BIS #5325 HONOURING WOMEN

by Ashish Sanglikar

Roses and slogans of respect were in store for the female staff of Don Bosco Junior College in Pune as they made their way into the institution on Women's Day on March 8 and 9.

Students held placards with slogans such as 'Be a man, respect a woman', 'Educate girls and educate a nation ' and 'Stop violence against women' to stress on respecting women in the country. Pictures of Mother Teresa, Indira Gandhi, Kiran Bedi, PT Usha, Rani Laxmibai and Sushmita Sen were displayed to inspire the younger generation to follow in the footsteps of prominent women world over.

Leo, the supervisor of the institution briefed the gathering on the importance of Women's Day celebration. This was followed by an address by Ruchi Singh, a standard 11 student. The college boys entertained the teachers with a dance, following which an audio-visual presentation was made on woman empowerment, notably on the contribution done by Savitribai Phule for women education in Pune and other parts of Maharashtra.

On March 9, the teaching and non-teaching women staff were facilitated through a small celebration organised by the male staff of the institution. Ashish Pathare graced the celebration through a song 'Tere Sang Yara'. This was followed by a speech by Ashish Sanglikar from the Junior College. The Principal, Father Bosco D'Mello then addressed the staff by focusing on the value and existence of a woman in each man's life and holding them dear to one's heart. He thanked the women teachers of the institution for their contribution. 

The teachers were gifted a set of earnings and a pendant as a symbol of love and appreciation. Thelma, the head mistress of the primary section, expressed her gratitude by thanking the male staff for having organised a programme of this nature. She concluded saying, "Though women may achieve great success but they can't ignore the work of  men who make them complete." Pearl from the junior college added, "The teaches are indeed thankful to the entire gents staff for making us feel so special."