Urban Community Development Centre (UCDC), a social service centre of Society of the Divine Word, INM Province, organized Women’s Day Celebration on the 13th of March, 2022. The theme for the day was the same of UN; “Gender Equality today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”. There were 575 participants: 500 women, 40 men, and 35 students. All the participants were welcomed with a badge that highlighted the theme of the day.
Fr. Richard Mathias SVD, the INM Provincial Superior was the Chief guest for the occasion. He was accompanied by Fr. Paul Vattathara, Director of UCDC, and Ms. Pallavi Xalxo an Assistant Professor. Ms. Niroj Tirkey, the president of Jagruti SHG welcomed the dignitaries and the participants for the program. The program began with a prayer dance by the students of Migrants. The women SHG groups welcomed the dignitaries traditionally: women sang a welcome song and a few others washed the hands of the dignitaries and pinned badges on them.
Fr. Cosmos Ekka SVD introduced the Chief Guest and the guests of honor. The chief guest Rev. Fr. Richard Mathias SVD addressed the assembly. He appreciated and thanked the women for the warm welcome and stressed on the need for bringing gender equality. He highlighted the role of education in bringing about gender equality. He felicitated three SHGs by handing over bank passbooks, Cheque books and gifts as acknowledgement of their hard work and commitment. The women publicly recognized the role of UCDC for taking care of the children at Creche, Balwadi and through tuitions. The representatives of UCDC staff Ms. Savita Machivale, Ms. Philomena Patel, and Ms. Satyashila Dhotre, a social worker, were felicitated for their commitment towards the wellbeing of the children.
Fr. Paul Vattathara SVD, the Director of UCDC, encouraged the entire assembly saying the gender equality will come when we will it, because any success is possible when we will something to happen. He further motivated the women “to dream as big as you can dream, anything is possible”. The guest of honor Ms. Pallavi Xalxo, an Assistant Professor, being herself a Tribal spoke to them in a very simple language calling for the unity in the community. The event was made colorful by the variety of programs; cultural dances, skits, singing and tableau. The youth group put up a beautiful skit on gender equality. The event was celebrated to highlight and recognize the achievements of women. It was wonderful to observe that a number of participants came up to the stage for the first time in their lives. It was a beautiful platform to boost their self-confidence. The event ended with a vote of thanks by Ms Dibya Minj. The migrant community thanked St. Theresa School administration for the venue and other facilities.
By Fr. Cosmos Ekka SVD
