By India Tomorrow News,
New Delhi, 08 March 2014: President Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Saturday awarded six individuals the Stree Shakti Puraskar award for their contribution for the social development and empowerment of women in the country.
The Stree Shakti Puraskar is a Women’s Award given by the government to recognize the achievements of individuals in the field of social development. Each award is in the name of eminent women personalities in Indian history, who are famous for their personal courage and integrity. The awardees are nominated by state governments and various VIPs to the national Screening Committee.
The award this year went to Smt. Manasi Pradhan from Odisha, Dr. M. Venkaiah from Andhra Pradesh, Mrs. Bina Sheth Lashkari from Maharashtra, Mrs. T. Radha K. Prashanti, Dr. Vartika Nanda from Delhi and Dr. Seema Sakhare form Maharashtra.
In his speech, the President said that only legislations could not emancipate women alone. Even with new legislations, no matter how well conceived, must be supported by efficient enforcement mechanisms.
He continued, saying that we would need to have a fundamental re-setting of our mental and moral make-up, our civic sense and social conduct, so that we be able to revive our tradition of according due honour and respect to our mothers and sisters. In his view, by doing so we would honour ourselves.
Also present at the event were Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Krishna Tirath, Smt Syeda Hammed, member Planning Commission, Mrs. Mohini Giri, and other senior officials of the Ministry.
