Pics: Nithin Periera

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Feb 5: The "Power Parba Rally," a pre-event marking the start of festivities for 'Power Parba 2025,' was held from the DC office to Christian PU College ground on February 5.

The rally was inaugurated by commander (Dr) Anil Rana, director of MIT Manipal, who released balloons into the sky. Pratheek Bayal, CEO of zilla panchayat, flagged off the procession, which featured bikes, cars, and a vibrant Nasik band.

The rally commenced from the DC office, passed through Manipal and Udupi, and concluded at Christian PU College.

Commander (Dr) Anil Rana, in his inaugural address highlighting the role of women in his life, said, “I come from a family where everybody served in the forces. I was brought up single-handedly by my mother. She was strict, she knew what she wanted from us, and she instilled values and principles that guided us throughout our lives. I know my mother struggled, and whatever she did, she did for us. As a result, all three of us served the nation with pride. That is what women empowerment can do. Women, you empower your entire family. Let your organization and event grow every year.”

Pratheek Bayal, speaking about the significance of women empowerment, said, “Women empowerment is not just about extending a helping hand; it requires providing platforms for them to step out of their households and contribute to society. In our country, although women constitute nearly 50 percent of the population, their contribution to the economy remains less than 50 percent due to various reasons. In Udupi district, we run the National Rural Livelihood Mission, which aims to provide self-empowerment and self-employment to women's self-help groups. We have many such groups here, with some women entrepreneurs engaged in small-scale industries. I requested Power Parba to extend its platform to self-help groups as well as differently-abled individuals, and I am glad that the entire team readily accepted the request. We should all use this as a great opportunity to expand our network.”

Dr Archana, senior resident, department of anaesthesiology, addressing the gathering, said, “This time, I am here as the president of the women's doctors' wing. We have decided to set up a stall run by doctors and provide free blood tests and sugar level tests for women at Power Parba. On Sunday, we will also conduct bone density tests, and I request everyone to make use of this opportunity.”

The event also featured cultural performances by students from WGSHA, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The event was attended by president Power Tanuja Maben, vice president UCCI Nataraj Prabhu, launching director Constant Launch ambassador BNI Prahlad Naik, project director zilla panchayat Srinivas Rao, organizing coordinator Power Suguna Suvarna, founder president Renu Jayaram, organizing secretary Priya S Kamath, organizing treasurer Pushpa G Rao, exhibitor stall registration in-charge Supriya R Kamath, past presidents Tara Thimmaiah, Suvarsha Minj, Shruthi Shenoy, and others.