In recognition of their contribution to women’s empowerment, the Women Task Force Y2K gave away the Puduvai Shakthi 2015 Award to two individuals on Tuesday on the occasion of the upcoming International Women’s Day on March 8.
M.K. Sayeekumary, president of the organisation, gave away the awards.
Men have an equally important role to play in contributing towards equality and women’s development in society. This is why the organisation has for the second year in a row given away the award to a man. Dr. Panch Ramalingam, Reader at Pondicherry University, Honorary Secretary of the Indian School Psychology Association and author won the award for his contribution in promoting education of girls.
His work has involved the setting up of crèches for girls in the 1980s under the Central Social Welfare Board, and education of girls in rural areas as a programme officer of the National Service Scheme. At present, he is also involved in promoting counselling in schools to minimise dropouts.
The second award was given away to S. Akila, a social worker, who works primarily out of Jipmer. Ms. Akila has been recognised for her guidance to economically disadvantaged patients in availing treatment. Following her experience after her father was diagnosed with cancer, she has worked to help all cancer patients who have approached her.
Ms. Akila began her social work in the mid 1990s and served as secretary to Communist leader Saraswathi Subbiah. At present she is a member of the Association for Social Health in India, and helps out people, especially women in access to lawyers and gives counselling to those in need. She has also been involved in efforts towards the Women’s Reservation Bill.
