Three girls to receive foster aid under the ‘Hirkani’ scheme

Pune, 17  Dec: “Men alone cannot create the India of our dreams; women need to be equal stakeholders. And for that to happen, we first need to empower women. Women are generally more composed and sensitive. It is therefore important that women and girls receive not only basic education, but also higher education, and that they are not rushed into marriage. Always remember the equation “Education = Future,” advised world-renowned scientist Padma Vibhushan Dr Raghunath Mashelkar.

He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the launch of the 'Hirkani' scheme that was organised by the “EmpowerHER Foundation”.

The Founder and President of The empowerHER Foundation, Mr Sandeep Nulkar, Secretary and renowned filmmaker, Mr Nipun Dharmadhikari, Treasurer, Mr Rushikesh Atre and Director of Mission Ms Rupali Shinde-Agashe were present on the occasion.

Gayatri Rawde, Diya Dighe and Piyusha Pandav were awarded permanent educational scholarships as part of the foundation's Hirkani scheme this year. They will also receive support for their holistic development until they become financially independent. The scholarships were presented to the girls by Dr Mashelkar. Furthermore, Dr Mashelkar was felicitated with a symbolic gift of Basmati rice and turmeric as a token of gratitude for being the instrumental force in fighting against American companies who were attempting to acquire a patent for these products.

Dr Mashelkar said, “As per the current figures, the percentage of women in the Indian labour force is a mere 24%. This figure is 60% in China, 70% in Vietnam, with even Bangladesh registering a higher number than us. China has been providing job opportunities to its women for a long time now, whether it is white-collared jobs or jobs involving physical labour. Even India has several initiatives and programmes such as ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,’ Sukanya Samruddhi Yojana, Savings Schemes, Kanya Shree project to ensure education for girls. But it is imperative that these be scaled up over time. Another problem that plagues our country is superstition. On the one hand, India has managed to land the mangalyaan on Mars, but on the other hand, the girls in our country still continue to face hurdles in finding a suitable match for themselves simply because of astrological factors that are beyond anyone’s control. This is definitely something we need to give a serious thought to.”

“According to me, the most important mantra that we should all remember is that education equals future. Therefore, it is important to start more such initiatives in Pune if we want the future to be bright. And for this, education, skill development, experience, as well as money and time are all extremely crucial elements. Just as Savitribai Phule and Ahilyabai Holkar brought about a revolution in the field of women education, I am sure the Hirkani scheme will also go on to grow into a widespread movement,” he added.

Sandeep Nulkar said, “Right from my childhood, I have witnessed the problems faced by women from very close quarters and this is what inspired me to do something for them. I established the “EmpowerHER Foundation” to ensure that underprivileged girls receive quality education and decent employment opportunities, thus enabling a better future for them and their families. Under the Hirkani scheme, these girls will be provided with permanent educational scholarships, with focus on holistic development.

The event was hosted by Sanhita Chandorkar, who also concluded it with a vote of thanks, stated a press release.