The noise of alarm in Meerut for crime against women is getting clamorous with each passing day. Yet there are iconic personalities who have refused to lose to these enormities and decided to combat the obstacles. Time and again, these she-roes have given remarkable case studies to discuss for ages. 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 the successful deeds of women in society every year by adding a feather in their caps called ‘Santulan Award’. For the 8th time in a row, DJJS, under its gender equality initiative ‘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), accrediting women for their impeccable performances in several social spheres. The first brick was stacked in Meerut on March 19, 2017 at Radha Govind Mandap, Garh Road, Meerut with about 500 attendees.
A list of women who have exhibited extraordinary performances in their respective fields was prepared and shortlisted from the city. It was further scrutinized by the organization jury based on their achievements and thus, nominated for awards. The list of awardees includes Dr. Minakshi Sood (Activist in Welfare & Empowerment of Women), Ms. Seema Gautam (An empowered home maker), Ms. Punita Tyagi (Media Activist dedicated to “Save Girl Child”), Ms. Anju Jain (Emancipation of Disadvantaged women), Dr. Mala Bhandar (Women and Child Welfare), Ms. Aradhna (reconciliation of Indian History), Ms. Ruchi Sharma (Education for underprivileged), Dr. Deepshikha Sharma (Geography field), Ms. Alka Tomar (National Level Wrestling Championships participant), Ms. Shakuntala Tyagi (Girl Child Education activist), Ms. Seema Srivastav (Value based education promoter) and Dr. Shobha Sharma (Social Activist).
The panel of guests to honour these idols include renowned personalities like Professor H.S Singh (Pro - Vice Chancellor, Chaudhary Charan Singh University) being the chief guest along with Mr. Bhupender Singh (SDM), Mr. RK Singh (Add. Commissioner, Commercial Tax Department), Mr. Vinod Kumar (Add. Commissioner, SIB-Commercial Tax Department, Bareilly), Mr. Ashok Kumar Singh (Additional Director, Basic Educatioi (Higher Education Officer) as the guests of honor. Mrs. Anju Pandey (Betiya Foundation), Mrs. Rekha Gupta (President, Mahila Morcha BJP), Dr. CS Sharma (Director-Radha Govind College), Girish Bansal (Businessman), Mr. Girish Bansal (Principal), Mr. RK Gupta (Principal), Mrs. Rashmi Aggarwal and Mr. Ajay Sharma (Unit Head-Sugar Mill-Bhillai) were some of the eminent personas of city, the event witnessed.
The grand event comprehended lamp lighting by chief guest, series of devotional music followed by a skit to showcase Vedic women who combat all odds against her, succeeds and gifted case study to quote for future generations. A dance ballet to represent woman as an incarnation of goddess and a Shakti powerhouse, was also performed by team of enthusiastic volunteers. An enlightening lecture to elucidate age old prejudices and thus create value for girl child, was delivered by Sadhvi Manimala 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-hoist the flag of women glory. She reiterated that women themselves will have to become the torch bearers to bring about gender revolution. Thereafter, each awardee was honoured with 8th Annual Santulan Award being the token of appreciation, followed by a group photo.
In the end, a vote of thanks was delivered by Sadhvi Lokesha Bharti ji to express gratitude towards the guests for participating in the event and awardees for their incredible contributions to society. 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.
