The Hindu : Indira Gandhi Awards presented

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 09, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Indira Gandhi Awards presented

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, MARCH 8. Marking the achievements of people from all walks of life, nearly 50 people were awarded the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Awards here today. To commemorate International Women's Day, a national conference on "Role of Women in Building the Nation'' was also organised by the All India National Unity Conference and National Awareness Forum.

Speaking at the conference, the Chairperson of the Guild of Service, Mohini Giri, queried, "What is the meaning of this day? What does International Women's Day mean when we are still abusing the women who give birth to us?'' Addressing the audience at large, she asked all those who would not indulge in the practise of dowry to raise their hands. "Barely ten people have raised their hands. This shows that we still have not been able to give up the patriarchal notions of our society.'' Raising the issue of the Reservation Bill, Ms. Giri underlined the importance of women gaining an entry into the decision-making process. "Only five per cent of India is shining. It is important that more women participate in the decision-making process. So that we can ensure that money is not only spent on wars but also other important issues like tubewells,'' she said.

Also present at the occasion was chairperson Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sonal Mansingh, who stated, "I do not have any fight with the men. In fact, according to me, man and woman are equally important. It is two polarities, two ideas and one without the other is a negation. But it is important for men to understand and control their ego''.

The Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Awards were presented by former Governor, Romesh Bhandari. Among the recipients were executive director, Life Insurance Corporation of India, A.K. Shukla, theatre personality, Virat Hussain, dancer Rama Vaidyanathan and educationists, P.S. Bajaj and Gaur Hussain, and doctor, Nalini Bagul.

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