Railway women employees receive awards for achievements

New Delhi, Nov 19 (UNI) Railway Board Chairman K C Jena presented awards to 32 outstanding Railway women employees and 45 talented children for their accomplishments in various fields at a function here today.

The function was organised by the Railway Women's Central Organisation (RWWCO), one of the oldest organisations of the Railways.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Jena described RWWCO as one of the forerunner voluntary organisations in the country today.

''While the primary concern of the organisation is welfare of Railway employees and their families, it has always risen to the call of the society and the nation by paying attention to pressing problems,'' he said.

He congratulated outstanding Railway women employees for their excellent performance. The children were congratulated for winning prizes in drawing, painting and essay competitions.

Famed Kathak exponent Shovana Narayan, who was present on the occasion, said women represent 'Shakti' and are capable of transforming society. She pointed out that the importance of women in society has been recognised in the Indian philosophy.

Referring to the incidents of female foeticide and discrimination against the girl child, she said women would have to play the lead role in challenging these abhorrent practices.

Appreciating Railways' efforts to promote art and sports, Ms.

Narayan said it had produced several sportspersons of national and international stature.

In 1986, RWWCO had decided to organise Women's Day on November 19 every year to commemorate the birthday of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. On this day, the organisation honours the services of outstanding women employees of Group C and Group D categories in the Railways.

The purpose is to boost the morale of those women, who show exemplary dedication, integrity and courage in discharge of their duties and also work quietly in any other field like sports, blood donation, family welfare programme and Scouts&Guide.

UNI