Shimla, 04 September 2024: "Culture is our greatest strength,"* declared State Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Colonel Dhani Ram Shandil during a one-day workshop at RKMV, Shimla, organized by the Women and Child Development Department under the Sankalp Women Empowerment Centre's 100-day special awareness campaign.
Addressing the students, Dr. Shandil emphasized the importance of cultural values alongside academic degrees.
*“Being cultured is just as crucial as earning a degree,”* he remarked, underscoring how values can help one achieve life’s goals.
He also highlighted the government's proactive steps, like raising the legal marriage age for girls from 18 to 21, making Himachal the first state to implement such a provision.
The workshop wasn't just about speeches—it buzzed with the energy of students who participated in a speech competition on the theme of women’s safety in the 21st century.
Students passionately argued that sexual exploitation and the objectification of women must end, demanding stricter enforcement of laws to ensure safety.
The event also saw interactive sessions where students engaged with experts on the new criminal laws and their implications, including the National Criminal Code (BNS), Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS), and Indian Evidence Act (BSA), aimed at replacing colonial-era laws.
Discussions also covered critical topics like POCSO, Child Marriage Act, POSH, and cybercrime.
The college principal, Dr. Anurita Saxena, kicked off the program, setting the tone for an engaging day. A mix of cultural performances, skits, and thought-provoking discussions kept the mood lively.
The workshop concluded with the prize distribution, where winners of the speech competition were honored.
At the school level, Purnima Arya from Government Senior Secondary School, Sanjauli, bagged the first prize, while Prachi Sharma from Government Senior Secondary School, Summerhill, secured the second spot.
At the college level, Nikita Dhiman from Center of Excellence College, Sanjauli, won first place, with Parul from RKMV taking the second prize.
The event was marked by the presence of several dignitaries, including Ashish Singhmar, Secretary of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, and Rupali Thakur, Director of Women and Child Development Department, among others.
In the end, the workshop served as a powerful reminder of the importance of culture and the pressing need to safeguard women’s rights in today’s world.