Nilokheri/Karnal, January 16: In the Vedic period, Indian women were also visionary sages, and there are mentions of women's participation in warfare when needed. This was stated by Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan, Director of the Haryana Rural Development Institute. He was addressing the participants at a state-level training program on the topic of "Ideal Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat" organized at the institute. The program was organized in collaboration with the State Panchayat Resource Center, Nilokheri.
In his inaugural address, Director Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan informed that 23 Gram Panchayats of the state are to be developed as ideal women-friendly Gram Panchayats in accordance with the Central Government's scheme. He said that this program has been continuously running for the past year with the objective of implementing the localization of Sustainable Development Goals at the grassroots level, so that inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development can be ensured at the village level.
Giving examples of the courage and valor of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Rani Durgavati, Dr. Chauhan said that women in Indian history have presented unparalleled examples of scholarship, leadership, and bravery.
Referring to the Vedic period, he said that at that time, not only men but also women were equally involved in society. He gave examples of learned women like Lopamudra, Maitreyi, Ghosha, Apala, Surya Savitri, Yami, and Gargi, stating that they were visionary sages.
Discussing social change, he said that during the period of slavery, there was a mentality of confining daughters to the home due to fears of abduction as they grew older, but this thinking has changed over time. In India's original consciousness, both men and women receive equal respect—this is the identity of our culture.
Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan administered an oath to the women Sarpanches that they would do wonderful and revolutionary work in their respective villages. He emphasized ensuring women's participation in the Gram Panchayat Development Plan, setting clear goals, and working with public participation to achieve those goals.
He also administered an oath to maximize the use of the Hindi language in daily administrative work. Giving the message of "My Village - My Panchayat," Dr. Chauhan said that every goal can be achieved by working with strong willpower and determination, and positive change in society is possible.
The program coordinator, Dr. Neelam Chhikara, welcomed the chief guest, Dr. Virendra Singh Chauhan, and gave detailed information about the ideal women-friendly Gram Panchayat dashboard. She explained that this dashboard is an effective medium for monitoring women's participation in Gram Panchayats, the implementation of schemes, and women-friendly activities, which will make the work of the Panchayats transparent and results-oriented.
On this occasion, National Advisor Piyali Roy Chowdhury from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Advisor Gurbinder Singh from the National Institute of Rural Development, District Project Manager Tripti from Yamunanagar, Sarpanch Suman Devi from Mahendragarh, Sarpanch Manju Bala from Pataudi, Sarpanch Seema from Dayalpur (Thanesar), and other participants were present.