Empowering women essential for country to progress: Kataria

Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria underscored the power of women in shaping India's future at the 'Stree Samarthya Summit-2025', an event organised by Navjivan Health Service and National Unity and Security Council (NUSC) in collaboration with CII IWN (Indian Women Network) at the CII Northern Region Headquarters here.

In his address, the Administrator remarked, "Naari ek vyakti nahi sanskaar shaala hai (a woman is an institution of values and ethics)."

Kataria emphasised that India's dream of becoming a developed nation by 2047 was incomplete without the participation of women. He called upon organisations to ensure that government schemes for women empowerment reached those in need, urging active collaboration in enabling economic, social, and educational progress for women across all sectors.

Marking a significant moment at the event, the Governor released a coffee table book on women empowerment, titled 'Chitratma Stree Samarthya', celebrating the resilience and contributions of women in different fields.

Kataria lauded government initiatives such as 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' and 'Nari Shakti', emphasising that the recent 33% reservation for women in Parliament marks a historic milestone in India's journey towards gender equality. He said, "For a nation to progress, empowering women is not optional — it is essential. Women are the driving force in the wheel of development, and without their empowerment, a country remains 'shaktiheen'-powerless."

Kataria felicitated women achievers from diverse backgrounds for their exemplary work in education, social service, entrepreneurship, healthcare, law enforcement, and arts.