WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION 2014 AT PUSHPANJALI DAKOR

(Sr. Vandana Malya) The celebration of the double event – the silver jubilee of Pushpanjali and the Women’s day celebration on 22^nd February brought together 300 women from the neighboring villages.  The progamme commenced at 1.30 pm with a prayer dance by Pushpanjali boarders followed by a short prayer moment and lighting of the lamp.  The Chief guest Advocate Sr. Manjula Tuscano, and special invitees  Fr. Joseph Appavoo, the Director of Kaira Social Service Society, Ahmedabad, Ms. Rakhi Pawar – the social  welfare and defense  officer, Nadiad, Mr. Amarsingh Parmar , Mr. Barkathulla Sheikh – Sarpanch of  Kalsar  Gram Panchayat  graced the occasion.

Sr. Manjula Tuscano addressing the gathering spoke on “The Domestic Violence Act 2005” and its various provisions.  She got the full participation of women by interacting with them and getting them speak out the various forms of Domestic Violence   women face in their own family surroundings.  She asked them to make use of this law to put an end to Domestic Violence   which very much exists both among the elite and poor sections of the society. She invited the women to stand against this evil, so that they will have enough strength to fight.

It was an opportune occasion to honor Rev. Fr. Joseph Appavoo the director of Kaira Social Service Society for the good works done in the village of Kalsar through the various projects the KSSS implemented there. Mr. Barkathulla , acknowledging his services thanked Fr. Appavoo  and presented him a memento on behalf of  Kalsar Gram Panchayat. Fr.  Joseph Appavoo spoke on the greatest evil today – ‘Rape” and exhorted the women not be Silent spectators but courageously fight against all forms of violence against human being especially women and children.  He said,” Every woman must feel the pain of the other woman; one woman’s problem should become the problem of all women. Come together, stand together and fight together”.

Pushpanjali also honored six women who made a difference in their lives, by their hard work, commitment and perseverance. These women were none other than our own Past Pupils and Social Workers who today hold responsible posts in various fields and become contributors of positive social change. 5 SHG groups functioning excellently well were also awarded.

Ms. Rakhi Pawar, the social welfare Officer, Nadiad   made them aware of the functioning of the Child Welfare Commission and the various schemes for children and assured her full support and co-operation. Mrs. Meena Sandeepbhai Christi, the KSSS programme co-coordinator also gave a beautiful message.

 The boarders staged a nruthya natika “ Beti Bachavo” ( Save Girl child) and the women of Vanoti village  performed  a  beautiful Garba. The women enjoyed the various games conducted and the winners were happy to take attractive prizes home.