LG felicitates 32 recipients of Kashmir Women’s Organization Fellowship

Says women’s empowerment is key to a Viksit J&K; outlines vision of women-led development

Srinagar, July 6: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday felicitated 32 recipients of the Kashmir Women’s Organization (KWO) Fellowship at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan, Srinagar, describing them as symbols of Jammu & Kashmir’s transformation towards a future founded on self-confidence, equal opportunities and dignity for all.

Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the fellowship recipients had challenged deeply entrenched stereotypes and redefined what is possible for women in the region.

“By challenging deeply entrenched stereotypes, these fellows have redefined what is possible. They have paved a new path for future generations and their contributions will serve as a foundation of inspiration, confidence and guidance for years to come,” he said.

Sinha commended Dr. Fida Firdous and the members of the Kashmir Women’s Organization for creating a platform that enables women from across the region to confidently pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to the development of Jammu & Kashmir.

He said that in a short span, the Kashmir Women’s Organization had emerged as a “powerful hub of hope, trust and positive change,” adding that the fellowship programme reflected a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility.

Highlighting the historical contributions of women in the region, the Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to iconic personalities including Rani Didda, Kota Rani, Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon and Mata Rupa Bhawani, saying they had shaped the social and cultural consciousness of Jammu & Kashmir.

“We have many such remarkable examples before us, and I wish for the women of Jammu & Kashmir to lead the region’s development,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for empowering women in Jammu & Kashmir by ensuring equal rights and removing discrimination.

Presenting his vision for the Union Territory, Sinha said women’s empowerment was central to building a developed Jammu & Kashmir.

“Women’s empowerment is key to a Viksit J&K; their progress ensures the progress of society. I envision a Jammu & Kashmir where women lead in academia, industry, social organizations and governance, shaping policies, driving entrepreneurship, and enriching our culture through art and literature,” he said.

He added that he envisioned a Jammu & Kashmir where every young girl grows up believing her dreams are valuable, her voice is powerful and her future offers limitless possibilities.

The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that the KWO Fellowship would strengthen the principle of equal and dignified participation of women across social, cultural, economic and political spheres.

Emphasising the need to create an enabling environment for women, he said, “When women progress, society progresses; when women lead, the nation scales new heights; and when women realise their dreams, the entire world becomes more just, more compassionate and more prosperous.”

Sinha also raised concern over the increasing challenge of substance abuse among women and urged the fellowship recipients to undertake a region-specific study to identify its root causes. He said such research would help strengthen rehabilitation frameworks and support women affected by drug addiction.

The Lieutenant Governor also appreciated the mentors who guided the fellows throughout the programme and expressed hope that the efforts of the Kashmir Women’s Organization would continue to transform the lives of women across the region.

On the occasion, he released the book Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipal Council in India, authored by Dr. Nazrul Islam.

Among those present were Dr. Fida Firdous, President of the Kashmir Writers Association; Dr. Darakshan Hassan Bhat, President of the Kashmir Women’s Organization; members of the Kashmir Writers Association and Kashmir Women’s Organization; and senior government officials.