Women fair marks successful conclusion of rural awareness programme at PAU
The College of Community Science (COCS) at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, successfully organised a women fair in Himayunpura village, marking the conclusion of the Rural Awareness Work Experience (RAWE) programme. Dr Kiran Bains, Dean of COCS, inaugurated the event, accompanied by Heads of Departments - Dr Harminder Kaur Saini (ATS), Dr Sharanbir Kaur Bal (RMCS) and Dr Tejpreet Kaur Kang, Professor (HDFS).
The fair featured stalls set up by various departments, including Food and Nutrition (FN), Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), Resource Management and Consumer Science (RMCS), Extension Education and Communication Management (EECM), and Apparel and Textile Science (ATS). These stalls showcased the students’ projects, activities and products developed during the RAWE program.
Dr Kiran Bains addressed the gathering, highlighting the significance of RAWE in bridging the gap between academia and rural communities. She commended the students and faculty for their efforts in organising the fair and thanked the village residents for their support. As a gesture of appreciation, Dr Bains honoured the sarpanch of Himayunpura, Jagdev Singh and local woman leader Vimaljeet Kaur for their exemplary support of the RAWE program.
Dr Ritu Mittal Gupta, Senior Scientist and Coordinator of RAWE, presented the program’s report, outlining its activities at the family and community levels during the 50-day programme. The focus areas included food and nutrition security, child development, home management, drudgery reduction and garment value addition. Special days like National Girl Child Day, International Women’s Day and World Water Day were celebrated through rallies and informative lectures. Students Jaswinder Kaur Gill and Jansheed Kamal Dhaliwal shared their experiences and expressed gratitude to the village residents for their cooperation.
A special role play highlighting the importance of education for the girl child was performed, stressing the need for gender equality in education. The event also included a competition for women, recognising excellence in two categories: ‘Best Food Item’ and ‘Best Artistic Creation,’ with top winners awarded for their creativity and talent.
Sarpanch Jagdev Singh praised the students and faculty for their dedication and encouraged the village youth to draw inspiration from the students, rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
