Srinagar, Jul 6 — Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday felicitated 32 recipients of the Kashmir Women’s Organization (KWO) Fellowship and said women-led development is essential for building a “Viksit Jammu and Kashmir”, while calling for greater participation of women in leadership and public life.
Addressing a felicitation ceremony at Lok Bhavan here, Sinha said the fellowship recipients had challenged deeply rooted stereotypes and emerged as symbols of the Union Territory’s transformation.
“By challenging deeply entrenched stereotypes, these fellows have redefined what is possible. They have paved a new path for future generations,” he said.
The lieutenant governor praised the Kashmir Women’s Organization and its members for creating a platform to encourage women to pursue their talent, ideas and aspirations.
He said women should play a leading role in shaping Jammu and Kashmir’s future across academia, industry, governance, social organisations, entrepreneurship, art and literature.
“I envision a Jammu and Kashmir where every young girl grows up believing that her dreams are valuable, her voice is powerful, and her future holds limitless possibilities,” Sinha said.
Highlighting the role of women in the region’s history, he paid tribute to figures such as Rani Didda, Kota Rani, Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon and Mata Rupa Bhawani, saying women in Jammu and Kashmir have always demonstrated leadership and resilience.
Sinha also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with empowering women in the Union Territory by ensuring equal rights and ending discrimination.
Describing women’s empowerment as central to the vision of a developed Jammu and Kashmir, he said equal and dignified participation of women in social, cultural, economic and political spheres was essential for overall progress.
The lieutenant governor also raised concern over increasing substance abuse among women and urged the fellowship recipients to undertake a region-specific study to identify the root causes of the problem.
He said such research would help strengthen rehabilitation efforts and support women affected by drug addiction.
Sinha also commended the mentors associated with the fellowship programme and expressed hope that the initiative would continue to positively impact women across the region.
On the occasion, the lieutenant governor released a book titled Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipal Council in India, authored by Dr Nazrul Islam.
The event was attended by Kashmir Women’s Organization President Darakshan Hassan Bhat, Kashmir Writers Association President Dr Fida Firdous, members of both organisations and senior officials.
