Award is considered as an acknowledgment of excellence and provide recognition to the exemplars, who serve as role models for women entering or progressing in the field. The visibility becomes all the more significant looking at the deteriorating status of women today. DJJS, with the divine inspiration of His Holiness Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji (Head & Founder of the organization), recognizes the successful deeds of such women achievers in society every year by decorating an award on their shelf, called ‘Santulan Award’. This year, ‘Santulan’ is carrying out 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), certifying women for their virtuous performances in several social spheres. Jaipur city of Rajasthan witnessed the ceremony on March 29, 2017 at SIYAM Auditorium, Agriculture Research Institute, Shreeji Nagar, Tonk Road, Durga Pura, Jaipur with participation of approximately 550 attendees.
Prestigious and distinguished personalities namely Shri B.L. Arya (Former Principal Secretary, Revenue and Colonisation Dept. Govt. of Rajasthan) with his wife was invited as the Chief guest, Shri Suresh Chand Dinker (Finance Secretary, Govt Of Rajasthan) being the guest of honor along with illustrious personas like Justice S.N.Bhargava (Formar Chief Justice of Sikkim), Shri Ramavtar Raguvanshi (Retd. IAS Officer), Sh. T.L. Meena (Additional D.G.Of Police(Retd), Rajasthan), Dr.R.L.Raina (Vice Chancellor, JK Lashmipat University), Sh. Laxman Gaur (S.P. CID Crime Br., Rajasthan), Shri R.K. Bhandari (Director (Tech.) RRVPN Ltd.), Dr. P.L. Agarwal (Formar Information Commissioner of Rajasthan) and his wife and Shri A.K.Mittal (Businessman).
Women performers who have showcased extraordinary work in their respective fields were shortlisted from the region and further nominated for awards. The list of awardees includes Ms. Mewa Bharti (Social activist), Ms. Tejswani Gautam (ASP Bassi), Ms. Hemlata Chaturvedi (Bus conductor, RSTRC), Ms. Hemlata Khushwaha (Shyam vatika, Ram Nagar, Sodala), Ms. Shimla (1st female cab driver), Ms Anuradha dhanwantri (Social activist), Smt. Manju Bala Malab (Tailoring Trainer), Ms. Kavita Apoorva (Director, Disha NGO), Ms Deepak Kalra (Umang NGO) and Ms Shanaz Parween (Tailoring business).
The grand event took off with mesmerising music intoning women grief of a female fetus being killed brutally, followed by a skit to put across the ideology of creating 21st century vedic women who succeed and gift inspirational case studies to quote for generations to come. A dance ballet to represent women innate potential on theme ‘Tu hai Shakti’ was also performed by team of enthusiastic volunteers. An educative lecture to elucidate age old prejudices and thus create value for girl child, was delivered by Sadhvi Shitabha Bharti Ji. She also laid emphasis on the need for women to be, not just educationally and economically, but also spiritually empowered and united in order to rise above the present scenario and re-instate women grandeur. Thereafter, each awardee was honoured with 8th Annual Santulan Award, being the token of appreciation, followed by a group photo.
In the end, vote of thanks was delivered by Swami Narendranand Ji, Chief Secretary, DJJS, to express gratitude towards honorable guests for their presence, and awardees for their incredible contributions to society. Further, an exhibition was put up to display organizations’ illuminating publications and initiatives in regards to social evils, followed by dinner.
