Zamira Begum Rahman Memorial Lecture held
The First Zamira Begum Rahman Memorial Lecture on the topic “Women Empowerment and Society” was delivered by Sarmistha Das, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Tezpur University at a rural school, Kabilabad HE School in Tezpur recently. The lecture was attended by over 250 students of classes eight to ten including the teachers of the school.
Sarmistha Das, who has been teaching Sociology at Tezpur University for the past six years delved into different aspects of women empowerment with vivid experiences from her own life. She recalled her mother’s advice, “Whatever you do in life, you should always have a choice in hand. And that is possible only if you educate yourself and know what is right and what is wrong.” She said that her mother gave her the freedom to do whatever she wanted and that empowered her. Das spoke about Malala Yousufzai who got the Nobel Prize for Peace. Malala overcame such social pressures to pave the way not only for her own education but for other girls like her as well. In that sense, she is extraordinary. She said that many girls drop out of school for various reasons like lack of toilets or early marriage.
Das also emphasised on the role of men for the empowerment of women. She emphasised that women empowerment is not a women-centric issue. A society can progress only if a man and a woman walk hand in hand. She urged the children to read books and watch good films. It is important to have a dream and create a stature for oneself so that a woman is heard at all levels.
The memorial programme was conducted by Nayama Ahmed, Assistant Jailor, Tezpur Central Jail. Ahmed reiterated that women empowerment is a process where we try to discover ourselves. She said, “The mother is the pivot of the family. If she is educated, she can take the right decisions which includes political and economic decisions.”
Nazia Sultana, Television journalist and social activist introduced Late Zamira Begum Rahman to the students. Late Rahman was an educationist who was born on Dec 10, 1946 in Shillong. After completing her BA (Hons) in Education from St. Mary's College, Shillong in 1965, she did her BT from Gauhati University in 1967 from the Post-Graduate Training College, Shillong. She started her teaching career at Laitmukhurah Shishu Vidyalaya from 1965 to 1970 and then taught at Loreto Convent, Shillong from 1970 to 1972. Then she joined Sumer High School, Meghalaya as the Headmistress in 1973 where she had worked for 12 years. Later, she shifted to Guwahati and joined CTPS High School, Chandrapur, Assam.
“She loved children. She is still remembered for her kindness. That is why we thought that the best setting for a commemorative lecture in her memory would be a rural school,” said Teresa Rehman, her daughter who is a journalist.
The introductory speech and the vote of thanks were delivered by Mahmuda Aman Haque and Joyshree Chakravarty, two students of the school who are also the office bearers of Kanaklata Girls’ Club in their school. A one-minute silence was observed to pay tribute to Late Rahman. The Principal of the School, T Khan who chaired the session urged the students to overcome myths and obstacles and learn to be strong citizens and help in taking the nation forward.
Rupjyoti Gogoi, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Tezpur University also spoke on the occasion. Gogoi said that she too was not born with a silver spoon in her mouth and studied in a similar government school. She said, “She said that a mere colourful degree will not make you empowered. We have to attain knowledge and wisdom and grow as good human beings and share our enlightenment with the world. We should come out of the orbit of being somebody’s wife, mother and daughter. It is important to carve a niche for yourself by nurturing your strengths and talents. One’s identity is one’s ornament.” The programme ended with the rendering of “O Mur Apunar Dex”, the state anthem of Assam.
Random Stories
28 Oct 2016 - 11:01pm |
Mubina Akhtar
An ideal habitat for the breeding of rhinos, Kaziranga has seen a rise in the number of the species. The animal shrugged off its ‘endangered’ tag as soon as its population crossed the 2000 mark. This...
30 Dec 2017 - 11:31am |
AT News
Kokrajhar: The 24th Kyorugi and 5th Poomsae, All Bodoland Taekwondo championship -2017 concluded at Siknajhar Taekwondo gymnasium in Kokrajhar with three day programme on Friday. Altogether 17...
3 Apr 2011 - 10:57pm |
editor
Prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh will visit Assam on April 7 to campaign for the party four days before the final phase of assembly polls slated for April 11. Talking to assamtimes, senior APCC...
23 May 2008 - 1:15am |
editor
Bloomington: Two Guwahati based scribes have arrived at Bloomington for undertaking a sensitizing program at Indiana University on HIV/AIDS issues. More over they will be provided space for...
Other Contents by Author
Former Portuguese International and 2004 UEFA Euro finalist, Simão Sabrosa, has signed on the dotted line with North East United FC (NEUFC) as their Marquee Player for the second season of the Hero Indian Super League. The news was officially revealed by the club on its social media feeds on Thursday.The former Atlético Madrid and FC Barcelona attacking mid-fielder, will don the number 20 jersey at NEUFC. Speaking at his contract signing, Simão revealed his excitement about coming to India and participating in the Hero ISL to NEUFC’s media team, “I am looking forward to this new challenge. India is a wonderful country full of rich culture and heritage. The Indian Super League has...
