61 women depart for Ayodhya pilgrimage

In a bid to promote women’s empowerment and inclusive development in the state, the Deputy Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, Vinay Kumar, flagged off a women delegation for a seven-day pilgrimage to Ayodhya and other religious destinations. The entire expense of the tour is being borne by Vinay Kumar personally, without any financial burden on the government or other organisations.

Kumar reiterated the state government’s dedication to empowering women and providing them with equal opportunities in all spheres of life. He said, “This initiative is a step towards strengthening women and making them self-reliant. By giving them such experiences, we aim to inspire them and encourage their active participation in society.”

The delegation includes 61 women from 62 panchayats across seven zones of the Renuka Assembly constituency. The week-long tour will begin from Renukaji and cover prominent religious sites, including Ayodhya, Vrindavan, Mathura, Kashi, Naimisharanya, Barsana, and Kurukshetra, before concluding back in Renukaji. All arrangements for accommodation and meals have been made in advance to ensure a seamless experience for the participants.

Kumar emphasised the role of self-help groups (SHGs) in uplifting women’s financial status. “By associating with SHGs, women can produce their own goods and sell them in local markets at fair prices, ensuring better income opportunities,” he said.

Kumar further lauded the state government’s initiatives to ensure gender equality. “The government is committed to providing women with access to education, skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities. These efforts aim to enable women to overcome challenges and recognise their true potential, thereby contributing to the state’s overall development,” he added. The women expressed gratitude for the opportunity to embark on this spiritual journey.