Una, June 12: A dignified event was organized on Friday at Bachat Bhawan, Una, under the aegis of the District Red Cross Society, Una, to distribute prizes to lucky draw winners and provide sewing machines to eligible women under the 'Samarthya' scheme. The event was presided over by Jatin Lal, Deputy Commissioner of Una and President of the District Red Cross Society. Dr. Renu Sehrawat, Chairperson of the Hospital Welfare Section of the District Red Cross Society, was also specially present on the occasion.
During the program, various prizes were awarded to 17 lucky draw winners of the Red Cross Society, while 15 eligible women received sewing machines under the 'Samarthya' scheme, encouraging them towards self-reliance. Additionally, departments that achieved the highest sales of Red Cross tickets were honored. Four new patron members also joined the District Red Cross Society, Una, during the ceremony: Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal, Surinder Kumar, Rakesh Kaushal, and Suresh Kumar Sharma.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal stated that the Red Cross Society is a symbol of humanity and service, always playing a leading role in assisting the sick, the helpless, the needy, and those affected by disasters. He noted that the Red Cross extends aid to every section of society through activities ranging from organizing blood donation camps to social welfare and disaster relief operations. He also called upon the well-off members of society to join Red Cross activities and help the needy.

*Attractive Prizes for Lucky Draw Winners*
The Deputy Commissioner honored the 17 lucky draw winners by presenting them with cash prizes, mixer-grinders, pressure cookers, and wall clocks. In the lucky draw, Khushi Ram Chaudhary was awarded a cash prize of ?70,000, Rajiv Kumar received ?50,000, and Pawan Kumar received ?20,000. Additionally, cash awards were presented: ?2,500 each to Joginder Pal, Aryan Rana, and Kamaljit Kaur; ?2,000 each to Rakesh Kumar, Ritu Rani, Rajni Sharma, and Anup Kumar; and ?500 to Surinder Mohan. Meanwhile, Lalita Devi and Naresh were gifted mixer-grinders, Shivshashi Puri received a pressure cooker, and Sanam was presented with a wall clock.

*Samarthya Scheme: Empowering Women Towards Self-Reliance*
The Deputy Commissioner stated that the 'Samarthya' scheme, dedicated to the welfare of youth and women in Una district, has emerged as a new ray of hope for women and daughters from underprivileged families. Through this scheme, various facilities related to education, health, hygiene, and skill development are being provided free of cost. Many girls who had previously dropped out of school due to financial constraints are now reconnecting with education and charting a new course for their futures by availing the benefits of this scheme.
He noted that the objective behind providing sewing machines to women is to create self-employment opportunities and empower them financially. Beneficiaries who received sewing machines under the Samarthya scheme included Rajni Devi, Swarni Devi, Amarjit, Shweta Rani, Sapna, Urmila, Kavita, Rekha Devi, Parveen Kumari, Tota Bibi, Neelam Rani, Pooja Devi, Bandana Kumari, Sania Buhal, Hasina Bibi, and other eligible women.
Dr. Renu Sehrawat, Chairperson of the Hospital Welfare Section of the District Red Cross Society, commended the public-service activities of the Red Cross Society. She remarked that organizations like the Red Cross and initiatives like 'Samarthya' play a pivotal role in integrating the weaker and needy sections of society into the mainstream. She added that these efforts would benefit a large number of families and further strengthen the spirit of service, cooperation, and self-reliance within society.
Officials and staff from various departments, including District Food and Supplies Controller (DFSC) Rajiv Kumar, were also present on the occasion.