Assam government will offer Artiste Pension to persons having outstanding contributions in the field of Art & Culture besides Special Family Pension to indigent families of persons who were already awarded Artiste pension for making spectacular contributions in the state’s cultural sphere and have unfortunately passed away.Applications will be received by Director of Cultural Affairs, Rabindra Bhawan, Guwahati, up to June 30 for consideration under the Assam Award of Pension to Artists and Special pension to their families. For further information on the format of application, etc. one may visit the website www.diprassam.gov.in
Assam minister of Revenue and Disaster Management Bhumidhar Barman and Minister of Water Resource, Basanta Das, along with other senior officials of the state, held a high level review meeting on flood situation on Wednesday. For further information, the State Emergency Operation Centre (Toll Free) Number 1070 and District Emergency Operation Centre (Toll Free) Number 1077 have been made available for the public. The meeting deliberated upon a host of issues ranging from mitigation measures, provision of relief and rescue materials besides taking stock of the extent of damages. In this regard, necessary instructions have been issued to the Deputy Commissioners of the affected...
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh at his Office in New Delhi and discussed with him to spruce up internal security mechanism including raising a new battalion for Assam.Gogoi also discussed with him the status of ceasefire agreement that the government has with different militant groups along with devising rehabilitation package for the surrendered militants. Moreover, Chief Minister Gogoi discussed with him the prevailing law and order of the state including other pending issues and requested the Home Minister to look into the matters for doing needful from the Centre. Gogoi also submitted a memorandum to the Home Minister.
Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi said that Centre’s lop-sided decision to delink support from the Model School Scheme is a setback to quality education as the move would severely deprive students from the rural areas from their right to quality education. In a letter sent to the union minister of human resources development Smriti Irani, CM Gogoi said that the Model School Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Human Resources Development in partnership with the State Governments to contribute to the qualitative transformation of education in rural areas. In sync with the scheme, Assam received approval for construction of 81 Model Schools and the State Government started...
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to Bangladesh, will flag-off the Kolkata-Agartala-Dhaka Bus Service from Dhaka at 4.00 PM on Saturday. As instructed by Govt. of India, in line with this service, Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) will be starting the Guwahati-Dhaka Bus Service, which will be flagged–off at ISBT, Betkuchi, by Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam, on Saturday at 5.00 PM in presence of VK Pipersenia, Chief Secretary of Assam, VS Bhaskar Addl. Chief Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Transport, etc. along with other dignitaries. The bus will halt at Shillong on Saturday and will reach Dhaka day after. This was stated by K.N Chetia, Managing...
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take up the issues with immediate concern to Assam with his Bangladeshi counterpart during his ensuing two-day Bangladesh visit. In a statement, Chief Minister Gogoi said that Prime Minister should take up the matter to bolster water and surface communication of Assam with Bangladesh and introduce rail link to utilize the geographical proximity between two geographical entities to harvest optimum benefits in the areas of trade and commerce. He also requested the Prime Minister to raise cross border infiltration and other related matters with his Bangladeshi counterpart. Moreover, Chief Minister Gogoi also...
A 12-member group of Garo National Union met Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday at Assam Secretariat and submitted a memorandum to press for their demand for the creation of Garo Autonomous Council. The Union led by its advisor Dr MS Sangma requested the Chief Minister to take step for the implementation of their demand. Chief Minister Gogoi while reiterating his intent for the welfare of all sections of the society assured the Garo National Union leaders of taking adequate measures to fulfil their demand. He further said the government is in the process of meeting procedural requirements in giving shape to the Autonomous Council. He moreover, assured to dispose the matter in...
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that the state government would bear all educational expenses for the students belonging to BPL families under a new scheme to be launched soon. In a statement on Monday, Chief Minister Gogoi said under the scheme, students from BPL families securing at least second division in board and council examinations would be entitled to get all educational expenses from the State Government so that they can pursue their studies.BPL students can send their particulars to Chief Minister’s Office and e-mail ids cmtarungogoi@gmail.com and cmprcell09@gmail.com
Vinod Kumar Pipersenia took over charge as Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam on Sunday, said an official press statement. Retiring Chief Secretary, Jitesh Khoshla, while handing over the charge, wished him success, in the august presence of other senior officials at the state secretariat. VK Pipersenia an IAS of 1980 batch of Assam-Meghalaya cadre will be the 45th Chief Secretary of the state. Born on August 5, 1957 at Konch, Uttar Pradesh, VK Pipersenias first assignment was that of an Assistant Commissioner in Dhubri district. He also served in various capacities as SDO (Civil) Nalbari, Deputy Commissioner, Nalbari, Joint Secretary, Health and Secretary, Revenue.While on...
Add new comment