Shopian, July 12 — Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today attended the valedictory function of a women’s vocational training course at the Army Goodwill School in Balapur, Shopian. The event marked the successful completion of vocational and life enhancement skills training for 1481 women across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated 125 women trainees of the latest training batch at Army Goodwill School, along with participants from five other Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Enhancement Centres located in Pulwama, Kulgam, Budgam, Anantnag, and Pampore.
He commended the efforts of Ms. Monica Pal Bharti, her team at Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Vikas evam Sewa Sansthan, Project Toha Social, and the Indian Army for their collaborative initiative in empowering women through skill development.
Paying tribute to Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Shri Sinha said, “Baba Saheb was a pioneer of women’s rights and empowerment. His enduring values of equality, selfless service, and social justice continue to guide our nation.”
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the transformation in the status of women under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, stating, “Women’s empowerment has become a mass movement in Jammu and Kashmir. Our top priority remains the social and economic upliftment of women. I firmly believe women-led development will help us combat challenges like terrorism, drug abuse, and social evils, and will pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous J&K.”
He emphasized the role of Nari Shakti in revitalizing the rural economy and stressed the importance of planned follow-up and mentoring for trained women to help them establish and grow their businesses. “We must bridge the gap between male and female entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas, and ensure women are equal stakeholders in J&K’s growth,” he said.
Shri Sinha also lauded the Indian Army for its consistent community outreach and development efforts. “The Indian Army is not just a guardian of our borders, but also a transformative force in society, bringing positive change through various welfare initiatives,” he remarked.
The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including GOC 15 Corps Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava, GOC Victor Force Major General Dhananjay Joshi, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Shri Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, DIG South Kashmir Range Shri Javid Iqbal Matoo, Deputy Commissioner Shopian Shri Shishir Gupta, and senior officials from the Army, police, and civil administration. A large number of youth and members of the participating organizations were also in attendance.
