Women are excelling in various fields but there are many who still face social stereotypes
New Delhi (PTI): Women are excelling in various fields but there are many who still face social stereotypes, economic inequalities and psychological barriers, President Droupadi Murmu said on Sunday, giving a call for making a collective effort to address the issue with sensitivity.
Addressing the valedictory session of a national convention here at Vigyan Bhavan, Murmu said women are equal to or even superior to men in many dimensions like service, dedication, nationalism, bravery, patience and talent.
"In every university I visit, I see more daughters receive gold medals. This is proof that given the opportunity, daughters can excel. However, we must also acknowledge the harsh reality that even today, many women face social stereotypes, economic inequalities, and psychological barriers," she said.
"If there are good things in society, we are creating them. We also have a responsibility to address and eliminate the bad. Therefore, I believe we should make more efforts to address these issues," the President said, adding that organisations like the Rashtriya Sevika Samiti can make a decisive contribution in this direction.
Women have historically been accorded respect and prominence in Indian traditions, the President said, citing examples such as expressions "Radha-Krishna" and "Sita-Ram", where women are placed first as a mark of respect.
The convention, titled "Bharati - Nari to Narayani" was organised by the Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad in association with the Rashtra Sevika Samiti and Sharanya here at Vigyan Bhavan.
The Rashtra Sevika Samiti, founded in 1936, functions as a women's organisation parallel to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for men.
Appreciating the organisers of the event, the President said the Bharatiya Vidvat Parishat is making sincere efforts to keep India's knowledge-traditions, classical thought and scientific discourse alive.
Such conferences help preserve and disseminate the country's rich legacy in fields like philosophy, medicine, astronomy, mathematics, literature and arts, she said.
Murmu also emphasised the importance of promoting Indian languages and traditional knowledge systems for building an Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) and developed India.
"By giving priority to Indian languages and India's scientific traditions, a cultural foundation is being provided for building an Atmanirbhar and developed India. All institutions involved in such initiatives should move forward with mutual coordination and cooperation," she said.
Extending greetings on International Women's Day, the President urged people to remember inspiring examples of women's power and translate their ideals into action in contemporary life.
Referring to historical figures, she said the courage and wisdom of women such as Rani Durgavati, Jijabai, Kittur Chennamma, Rani Lakshmibai, Jhalkari Bai and Ahilyabai Holkar have served as a source of inspiration for society.
"We should study them not merely as history written in books or as statues placed somewhere, but we must ask ourselves how much we have implemented their ideals in our own lives and how much inspiration we have given to the next generation to follow the same path," she said.
Murmu also noted that celebrations were being held across the country to mark 150 years of the composition of the national song 'Vande Mataram' and described it as a tribute to the power of motherhood and feminine strength.
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Rajnath Singh chairs IGoM meet, urges constant vigil over West Asia crisis
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday emphasised the need for round-the-clock monitoring of the West Asia conflict and called for a calibrated response to deal with any eventuality to ensure that national interests remain protected.
Singh made the comments while chairing a high-level meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) set-up to monitor the situation in West Asia.
The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda, Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi and Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.
In view of the "uncertain situation", the defence minister underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality, an official readout said.
He stressed on the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict, it said.
It was the second meeting of the IGoM after it was set up last month.
The IGoM was apprised of the measures being taken by the government in the wake of the ongoing West Asia conflict, Singh said on social media.
"We also deliberated upon the next steps to be taken by the government to mitigate any adverse impact arising due to the ongoing conflict," he said.
The defence ministry said in the readout said, "In the meeting, the seven empowered groups of secretaries briefed the IGoM on the steps being taken to tackle the situation."
"The IGoM was apprised about measures undertaken by the Ministry of Finance to address concerns arising due to global trade disruptions and provide relief and support to the industry, especially manufacturing, and bolster investor confidence," it said.
It listed measures including notification issued on Wednesday on full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products till June 30.
The ministry also mentioned announcement of a special one-time relief measure for eligible units in SEZs to sell manufactured goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates to be effective from April 1 to March 31.
It also noted another notification issued by the Department of Revenue clarifying that the provisions of GAAR (General Anti Avoidance Rules) will not be invoked in respect of investments made prior to April 1, 2017.
"These measures will reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors including textiles, packaging and pharmaceuticals, facilitate supply stability in the country and provide requisite clarity for investors contemplating investments in India," the readout said.
Defence Minister Singh appreciated the government's decision to impose a 25 per cent cap on the monthly increase in aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic operations, with effect from April 1.
This step will help protect the people from sudden increase in fares, he said.
The government has accorded highest priority to domestic LPG supply, with refinery production enhanced to fully meet consumption requirements, according to the readout.
"The IGoM was informed that there have been no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships, and delivery of domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders continues as per the normal schedule. The temporary supply concerns arose due to instances of hoarding and black marketing, which triggered panic buying in certain areas," it said.
The ministers were informed that strict enforcement action is being undertaken, with raids being carried out across multiple states and Union territories to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG, the ministry said in the readout.
Action has also been taken against some LPG distributors who engaged in malpractices, it said.
"To support migrant labour and low-consumption households, the government is ensuring adequate availability of 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders, and since March 23, over 4.3 lakh such cylinders have been sold. Special focus is being given to states where demand is higher," it said.
The IGoM was apprised that industrial requirements dependent on commercial LPG are being met, with over 80 per cent of pre-crisis supply levels being maintained to ensure continuity of operations.
"Special meetings have been held with ministries and stakeholders of different industries to understand their demand and meet their needs. Oil PSUs are ensuring continued supply of Auto LPG across the country," the readout noted.
"However, some supply constraints are being faced by private operators due to their procurement challenges, which is why lines are being observed at PSU auto LPG pumps. Wherever the autos are dual feed and can use petrol, they are being encouraged to use petrol," it said.
