Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Mar 18: The increasing participation of women in programs that promote values ??and social development is a highly encouraging trend, said Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat deputy secretary Jayalakshmi Rayakod.
She was speaking at the International Women's Day celebration and a self-help group (SHG) bank loan distribution program held at Dr BR Ambedkar Bhavan, BC Road, on Tuesday, March 18. The event was organized in collaboration with the department of skill development, entrepreneurship and livelihood, Sanjeevini Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Promotion Society, Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat, Bantwal taluk panchayat, and Bharathambe Sanjeevini Taluk-level Women's Federation, Bantwal.
"Despite social progress in many aspects, reports in the media highlight that violence against women persists, which is deeply disheartening. The root cause of this issue is a lack of values ??in society. Just as we take vaccines to prevent diseases, we must instill moral values ??to develop good character," she said.
She emphasized that achieving educational, social, and economic equality for women would contribute to the nation's GDP growth. "A woman who shoulders numerous responsibilities cannot contribute fully to progress unless she is granted freedom. Self-reliance is necessary, but misuse of freedom must be avoided. Women should work within the boundaries of discipline, as crossing them can lead to risks. We must lead a principled life without betraying the trust of our families. Leading a cultured life, managing time efficiently, and making the most of available opportunities are essential," she added.
Bantwal taluk panchayat executive officer Sachin Kumar, in his introductory address, stated that women have actively participated in Swachh Vahini programs in 27 gram panchayats. He highlighted that there are 1,432 self-help groups under the Sanjeevini program in the taluk, with 14,973 members. So far, bank loans amounting to Rs 14.64 crore have been distributed.
The event was presided over by Bharathambe Sanjeevini Taluk Women's Federation president Akarshini. Addressing the gathering, resource person Kasturi Boluvaru remarked that economic empowerment should not become another form of exploitation of women and urged awareness on the issue. Taluk-level guarantee implementation committee president Jayanti V Poojary inaugurated the Sanjeevini fair.
Among those present were zilla panchayat planning director Jayaram K, BUDA president Baby Kundar, CDPO Mamtaj, regional bank officer Dinesh, Sanjeevini district program manager Hariprasad, social welfare officer Jayashree, taluk panchayat assistant director Vishwanath Bailamoole, taluk program manager Sudha, taluk coordinators Pradeep Kamath and Sanghavi, taluk federation secretary Yashwanthi, zonal supervisors Kushalappa Gowda, Dikshitha and NREGA IEC coordinator Rajesh.
Saumya Bhandaribettu welcomed the gathering, while Kadeshwalya's Mamata delivered the vote of thanks. Zonal supervisors Deekshita and Kusuma compared the event.
As part of the program, a taluk-level Sanjeevini fair, an exhibition of products from the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Vikas Kendra, and cultural programs were organized. Three livestock and agriculture assistants from the federation, who played a key role in collecting the highest number of demands for the NREGA 2025-26 action plan, were honored with mementos and certificates. Additionally, members of the Chiguru Sanjeevini Federation of Vittal Mudnur gram panchayat, who constructed over 200 soak pits in 2024-25, were felicitated with a memento.