New Delhi; 18 March : Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla addressed the students of Daulat Ram College of University of Delhi, today.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Birla opined that respect for women power is a part of Indian tradition and culture. Remembering social reformers like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitri Bai Phule, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Shri Birla said that their contribution in women empowerment will always be remembered. Recalling the contributions of women in India’s freedom struggle, Shri Birla said that women played an important role in India’s freedom movement. In fact, it was Rani Laxmibai who laid the foundation of the freedom movement, noted Shri Birla. Shri Birla emphasized that our freedom struggle could be successful due to the participation of women in large numbers.
Referring to the increasing participation of women in the development of the country since independence, Shri Birla said that today the women are playing a leading role in every field. From fighter planes to protecting the borders, be it paramilitary forces, everywhere women are leading from the front. Lakhs of women through Self Help Groups (SHGs) are making a big difference in the society by starting their own small industries, observed Shri Birla. Shri Birla expressed happiness that whenever officers of any All India Service come to Parliament for educational tours, he finds that the women probationers are more than that of men.
Shri Birla noted that over the period of time, the political participation of women has also increased. When our country became independent, the number of women in the Constituent Assembly was 15. Whereas, today 115 women are representing the country in the Parliament of India. And, today, more than 14 lakh women are leading and bringing social and economic changes in the society in all the democratic institutions in rural and urban areas. Shri Birla said that the country is moving forward with the vision of Women centric Development. There is confidence in the women power of new India, noted Shri Birla. The achievements that women are registering their names in every sphere of life today, give confidence that the country’s resolutions will come true in the Amrit Kaal, said Shri Birla.
Mentioning the role of youth in nation building, Shri Birla said that youth power is facing important challenges with their innovation and creativity. It is only through education that we can bring about a real change for the social emancipation of women, asserted Shri Birla. He urged the youth to ensure that every step they take should positively contribute to the empowerment of women in the society. Shri Birla urged them to focus on improving the lives of women, especially those living in rural areas.
