Governor S. Abdul Nazeer passionately declared that empowering women is far more than just a slogan; it’s a fundamental commitment to liberating society. This empowerment is the essential pathway to achieving an equal and truly representative democracy where every citizen is brought into the fold.
During his address at the closing ceremony of the two-day national conference on parliamentary and legislative committees focused on ‘Women’s Empowerment,’ the Governor reflected on the esteemed status women held in ancient India, particularly during the Vedic era. He emphasized the vast opportunities women enjoyed in spiritual, literary, and intellectual pursuits, citing a verse to underscore the profound societal cost of disrespecting and harming women.
Mr. Nazeer traced the journey of women’s empowerment through the decades, from the abolition of the regressive Dasi system to the introduction of reservations in Parliament. Despite these advancements, he voiced concern over the current state of affairs, noting that women’s representation in the Lok Sabha stands at a mere 14%, significantly trailing the global average of 26.5%, even with existing provisions for 33% reservation in both parliamentary and legislative bodies.
K. Raghu Ramakrishna Raju, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, highlighted the critical need for India to elevate its global standing in women’s empowerment. He also extended commendation to the State and district administration for the exceptional dinner arrangements hosted at Chandragiri Fort.
A Memorable Selfie Moment
The event saw numerous delegates seizing the chance to snap selfies with renowned MPs and MLAs. Rajya Sabha member and celebrated philanthropist Sudha Murty, in particular, found herself at the center of attention, with many visitors, especially students, eager for a photograph.
Beyond the formal discussions, the two-day conference also offered delegates a rich immersion into local culture. This included serene temple visits, sampling regional cuisines, exploring exquisite fabrics, and appreciating various art forms. Pulivarthi Nani, MLA of Chandragiri, graciously hosted a dinner at the historic Chandragiri Fort. Meanwhile, Srikalahasti MLA Bojjala Venkata Sudheer Reddy organized a special ‘darshan’ at the renowned Srikalahastheeswara Swamy Devasthanam, famous for its ‘Rahu Ketu Puja,’ and introduced attendees to the distinctive ‘Srikalahasti Kalamkari painting.’