International Women's Day
was celebrated on 8th March 2017 at MDS Office in Kidwai Nagar, New
Delhi. In her address, President Suman Krishan Kant talked about the
work and achievement of Mahila Dakshata Samiti since 1977. Vice
President Chandra Prabha Pandey spoke about the importance of Women’s
Day as a day of celebrating achievements of women and the advances
made by them in various fields. Chief Guest Suman Jain, Lecturer of
Economics of Lakshmidevi College, DU, talked about the historical
background of Women's Day and why it is celebrated all over the world.
She said it is also the day to take stock of the progress made by
women and the gaps that still remain. Vice President Vinay Bharadwaj
spoke about the progress made in the legal system for the protection
of women. The meeting ended with a Vote of Thanks by Vice President Dr
Kamla Jain. The event was attended by a large number of members, staff
and workers of various centre of Delhi. |
President Suman Krishan Kant addressing the IWD
and Annual Meeting of MDS. On her left are the two
Vice Presidents Chandra Prabha Pandey and Kamla
Jain.
On her right is General Secretary Prem Ahluwalia |
Mahila Dakshata Samiti
celebrated International Women’s Day at its Annual Meeting on 3rd
March 2016 at its Head Office in New Delhi. While welcoming the
members present, President Suman Krishan Kant said the Samiti has been
organizing programmes on IWD since its inception. She said the focus
of the Samiti has always been on issues relevant to women in India.
She appealed to the members to work towards gender equality and
emphasised on the education of girls. She also traced the history of
the Samiti and the role of our past Presidents in the women’s
movement. General Secretary Prem Ahluwalia appealed to all present to
take a pledge for gender parity and support the theme of UN for IWD
‘Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality’. She also
presented the report of MDS for 2015-16. Vice President Chandra Prabha
Pandey was the speaker of the day for IWD. She gave a detailed account
of the movement, how it started in Europe, what was the purpose and
the goal. She also spoke on the women’s movement in India from the
time of Independence. IWD started in India in 1975. She said there is
nothing that women can’t do; she is capable of being an achiever in
all fields. Though laws have been formulated its implementation is
still lacking. She said IWD is celebrated to mark the achievements and
work out programmes for what we still need to achieve. Members
participated in the discussion and gave their views. Vice President
Kamla Jain gave the Vote of Thanks. |
|
Memorial Day of
MDS
Every
year, in the last week of December, Mahila Dakshata Samiti observes
Memorial Day to pay homage to our past presidents and other office
bearers who have left for their heavenly abode. This year it was
observed on 31st December, 2015 at our Head Office in Kidwai Nagar,
New Delhi. Dr Sushila Nayar, our first President, who was a Gandhian
and a freedom fighter, passed away on 3 January 2001 at the ripe age
of 87 years. Pramila Dandavate, our second President and founder, a
veteran socialist and Member of Parliament, left for her heavenly
abode on 30th December 2002, at the age of 73, following a massive
heart attack.
Mrs.
Suman Krishan Kant, National President, MDS paid tributes to the
departed souls and recalled the contributions of both the past
presidents in building the foundation of MDS and being the torch
bearers of women’s movement in the country. She appealed to the
members and all present to follow the principles set by them. She
emphasized that women should be conscious of their rights, without
infringing upon family unity. She urged everyone to take the movement
forward, as this would be true homage to our past presidents.
Ms. Prem Ahluwalia, National General Secretary, MDS recalled the first
meeting held at Vithalbhai Patel House and subsequently how the first
executive meeting was formed. She said in the initial years MDS would
hold dharnas in front of houses where brides were burnt or harassed.
Thalis and belans were used to mark our protest. She remembered the
contributions of other office bearers also and paid homage to Rani
Jethmalani, Kapila Hingorani, Kailash Rekhi, Tara Punj and Manjeet
Walia who have all left for their heavenly abode.
Chhama Kushwha, Secretary, MDS while remembering Pramila Dandavate
paid tributes to her simplicity and what a frugal life she had led.
Onkar, President, MDS Bihar branch, informed that he was brought into
the Samiti by Pramilaji and that his team is working relentlessly
against consumption of alcohol. Vinay Kumar, Active Member MDS has a
large group of women working for the issues taken up by the Samiti.
Sushila Bhan, member MDS, while giving the Vote of Thanks, stated that
with the changing times women are now facing even more challenges.
All members paid floral tributes to the past presidents at the onset
of the meeting. A large number of women had gathered to pay homage
along with members from MDS and other organisations. |