Ranald Lopes sdb CHHOTA UDEPUR, MARCH 12, 2009: ‘Celebrate Life’ was the theme for the 
Women’s Day celebration held at Kawant on March 7, 2009. Over 500 women from the villages participated in this event. The day began with fete games which were thoroughly enjoyed by the women. It was wonderful to see the women rushing around the stalls, trying their hand at different games, and happily wining prizes. After lunch there was a cultural programme by the women. Groups from the different villages presented traditional tribal dances and songs. There were also skits bringing home the message of women empowerment and the role of women in rural development. Mr. Milind Gupte, Managing Director of NABARD Baroda, was the Chief Guest for the function, while Fr. Elson Barretto was the Guest of Honour. Mr. Gupte enlightened the women about various NABARD schemes. He presented several examples ab
out initiatives taken up by women, which had enabled them reach a good level of self reliance. Fr. Elson Barretto focused on the theme of Leadership. He encouraged the women to take up leadership roles in their villages and bring about the changes they desired. He emphasized that we will see changes in the education and health sectors only if the women play a more active role. Earlier, on March 1, Women’s Day was celebrated at Chhota Udepur. Close to 1000 women were present for the occasion. ‘Our Rights’ was the theme for the celebration. During the programme, a professional troupe from South Gujarat staged a play on the Gram Sabha. This play called on the people to participate actively in their own Gram Sabhas, a
nd through the Gram Sabha to demand for their rights. Next, Ms. Sangita Patel, a well know Social Activist working for Tribal Rights and also involved in the Narmada Bachao Andolan, addressed the gathering. She stressed the need for unity in the villages so as to fight oppression and usher in development. Each of the groups present then staged a skit or sang a song on this theme of Rights. The entire programme helped invigorate the women to take forward their fight for justice.
Women’s Day celebration held at Kawant on March 7, 2009. Over 500 women from the villages participated in this event. The day began with fete games which were thoroughly enjoyed by the women. It was wonderful to see the women rushing around the stalls, trying their hand at different games, and happily wining prizes. After lunch there was a cultural programme by the women. Groups from the different villages presented traditional tribal dances and songs. There were also skits bringing home the message of women empowerment and the role of women in rural development. Mr. Milind Gupte, Managing Director of NABARD Baroda, was the Chief Guest for the function, while Fr. Elson Barretto was the Guest of Honour. Mr. Gupte enlightened the women about various NABARD schemes. He presented several examples ab
out initiatives taken up by women, which had enabled them reach a good level of self reliance. Fr. Elson Barretto focused on the theme of Leadership. He encouraged the women to take up leadership roles in their villages and bring about the changes they desired. He emphasized that we will see changes in the education and health sectors only if the women play a more active role. Earlier, on March 1, Women’s Day was celebrated at Chhota Udepur. Close to 1000 women were present for the occasion. ‘Our Rights’ was the theme for the celebration. During the programme, a professional troupe from South Gujarat staged a play on the Gram Sabha. This play called on the people to participate actively in their own Gram Sabhas, a
nd through the Gram Sabha to demand for their rights. Next, Ms. Sangita Patel, a well know Social Activist working for Tribal Rights and also involved in the Narmada Bachao Andolan, addressed the gathering. She stressed the need for unity in the villages so as to fight oppression and usher in development. Each of the groups present then staged a skit or sang a song on this theme of Rights. The entire programme helped invigorate the women to take forward their fight for justice.