The Chhattisgarh State Government has announced the first edition of Chattisgarh Veerni Awardees. The awards aim to recognize women who have set examples in the state, and across the country, by becoming leaders in their chosen field. The award ceremony will be held virtually on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayathi, April 14, 2021.
The chosen awardees hail from diverse walks of life. The list includes women achievers and leaders from the field of law, education, literature, history, music, business, sports, law enforcement, and social work from Chhattisgarh and other parts of the country.
The awardees are Teejan Bai (Pandavani Folk Singer), Dutee Chand (Indian professional sprinter), Shubha Mudgal (Hindustani Classical singer), Rebecca Mammen John (Senior advocate at Supreme Court), Sabbah Haji (Director of Haji Public School), Rana Safvi (Writer), Budhri Taati, Keshkunwar Panika (Entrepreneur), Amita Shriwas (Anganwadi Worker), Lakshmi Karyare(Dalit Poet), Ameera Shah, Yashica Dutt, Ankita Gupta, and Savita Asasthi.
The awards were established by Smart City, Raipur, under the leadership of Aijaz Dhebar, Mayor, Raipur, and will be presented by the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Bhupesh Baghel.
All awardees will receive a hamper featuring local folk arts, handicrafts, and artisans said a statement. The government has collaborated with a master artist to design and commission a trophy using the antique lost wax process of Dokra Tribal Art. The trophy which features a woman crowning herself is symbolic of the government's commitment to creating a level playing field for women.
Shawls and sarees from the state-run women's handloom cooperative have also been commissioned. These handlooms shine the spotlight on the rich heritage of the region's popular Tussar and Kosa Silk designs. These shawls and sarees tell several important stories in addition to highlighting the state's remarkable traditions.
Announcing the launch of the awards, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Bhupesh Baghel, said, “On the 8th of March, 2021, to mark International Women’s Day, Chhattisgarh strengthens its resolve to create a state where women are free, empowered, included, and celebrated every single day of every single year. Our government has initiated programmes and policies that focus on women’s needs and attempt to level the playing field for them. On this date, we will renew our pledge to keep women’s interests on our minds while making policies in every sector.
It is our firm belief that empowering women with education, resources, and rights will enable our economy, our society, our families, and our culture to scale the heights of glory. Women have the capacity to nurture and lead and it is imperative that we help them to equip themselves to achieve their full potential. As part of this effort, we announce an award to recognize the contributions made by women in the state of Chhattisgarh. We will also take the opportunity to honour women who have set examples across the country.
We hope this endeavor will inspire more women to rise as leaders in their chosen fields and more men to be their allies.
The ceremony will take place on the birth anniversary of Shri Bhimrao Ambedkar and also honour his immense contribution to nation-building and the rights of Dalits and women.”
