New Delhi, EW Correspondent: In an event held at Vigyan Bhawan, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) hosted 161 dedicated women field functionaries from across India for an interactive session with the Minister of State (MoS) for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur. The gathering, which took place on the eve of India’s 78th Independence Day, was a celebration of the grassroots efforts driving women-led development across the nation.
These field functionaries, who play a crucial role in implementing key schemes such as Anganwadis, Sakhi One-Stop Centres, Sankalp Hubs for Empowerment of Women, Child Welfare Committees, and District Child Protection Units, were recognized for their tireless contributions to the empowerment of women and the welfare of children. They were specially invited, along with their companions, to attend the Independence Day Ceremony at the Red Fort on August 15.
The event commenced with an introductory address by the Secretary of the WCD Ministry, who underscored the indispensable role these women play in advancing the nation’s development goals. A short film was screened, showcasing the impactful work of these field functionaries in their communities.
In her address, MoS Savitri Thakur lauded the participants for their dedication and emphasized the importance of their role in achieving the vision of *Viksit Bharat* (Developed India) as envisioned by the Prime Minister. “Empowered women are the foundation of a strong nation,” she stated. “Through initiatives like Mission Shakti, Mission Poshan 2.0, and Mission Vatsalya, we are fortifying this foundation. Your dedication and hard work are leading the women and children of India towards a brighter future.”
The session provided an opportunity for the field functionaries to share their experiences and express their excitement for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. Many of the attendees had the chance to visit iconic landmarks across New Delhi, including the Parliament and Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya, before the event.
Monika Sharma, a worker from the HUB for Empowerment of Women in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, expressed her pride and joy at being invited as a special guest to the Independence Day ceremony. “It fills me with immense happiness to be part of this historic event and to support the vision of Women-Led Development,” she said.
Similarly, Savitri Devi, an Anganwadi worker from Jharkhand, and Asha Jain, an Anganwadi worker from Madhya Pradesh, shared their gratitude and pride in being recognized by the Government of India for their efforts.
The event also included a special session with 10 awardees of the Nari Shakti Puruskar, who were felicitated by the MoS for their continued hard work and contributions to society.
