With a vision to create women compeers and a gender just society, a yearlong nationwide mass awareness generation and sensitization campaign "Tu Hai Shakti" against sex selective abortions was launched on 27th March 2016, launch declared by Hon'ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Sh. J. P. Nadda; with a target of covering 6000 areas through 8 states of India; wherein 8 women ambassadors representing each state along with 25,000 volunteers would be carved as change agents to further sensitize lakhs of people across the country against female feticide. Haryana, being one of the states with 10 sub-branches - Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Bilaspur, Karnal, Saharanpur, Panipat, Ambala, Hissar, Naraingarh, Jagadhari; became the first milestone that witnessed the 'Training of Trainers' workshop under the campaign on May 21, 2016 at Kurukshetra Ashram.
Haryana, a wealthy state with developed cities and a hub to numerous manufacturing and industrial units, unfortunately fails to justify the demeaned status of women at present in terms of demographic criteria, health, education and crimes against women. The vulnerable situation of the state grabbed the attention of government too and became the first and foremost base for embarking the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign, an initiative by Honorable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to save girl child. Bearing the responsibility of this burning issue, DJJS also began its journey of “Tu Hai Shakti” from Haryana.
The training was attended by all the 10 sub-branches with a group of 10 volunteers each. The training lead off a brief on the issue of sex selective abortions followed by case studies depicting spiritual elevation as the lacking element in the definition of empowerment of women today. A skit to showcase the depth of gender based discrimination. Another group discussion was arranged to let participants discuss on the prevalent crimes against women in society. The participants were divided into 10 groups as per sub-branches and the summary of discussion was presented by representative from each group. A forum theatre was presented by volunteers to display the existence of the said issue in spite of existing laws and enforcement. Post the activities, a brief explanation on varied ways of conducting workshops was given by Sadhvi Deepika Bharti-disciple of Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji and Program coordinator of Santulan. By means of a presentation, Sadhvi Ji also shed light on other forms of crime against women apart from female feticide to expose participants to the worsened situation.
Towards the end was an exquisite exhibition by the name Santulan Haat to generate awareness amongst the volunteers and encourage them to organize future activities under this campaign with full enthusiasm. The program was concluded with a thank you note and a group photo.
