Home. In 2017, Ms. Bhavna Pandey spearheaded the creation of innovative programs like Word Pro, an electrifying Inter-School English Quiz, and Spell-Well Genius Olympiad, all aimed at fostering a joyous learning experience for young minds. Collaborating with Dwarka City Newspaper, these initiatives have become synonymous with educational engagement and excellence. She along with Mrs. Sudha Sinha, the President of Ek Mutthi Trust mentors students from schools and universities under 'Anubhav', a Youth Social Community Mentorship Program, empowering the youth with skills and opportunities to thrive in a changing world. Every year, forty schools nominate students to volunteer in the transformative 'Indian Wheelchair Premier League', a month-long wheelchair cricket tournament that transcend physical limitations and celebrate the spirit of inclusivity. The young participants receive invaluable training under the guidance of Ms. Sudha Sinha and Ms. Bhavna Pandey, alongside a dedicated team of experts in sports management, media, mass communication and event organization. Her endeavors not only enrich the present but also sow the seeds for a more compassionate and inclusive society in the future.
Ms. Bhavna Pandey
Hailing from a family of intellectual Kashmiri Pandits, where love and respect were the cornerstones of existence, I imbibed the ethos of kindness and compassion from an early age. Inspired by James W. Foley's words, "Drop a word of kindness and you'll see how it creates magic," I embarked on a path guided by the desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Driven by a passion for teaching, I dedicated over three decades of my life to education, serving as both a teacher and an administrator. My journey led me to the realization that education is not just about imparting knowledge but also about shaping futures, especially for those from underprivileged backgrounds. It is this conviction that motivated me to establish a 'Pathshala' in the village of Amberahi, Sector-19 with a vision of spreading awareness about education's transformative power. Recognizing the pivotal role of parental involvement, I organized camps to motivate parents to prioritize education for their children. Starting with a modest enrollment of 10 students, our pathshala has now grown to accommodate 130 young minds, symbolizing the collective effort towards creating a brighter future. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, I embraced technology to ensure continued learning, creating educational videos. Additionally, my dedication to education was honored with the Shikshak Shree Award by the Rashtriya Samta Swatantra Manch in 2019.
Beyond the confines of Dwarka, I launched a groundbreaking initiative in rural Uttarakhand, where migration due to the lack of educational opportunities is rampant. By establishing a modern school, my aim is to provide local residents with access to quality education, thereby stemming the tide of migration and fostering community development. My journey is fueled by a deep-rooted commitment to leveraging education as a catalyst for societal transformation. I believe that by coming together and supporting this cause selflessly, we can eliminate disparities and pave the way for progress and prosperity, not just for individuals but for the entire nation.
Ms. Usha Zalpuri, Stand N Stride Foundation
I am an institutional and corporate caterer with extensive experience of over 20 years. I have catered to many corporate houses and educational institutions including GMR Group, Tata Motors, Tata Capital, Trail Blazer Tours, Army Public School, Sri Venkateshwar International School, Venkateshwar International School, ITL Public School, Delhi International School, Delhi International School Edge, DIS Junior, The Indian Heights School, and Bal Bhavan International School. I have catered to in the course of various institutional events well known personalities including Dr. Pranab Mukherjee, former President of India, Milkha Singh, former track and field sprinter, Ashish Nehra, former Indian cricketer, Ms. Shovana Narayan, Indian Kathak dancer, Karl Slym, former Managing Director, Tata Motors. I have got many awards including Best Chef, Delhi NCR (Bharat Gas initiative), Top 20, MasterChef India, Season 4, Recipient of 'Enriching Lives and Shaping Future' Award and many more. I am a chef at heart, and am often experimenting with food and new flavours as I journeys through the world of food. It relaxes you completely and takes you to a higher state. I was adjudged the Best Chef in Delhi and NCR (in an initiative by Bharat Gas) by Chef Jiggs Kalra and was also part of the top 21 contestants of MasterChef India Season 4. Presently, I run institutional cafeterias, have my own brand of organic and artisanal dips, sauces and condiments called, “The Earth Kitchen", and take pop-up cookery sessions.
Ms. Priti Bali
Jyoti is presently posted at Police Station, Sector- 23, Dwarka and also the Incharge of Social Media Cell Dwarka, Community Policing and Student Police Cadet in short IC/Medicom Dwarka. She joined Delhi Police as constable in 2006 and had undergone a B-1 test and was promoted as Head Constable in 2012. In the year 2014, she appeared in an open test for Sub Inspector in Delhi Police through SSC and got through. She was inducted in the force after undergoing training and posted as SI at P.S. Bindapur. While posted at P.S. Bindapur, she handled very sensitive cases of gang rapes and one gruesome rape of a child of 3 years old. The efforts put in her first posting after training was well acknowledged by all ranks and file in the department. As a young and vibrant officer, she took the police job as a challenge. She hails from a farmer family of Rewari district, Haryana. Have done schooling from government schools and Bachelor degree from Ahir College, Rewari. She has been a national Volleyball player and also completed B. P. Ed from Rajasthan University, Jaipur. She has contributed best to the organizational role of curbing the crime and maintaining the law and order. She had been awarded many times for her splendid achievements accomplished while dealing with hard core criminals. During 17.6 yrs of unblemished service in Delhi Police she has acted in various roles and did justice to every role assigned by the department whether it is public related job or core policing. She has earned 7 CC/CR with cash reward Rs. 15,000/-.
