Nagaland Governor Dr. Ashwani Kumar Saturday said there was the need to educate “our girls and women” if India had to fulfill the mandate of the Constitution and ensure justice and equality for all irrespective of caste, creed, tribe or sex.
The governor said this while addressing the Freshers’ Social day at Pranabananda Women’s College, Dimapur.
The governor said the first step towards providing justice was ensuring equality before law, irrespective of gender pointing out that the India Constitution already has provisions for equality and justice for women, especially in the social, economic and political fields.
He however said a lot were needed to be done to translate the objectives into reality on the ground and pointed out that Nagaland was still looking for the first woman to be elected to the state assembly.
Dr. Ashwani Kumar said latest research conducted by international organization indicated that empowering women through education and employment was the quickest means for ensuring the well being of the family, economic progress and peace.
Therefore, the governor said the most progressive governments in the world were taking measures to empower women through education and economic development.
Stating that women have assumed leadership roles in aeronautics, medicine, space, law, police, polictis, education and business, the governor said Sarita Williams, Kalpana Chawla and Mary Kom have done India proud in the international arena.
Dr. Ashwani Kumar reminded the girl students they were fortunate to be born in a country where women were worshipped and said that in the next few decades of this century, India will see maximum efforts being made to provide equality to women through education, economic activity and political participation.
“Therefore girls, don’t feel despondent, prepare yourself for the opportunities and challenges that await you in the coming decades”, said the governor.
He also expressed happiness to note that Pranananda Women’s College, Dimapur had no cases of ragging and gave the credit to senior students.
On the occasion, the governor also congratulated Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) vice president Marlyn Sale for her selfless work and dedication and expressed hope that she would continue to inspire and provide leadership to all and the younger generation.