Shri Prakash D’souza, Senior Vice President, The Times of India,
Shri Ranjith Sankar, noted Film Director,
Reverend Sister Dr. Vinitha, Director, St. Teresa’s College,
Shri Manoj K. Das, Resident Editor, The Times of India,
Shri Asher., Managing Director, St. Teresa’s College,
Shri Shaju Kumar, Assistant Vice President, The Times of India,
Dear Teachers,
Priyapetta Vidyarthinikale,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram.
It gives me great joy to inaugurate the programme ‘GOLDEN GIRLS,’ organized by Times of India in association with Malabar Gold and Diamonds.
Let me begin by complementing the organizers for turning the spot light on the abilities and potential for excellence that adorn our girls. It is most befitting that this programme is being held at St Teresa's College, which has contributed hundreds of talented youngsters to Kerala.
The title ‘Golden Girls’ also brings the memories of the days when the young Sprint Queen Smt. P.T. Usha brought laurels to Kerala. Ever since she made us proud through her dedication, we have seen many girls from Kerala excelling in sports. Today, we have launched an event that hopes to see the rise of many ‘Golden girls’ in diverse fields.
This programme has been conceived and initiated at a time when our Nation is hoping to benefit from a Demographic Dividend. Today, India is one of the 'youngest' nations in the world, with around 600 million people below 25 years of age. And, more than 62% of the people are in the working age group, that is, between 15 and 60 years of age. The working age population is growing and is expected to grow in such a way as to boost our economy. A few months ago, I read in the Swami-nomics column of Times of India that in the next two decades, India will add 200 million young people to its work-force.
In this background, the Times of India's focus on the likely contribution of the 390 million individuals born after the year 2000, is an attempt to highlight the potential of the youth, especially girls, in deciding the future of our country. ‘Golden Girls’is a platform to respect the individuality of Indian Millennial girls with the ultimate aim of grooming a confident generation. The idea is to identify and acknowledge the inner beauty and strength of Indian Millennial Girls through contests which will reveal their talent and abilities.
While we begin this contest which will crown the participants with the finest talents as Golden Girls at the college and State level, there are some realities we must look into. I would start by calling your attention to the Demographic Dividend that we are hoping to benefit from. India can benefit from this Dividend only if we increase the employability of our youth, for which efforts have already begun.
But, my question is about the number of girls who have access to the highest levels of skill upgradation, especially in technological spheres, since that is the area which is likely to offer a large chunk of employment. Recently, in a convocation address, our Hon'ble President Shri Ram Nath Kovind had expressed deep concern in the low participation of girls in scientific and technological education. He had cited the case of ‘Indian Institutes of Technology’ where, out of the nearly eleven thousand who were admitted in 2017, there were only 995 girls. This means, enrollment in higher education and participation in knowledge improvement initiatives by our girls deserve a strong support and push.
The instance I just cited was only to drive home the point that the empowerment of our millennial girls should be close to our hearts. I am aware that this programme intends to provide a new lens to re-define our concept of talent. It is also a way to encourage the millennial generation to realize that the idea of talent expands to every field, not just cinema and popular sports.
I understand that this programme would be carried out in 125 colleges of the State and that each college can send five participants. It is not surprising that the search for Golden girls has begun from Kerala, which has one of the best social climates for the education and empowerment of girls. I also hope that this initiative will spread to other States of India soon.
As a person from the Judiciary, it is my habit to
remind society that any discrimination towards women is
un-democratic and un-constitutional, since our Constitution has granted equal status and rights to men and women. But sadly,our society in general is reluctant to accept the empowered woman; instead, we sideline or sensationalize them. This is a reality in our work spaces, our media and the political and professional discourses. This attitude is a challenge to our women professionals and they have to work doubly hard to claim their rightful recognition.
Since this programme is organized by a leading media group, a word about how the media in Kerala can help in highlighting the genuine issues of women will not be out of place. While this programme is going to be a celebration of the potential of our girls, we also must keep our eyes open to the instances of discrimination faced by our girls. All media units must take up campaigns on the legal rights of women and girls so that we reap the benefit of living in a more aware society.
In spite of a large number of women working in the media, the Media's tendency to treat women and girls with a comic touch or sarcasm, by ignoring their dignity as individuals, still continues. This must change. I hope Golden Girls will pave the way for ensuring girls their rightful recognition in terms of their talents.
The participants also have to look within to identify their own strengths and talents. For each of them, it must be a search for what is unique in them, so that the beauty of that uniqueness fetches due recognition.
I convey my best wishes to all the participants of this programme and hope that they will win prizes as well as the hearts of the people.
I also compliment Times of India andMalabar Gold and Diamonds for initiating this search for the diamonds amongst us through a befitting ceremony.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Thank You
Jai Hind
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