Lessons on gender equality should start from home – Dr. Tessy Thomas
Former Director General of DRDO Dr. Tessy Thomas said that, the lessons on equality between men and women should start from home. One should have respect for oneself, respect others, and also help everyone to move confidently in the society. She said that children should be brought up equally regardless of male and female differences.
She was speaking to the audience after inaugurating the ‘Stree Shakti Sangamam’ held under the auspices of ‘Mahila Samanvaya Vedi’ at Elamakkara Bhaskareeyam Convention Center. Dr. Tessy shared the life experience of her mother, who was a teacher. She said that her mother brought up all six siblings in the family without any gender bias and gave them proper education.
Olympian PT Usha MP, who was the chief guest of the event, said that if women have the ability to protect and nurture a family and create a new generation, the creator of the world has also given them the ability to recreate the society and thus the nation. Quoting Draupadi from the Mahabharata, PT Usha said that we should prepare ourselves to acquire the qualities required of women such as courage, intelligence, sense of justice, ability to choose the right, unsullied devotion, courage to face anything, courage to call out mistakes, patience and will.
Mahila Samanwaya Vedi President Dr. Vandana Balakrishnan presided over the program, District Convenor Soumya K gave the welcome address and co-Convenor Adv. Mini Gopinath gave vote of thanks.
Many women who made a mark in various fields, were honored on the stage. The list includes – Sreekumari Ramachandran, sports stars Aleena Shelley, Swathi KJ, Anvita S Bhat, Kalamandalam Vani Vasudevan, Kalari Guru Philomena Manuel and Dr. Reshmi Pramod who, in spite of having visual limitations herself, has been treating patients affected with diseases like Cerebral Palsy through an organization called Jeevaneeyam.
During the event, Adv. Anjanadevi, Dr. Archana R and Adv. Ashamol led the discussion and presented papers on the concept of Bharatiya women, problems and challenges faced by women and participation of women in the development of the nation. Mega Thiruvathirakali, Kaikottikali and Vanchippattu were also performed at the event.
