Namaskar,
On the occasion of the woman’s day, I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to every woman. The journey of every Indian woman has been remarkable.
Let us go a little back in history, in the pre-independence era where women were denied the basic rights of education and freedom of speech and expression. It was Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar who propagated woman’s education. Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule took it upon themselves to educate women in the society.
Things have definitely changed today with women being provided with better education, equal rights in society, excellent job opportunities and health-care facilities. There is a need to make all women aware of their rights. The ACT of 2005 protects a woman’s independence, gives her right to ancestral property-maternal as well as her husband’s, right to ancestral heirlooms even after divorce, right to work and live a dignified life.
We must not forget that woman can be gentle and compassionate as Mother Teresa and at the same time take on the avatar of Goddess Kali to protect herself, her country and the loved once like Jijabai and Laxmibai of Jhansi. Though she has moved ahead in life leaving her imprints behind, the modern woman has her feet firmly planted on the ground as she also respects the tradition and culture of this country.
I salute the woman of today for her achievements and contributions and striving towards making our society progressive. I wish she achieves much more in the years to come.
Here’s wishing every woman a glorious year ahead.
Regards
Jay Maharashtra.
R.R Patil
Home Minister,
Maharashtra State
