Sanskar is the greatest power: Dr. Dhani Ram Shandil
The Women and Child Development Department organized a one-day workshop at the Sankalp Women Empowerment Center, State Girls College Shimla, as part of a 100-day Special Awareness Campaign. Dr. Colonel Dhani Ram Shandil, the State’s Health and Family Welfare, Social Justice and Empowerment, and Soldier Welfare Minister, participated in the event.
During the workshop, Dr. Shandil emphasized the importance of culture, stating that it is a powerful force and should be instilled in children from a young age. He highlighted that just as academic degrees are important, so are cultural values and rituals. He noted that girls are excelling in every field today.
Dr. Shandil also addressed the issue of crimes against women, mentioning that strict laws have been implemented and the government is actively educating the public about these laws. He pointed out that the central government has recently introduced new legislation to address these issues.
He mentioned that the government has raised the legal marriage age for girls from 18 to 21 years, making Himachal the first state to do so. Additionally, the state has launched significant schemes for women’s welfare, such as the Indira Gandhi Beloved Sister Sukh Samman Fund and the Happiness Shelter Scheme for helpless children.
Ashish Singhmar, Secretary of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, spoke about the Central Government’s initiatives for women’s safety, including the launch of the She-Box portal to handle workplace sexual harassment complaints. He noted that similar workshops are being organized statewide to raise awareness among women.
The workshop began with an address by Dr. Anurita Saxena, the college principal. This was followed by a speech competition on women’s safety in the 21st century, where students discussed the importance of stopping sexual abuse and ensuring women’s safety through strict law enforcement.
Students also interacted with experts on new criminal laws, including the Code of Justice (BNS), Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS), Indian Evidence Act (BSA), POCSO, Child Marriage Act 2006, POSH, and cyber laws. Discussions also covered the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, and the Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Current laws and welfare plans for women were also presented.
The event featured cultural presentations and skits by the host college (RKMV). Notable attendees included Rupali Thakur, Director of the Women & Child Development Department, Ritika Jindal, Director of Land Records, Mohan Dutt Sharma, Additional Director of the Women & Child Development Department, SP Vigilance South Range Anjum Ara, ADM Protocol Jyoti Rana, DSP Geetanjali Thakur (HPS), Hemlata (RKMV), Dr. Chandrika (HPNLU), and Dr. Shalini Kashmiria (HPU).
The workshop concluded with a speech competition, where the chief guest honored the winners. Prachi Sharma from State Senior Secondary School Sanjauli won first place at the school level, while Prachi Sharma from State Senior Secondary School Summerhill secured second place. At the college level, Nikita Dhiman from Center of Excellence College Sanjauli and Parul from RKMV tied for second place. Other participants, including Tanvi, Kajal, Kritika, Shalu Manta, Simran, and Ritika Chambiyal, received consolation prizes.
