Indus Valley Times

By Pravakara Sahoo

Paradip, March 10: With the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality,” Paradip Port Authority in association with leading socio-cultural organization in the locality – “CANMASS” observed International Women’s Day.

A function was organized in the evening at Jayadev Sadan in which Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, he said that from this year onwards on the solemn occasion of International Women’s Day the meritorious women employees and other women in port community who have excelled in their respective fields will be awarded by PPA.

Giving a larger picture on women’s status he said that during Vedic period women have due importance in Indian society but it gradually decreased in due course of time. However in presence scenario women have tremendous opportunities to itself to be economically independent.

Digital revolution will make the women folk equal with their male counter parts. Paradip port is going to finish this fiscal by recording 20 MMT surge in cargo in comparison to previous fiscal and for which working women employees have played significant role.

Chief Speaker, noted Pediatrician Dr. Ranjita Pattnaik in her keynote address emphasised the importance of technology in bringing gender issues to light. She stressed on flexible working hours for working women to enable them for discharging their duties sincerely.

Shri A.K. Bose, Dy. Chairman said that the day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about right gaps, gender equality and achievements of individual women. Dr. PN Bahekar, Secretary and Coordinator, Working Women’s Cell, PPA in his opening remarks said that the women have a significant role to play in development of the society.

The International Women’s Day observation traces its roots to 1917, when Russian women protested for food and peace and as a result they are granted voting rights. Later in June’ 1975 the UNO decided to observe International Women’s Day every year on 8th March. Smt. Susmita Samal, Chairperson, Working Women Cell, PPA offered vote of thanks. Dr. Ranjita Patnaik & noted poetess and social activist Smt. Haramani Mohapatra were felicitated on the occasion for their outstanding contribution in their respective fields. Chairman, PPA also felicitated women officers and employees of PPA who have excelled in their respective fields in the current fiscal.

Under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, various competitions were held among the family members of PPA employees and the winners were awarded on the occasion.

Two major attractions of the gala cultural evening were dance performances of differently able children from Jagruty School and Fashion Show by Women employees of PPA. After the meeting, Paradip Ladies Club and CANMASS under the guidance of noted director Shri Sriman Narayan Mishra jointly staged a play “Sri Sri Mahalaxmi Puja”. An anthology of poems titled ”Nari Kabi Mancha” exclusively written by 25  women poets from the locality was released by Chairman, PPA.  Denizens of Paradip made a beeline to watch the programme.