Jyoti, Sub Inspector
I have have writing poems on women empowerment and daughters for many years. In the last 35 years of writing,I have published 10 books, Audio Video CDs. I have travelled the globe for poetry recitals including 15 countries for Kavi Sammelans. I have formed the Prerna Darpan literary and cultural platform. Through this, we honour women from all sections of the society from time to time. We honour college professors, entrepreneurs, eminent writers and women who pull rickshaws or sweep houses together on the same platform. We are working to provide opportunities and proper guidance to young writers. Under the “Muskaan” program, we highlight the hidden talents of women working at home and to honour them publicly. Older women writers usually feel lonely in life. We are celebrating the birthdays of such women writers with pomp and show.
Dr. Kirti Kale
International poet and writer I am a degree holder in Fashion Designing and have a passion for the industry. I pursued a Master’s in Business Administration with the ambition of venturing into entrepreneurship. In my current capacity, I operate an independent designer outlet named "Sumaya," in Sector-7, Dwarka. Notably, Sumaya specializes in blending traditional craft techniques such as chikankari, Aari, dabka work, among others, into contemporary fashion designs. My accomplishments and contributions are notable. I established Sumaya with the dual purpose of not only offering distinctive and top- notch fashion products but also to provide support to artisans and craftsmen, albeit on a modest scale. I am actively engaged in creating employment opportunities for skilled workers, particularly during lean periods, where I prioritize their welfare over purely commercial interests. I actively contribute to the preservation and promotion of traditional craft techniques by seamlessly integrating them into modern fashion trends. I have also participated in various local community initiatives aimed at empowering women through skill development and entrepreneurship. My journey as an entrepreneur and advocate for traditional craftsmanship resonates strongly with the theme of celebrating women's contributions to the development of our sub-city.
Ms. Aditi
I am a graduate in Psychology, an entrepreneur and a social worker with a passion for fostering positive change. Over the past 16 years, I have actively collaborated with various organizations to champion the causes of a clean, green, and safe Dwarka. My focus includes initiatives for women's empowerment, ensuring access to quality education for children. I love to participating in environmental conservation efforts. I am proud to be part of the "Say No to Plastic" campaign in collaboration with the MCD. I am continuously following up with all the authorities like DDA, MCD, DJB for the civic work of Dwarka.
Ms. Anjana Sinha, Gen. Secretary, Dwarka Forum
My life has always been about serving others, and I'm fortunate to wear many hats that allow me to do just that. As the General Secretary of the Federation of Dwarka CGHS, Secretary of Unique Apartments, and a mother of two, I find fulfillment in contributing to the well-being of those around me. Empathy has consistently shown me the way, urging me to assist those facing challenges. Whether I'm championing causes close to my heart or faithfully donating blood for the past decade, I'm convinced that pooling my resources and talents can ignite meaningful change in our world. My current role as General Secretary allows me to facilitate the welfare of residents within the Federation. I advocate for their needs, working towards solutions that create a thriving and supportive community. Beyond official positions, I serve as Secretary of Unique Apartments, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration among residents. In my role as a homemaker, I approach each day as an opportunity to create a vibrant and loving environment for my family, fostering growth, happiness, and togetherness. I believe that each of us has the power to make a difference, and I'm grateful for the opportunities that allow me to contribute to the betterment of my community. Together, we can create a more just and compassionate world for all.
Ms. Ruchi Solanki, General Secretary, Federation of CGHS Dwarka Ltd.
Ms. Ruchi Solanki, General Secretary
Federation of CGHS Dwarka Ltd.
Ms Asha Varshney, Organising Secretary, ANHLGT
Ms. Karuna Srivastava.
I am graduate from Delhi University, and am the co-founder of Dwarka Connects Community, focused on empowering women entrepreneurs. My initiatives have enabled the growth of several small businesses, elevating them to recognized brands in Dwarka. Through mentorship and resources, I catalyze economic empowerment, fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the sub-city. My vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to empowering women exemplify the spirit of International Women's Day.Ms.
Ms. Daisy Ahuja, Co-founder, Dwarka Connect Community.
Ms. Seema Bhalla
Dwarka Hello Moms
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