50 Women Honored in Haryana Today: CM Saini and Speaker Kalyan on Stage; Congress MLA Vinesh Absent

A state-level ceremony marking International Women's Day was held at the Red Bishop Hotel in Panchkula, where 50 outstanding women from various fields were honored for their exceptional contributions. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp and presented awards to women who have excelled in sports, social service, and entrepreneurship. 

Special Awards for Distinguished Women 

Karnal-based social worker Shanta Ranga received the prestigious Sushma Swaraj Award, which includes a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. Olympian wrestler and Congress MLA from Julana, Vinesh Phogat, was scheduled to be honored for her achievements in sports but did not attend the event. Bala Verma from Hisar and Rekha Rani Dhiman from Jind were presented with the Indira Gandhi Mahila Shakti Award. 

Meenu Kaliraman from Hansi received the Kalpana Chawla Bravery Award for her mountaineering achievements, while Kamlesh Arora from Ambala was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

"These women have demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication in their respective fields," said Chief Minister Saini during the ceremony. 

New Initiatives for Women's Empowerment

During the program, the Chief Minister virtually launched three new portals related to women and girls, a Child Development Building in Charkhi Dadri, and 44 new Anganwadi centers. These initiatives aim to strengthen the support system for women and children across the state. 

"Our government is committed to creating more opportunities for women to thrive in all sectors," Saini stated while launching these projects.

Recognition for Improved Sex Ratio

The Chief Ministers also honored the Deputy Commissioners of Karnal and Ambala districts for achieving remarkable improvement in sex ratio under the "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" campaign. Karnal's sex ratio improved from 908 to 926, while Ambala's increased from 921 to 936.

Sports Achievers Recognized

The ceremony honored numerous women athletes, including Olympic medalist shooter Manu Bhaker from Jhajjar, Ridham Sangwan from Faridabad, Ramita Jindal from Kurukshetra, Antim Panghal from Hisar, Preeti Pawar from Bhiwani, Bhajan Kaur from Sirsa, Vinesh Phogat from Charkhi Dadri, Anshu Malik from Jind, Ritika Hooda from Rohtak, Nisha Dahiya from Panipat, Jaismeen Lamboria from Bhiwani, Diksha Dagar from Jhajjar, Kiran Pahal from Sonipat, and Raja Dhillon from Panchkula. 

Social Workers and Entrepreneurs Honored 

In the social sector, Rita Dhiman, Banarsi Devi, Poonam, and Dr. Vinita Tomar received recognition for their contributions. Women entrepreneurs Pinky Devi from Jind and Sakshi from Gurugram were honored for their business accomplishments. Anganwadi workers and girls previously recognized on National Girl Child Day were also honored during the event. The stage was shared by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, and Cabinet Minister Shruti Chaudhary, highlighting the government's commitment to women's empowerment at all levels.