Akhilesh Chandra Saxena
Bareilly: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel honored 120 women at Raj Bhavan for their outstanding contributions across various fields. Among the awardees was Mrs. Pushpalata Gupta from Bareilly, recognized for her 26 years of dedicated service in educating and uplifting differently-abled children through Disha Inter College, Bareilly.
Founded in 1998 with just two students, Disha Inter College has now grown into an institution educating over 400 children. Operated under Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, the institution is now set to introduce degree-level education. Rohilkhand University Vice-Chancellor Professor K.P. Singh and the entire university fraternity extended their best wishes to Mrs. Gupta for this significant achievement.
On this occasion, Governor Patel spoke extensively about women’s empowerment, their pivotal roles in families and society, and their substantial contributions across various fields. She emphasized that women possess greater sensitivity and humanity, making them excel in all areas. She also noted that women’s innate sense of service keeps them committed to their duties throughout their lives. Whether at home, in the workplace, or elsewhere, women display immense energy and lead a healthy, balanced life.
The Governor stressed the importance of equal upbringing for sons and daughters. She urged parents to ask their sons the same questions they ask their daughters regarding their whereabouts and activities. Such practices, she said, would instill discipline and responsibility in boys. Additionally, she advocated for training both boys and girls in household chores, enabling them to balance education and home responsibilities effectively.
Governor Patel also shared her personal journey, detailing the challenges she faced in politics, family, and education. She spoke about her perseverance during difficult times and how she managed to achieve a gold medal in academics while fulfilling family obligations and prioritizing social service.
Highlighting the significance of sports, she stated, “Those who play will prosper.” She encouraged mothers to motivate their children to participate in sports, emphasizing that playing with grandparents strengthens familial bonds and instills respect for family values.
Expressing concern over the increasing number of old-age homes, she underscored the need to instill values in children so that they care for their parents as they grow older. She called for an environment that nurtures respect for family traditions and service to elders.
Governor Patel also praised Gujarat’s “Tirth Gram Yojana” (Pilgrimage Village Scheme), which has successfully reduced village disputes and fostered social harmony. She stressed that effective governance and well-implemented policies lead to the nation’s rapid progress.
Commending the “Drone Didi Yojana,” she applauded women for utilizing modern technology to assist farmers, thereby contributing significantly to society and the nation. She highlighted the crucial role women play in national development, managing both their families and professional responsibilities with excellence. She also emphasized that during times of crisis, women step forward with unwavering commitment to support their communities and the nation.
