Ahead of the Independence Day 2024, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, hosted 161 field functionaries, along with their companions, from across the nation at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
This was on August 14, 2024.The aim was to hold their interactive session with the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur.
These field functionaries are considered instrumental in the implementation of key schemes such as Anganwadis, Sakhi One-Stop Centres, Sankalp Hubs for Empowerment of Women, Child Welfare Committees, and District Child Protection Units.
The event began with an introductory address by the Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development on the eve of the Independence Day 2024.
The Minister emphasized the indispensable role of grassroots efforts in empowering women and ensuring child welfare throughout the country. A short film was then screened, showcasing the significant contributions of these field functionaries in advancing women-led development and promoting the welfare of children in their communities.
These remarkable women, representing various States and Union Territories, were applauded for their unwavering commitment and have been specially invited, along with their companions, to attend the 78th Independence Day Ceremony at the Red Fort on August 15. Before the event at Vigyan Bhawan, the invitees had the opportunity to visit iconic landmarks across New Delhi, including the Parliament and Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya.
In her address to the gathering, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur, highlighted the crucial role these women play in advancing the goal of Viksit Bharat as envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. She said, "Empowered women are the foundation of a strong nation.
Through initiatives like Mission Shakti, Mission Poshan 2.0, and Mission Vatsalya, “we are fortifying this foundation. Today, from Anganwadi workers to representatives of One-Stop Centers, every woman has set a new standard in driving societal change.
Your dedication and hard work are leading the women and children of India towards a brighter future. We are deeply grateful for your role in this journey of progress and look forward to working together with you to build a Viksit Bharat."
The event concluded with the field functionaries sharing their experiences and expressing their enthusiasm for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations and their visit to Delhi.
Monika Sharma, one of the invitees and a dedicated worker at the HUB for Empowerment of Women in the remote area of Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, expressed her excitement and pride about being invited as a special guest to the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort.
She said, "I am proud and honoured to receive this invitation from the Government of India. It fills me with immense happiness to be part of this historic event and to support the vision of Women-Led Development."
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Savitri Devi, an Anganwadi worker from Jharkhand, expressed her immense happiness upon receiving an invitation to the Independence Day celebration in Delhi. She said, "This feels like a dream come true for me. I am deeply grateful for this honour. This has been a dream of mine ever since I was a child. My family is also proud and filled with joy at this recognition."
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Asha Jain, an Anganwadi worker from Madhya Pradesh, expressed her joy upon receiving an invitation to attend the Independence Day function in Delhi. She said, "I am thankful to the Hon'ble Prime Minister for remembering us and inviting us as guests to the program on 15th August. This recognition means a lot to me."
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The Ministry also hosted 10 awardees of the Nari Shakti Puruskar, who got the opportunity to share their work and interact with the Hon’ble Minister of State.