The bright side of this year’s International Women’s Day is that it was celebrated with great enthusiasm and high objectives at global level. The dark side scares as woman is still struggling for emancipation and recognition after 109 years of IWD celebration. DJJS, with the divine inspiration of His Holiness Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji (Head & Founder of the organization), is an institution that itself witnesses majority of operational management of its socio-spiritual programs by Sadhvis (female disciples). Further, it recognizes women triumph in society by adding a feather in their caps called ‘Santulan Award’ every year. This year too, DJJS, under its gender equality initiative ‘Santulan’ is conducting 8th Annual Santulan Awards in 7 regions of the country viz, Maharashtra (Chakan), Haryana (Ambala), Punjab (Amritsar), Uttarakhand (Dehradun), Uttar Pradesh (Meerut), Madhya Pradesh (Gwalior) and Rajasthan (Jaipur), accrediting women for their impeccable performances in several social spheres. Amritsar observed the event on March 26, 2017 at Guru Nanak Auditorium witnessing presence of about 1800 attendees.
The episode was graced by the presence and participation of honorable chief guests Sh. Om Prakash Soni (MLA, Amritsar), Mr. Girish Bansal (CGM), Mr. Sudesh Lehri and Sh. Surinder Farishta. Women who have showcased commendable conduct and accomplishments in their respective fields were shortlisted from the said regions, and further nominated for awards by the organization jury. The list contained Mrs. Swaraj Grover (Founder and President of Jan Kalyan Sangathan-NGO), Mrs. Gurmeet Bawa (Renowned singer), Mrs. Rekha Mahajan (Founder and Head of KGN Welfare Art and Cultural Society, Principal in government school), Mrs. Indu Arora (Social activist), Ms. Jyoti Bawa (Founder and President “Punjabi Samvad” (NGO), Writer and Director), Ms. Laxmi Kanta Chawla (fields of education and politics, social activist, Founder of NGO – Mahila Shakti and Rani Jhansi), Ms. Preeti Hiranwal (BSF Constable) and Dr. Anupma Kaur (Professor and Head of Human Genetics Dept. in Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar).
The grand event began with motivational commentary followed by a skit to showcase tales of exemplars of women empowerment since ancient times viz, Gargi, Meera, Madalsa and Rani Padmavati igniting spirit of womanhood and woman potential. A stand up comedy session was undertaken by the well-known comedy artists Mr. Sudesh Lehri and Sh. Surinder Farishta-followers of teachings of Shri Ashutosh maharaj Ji. An enlightening lecture to elucidate age old prejudices and thus create value for girl child, was delivered by Sadhvi Padmhastha Bharti Ji. Referring to the message conveyed through skit, she also laid emphasis on the need for women to be, not just educationally and economically, but also spiritually empowered in order to rise above the present scenario and re-hoist the flag of women glory. She reiterated that women themselves will have to pause seeking help and raise voice for attainment of their lost dignity. Thereafter, each awardee was invited to dais and honoured with 8th Annual Santulan Award, being the token of appreciation, followed by a group photo.
Further, along with high tea, an exhibition was put up to display organizations’ illuminating publications and initiatives in regards to social evils. Being a socio-spiritual organisation headed and founded by His Holiness Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, it is working globally for the establishment of universal brotherhood and peace through nine-dimensional social reforms and welfare programs, focused on issues like gender, education, community health, drug abuse eradication, environment conservation, Indian cow breed improvement and conservation, disaster management and empowerment of disabled and prisoners, along with workshops for corporate sector and youth.
