Phagwara celebrates Lohri to promote gender equality and empower women
In a remarkable initiative promoting gender equality and celebrating the birth of daughters, the Sarb Navjawan Welfare Society and Sarb Navjawan Sabha (Regd.) Phagwara hosted the annual ‘Dhiyaan Di Lohri’ celebration at the Guru Nanak Mission Blind and Old Age Home, Sapror (Phagwara). The event, organised in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendra, Kapurthala, and the Child Development Project Office (CDPO), was marked by vibrant cultural performances and a strong message of societal reform.
Presided over by society president Sukhwinder Singh and Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Khushmeet Kaur, the event was attended by several dignitaries, including ADC Phagwara Anupam Kaler (IAS), Phagwara S.P. Rupinder Kaur Bhatti, Naib Tehsildar Mandeep Singh, and DSP Bharat Bhushan, who graced the occasion as chief and special guests. Other prominent community figures, such as exporter Ashok Kultham, market committee chairperson Tavinder Ram, and district leaders from various organisations, also participated, adding their voices to the cause.
The event, highlighting gender equality and cultural heritage, began with the traditional lighting of the Lohri bonfire. It was followed by the distribution of gifts, including suits and warm coats, to 101 newborn girls. Guests enjoyed festive treats such as peanuts, rewari, laddoos, and pinnis. Vocational students from the Welfare Society added to the charm of the occasion with folk songs, gidha, and bhangra, showcasing Punjab’s rich cultural heritage.
ADC Anupam Kaler and SP Rupinder Kaur Bhatti stressed the importance of preserving Punjab’s traditions while addressing social issues like female infanticide. “Initiatives like ‘Dhiyaan Di Lohri’ are crucial in challenging patriarchal mindsets and fostering a society that values daughters equally,” they remarked. They lauded the society’s efforts and encouraged the extension of such initiatives to empower women year-round through education and skill development.
DSP Bharat Bhushan and Naib Tehsildar Mandeep Singh commended the society’s dedication to the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ mission. They highlighted the significance of creating opportunities for girls to achieve self-reliance and contribute to society. CDPO Khushmeet Kaur and Ashok Kultham emphasised the importance of ground-level efforts like vocational training and awareness campaigns in fostering sustainable social change.
The event concluded with enthusiastic cultural performances and inspiring speeches from community leaders, reinforcing the importance of gender equality and education in building a progressive society.
Meanwhile, Former Union Home Minister Som Parkash will organise the “1100-Nav Jammian Dhiyaan Di Lohri” on January 11, while Former Minister Vijay Sampla will host a Lohri function for newborn girls on January 12.
