Renuka Chowdary distributes awards to women

Hyderabad, Mar 3 (UNI) Union Minister of State (Independent charge) for Women Child Welfare Renuka Chowdary today distributed awards to women adjudged best in different fields in the 'Naveena Mahila 2006' contest at a function here.

Parvataneni Rajita Kishore, who worked as Ham Radio operator during natural calamities, received the award for bravery.

She first worked as Ham operator when there were floods in Bhadrachalam Agency area in 1990. Apart from working voluntarily as Ham operator during calamities, she also trained 2,000 persons in Ham radio operation.

Kumra Manku Bai, a tribal woman who got back her father's 18 acre land after a prolonged fight for 40 years, received the award for valiantly fighting for her rights.

Her father's 18 acre land was annexed by a loan shark 40 years ago, forcing her to work in her own land as labourer. After a fight for four decades, she got her land back.

Manku Bai's father, a resident of Jangaramjiguda Village in the backward Adilabad District, took Rs 500 by pledging his land. When her father tried to redeem the land by paying back the debt, the money lender got him beaten.

Apart from getting back her land, Manku Bai also was elected president of self-help groups(SHG). She was given an award for fighting for her rights.

Vempati Basavamma won the Navina Mahila Award for fighting social evils. Basavamma (45) who had not completed even primary education fought against child marriages, dowry harassment and such other problems of women.

While Hanumamma and Ramadevi won the awards for inspiring others, Kalyani received the 'Young Lady' award.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Renuka Chowdary said women should get inspiration from the awardees, who distinguished themselves though they were not well educated.

UNI