Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday presented the third ‘Prag Prerona Award’ to 11 distinguished women achievers of the State for their contribution in the fields of politics, literature, culture and social life.
The Prag Prerona Awardees include Guwahati MP Bijoya Chakraborty, Dr Ajoya Mahanta, actor Runu Devi, senior journalist Sabita Goswami, writer Ranjita Biswas, singer Dhanada Pathak, social worker Sumitra Hazarika, film director Dr Santana Bordoloi, former AIR news reader Lili Das Malik, environmentalist Purnima Devi Barman and Arjun awardee sportsperson Monalisa Baruah Mehta.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sonowal underlined the multi-faced role played by the women and also their contribution in taking the society forward. He emphasized the importance of educating the gild child and empowerment of women.
Sonowal stated that the Government initiatives like ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ are aimed at ensuring security of the girl child and giving them equal platform for nurturing their talents. He also emphasized on sensitizing the society about gender equality and urged the society to play an active role in giving the women ample opportunity for growth.
Sonowal mentioned that the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is aspiring to build a new India, where women are secured, empowered and equal partners for development. He also advocated for skilling the women and asked them to take advantage of the skill development centres set up by the Government in different parts of the State.
Noted Indian singer Usha Utthop, CMD Prag News Sanjib Narayan, Editor-in-Chief Ajit Kumar Bhuyan were present among others in the programme.