2016 International Women’s Day Special
By Rameez Makhdoomi
International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Women of Kashmir are no less competent and intelligent than women of other parts of the world.
The theme for 2016 is Pledge for Parity, as progress towards gender parity has slowed in many places.
We unplug the three dynamic women of Kashmir, who have shined in diverse fields and take message from them on the eve of this all important observation.
Mehmeet Sayeed
Mehmeet Sayeed, an eminent artist and singer of Kashmir who recently has performed in noted global musical concerts on Kashmiri music and delivered enthralling performances and her message on eve of World women’s day 2016 is –
“Women have always played an important role in carrying forward the cradle of civilization towards the positive and right direction. Every woman needs to understand that there is absolutely no justification for injustice, inequality and discrimination against them. As women are becoming more relevant in the social and economical fabric of this changing world, they need to learn to speak up whenever they see the world being unfair to them.
Most woman face challenges at every step of her life, as a daughter, sister, wife and mother. Those challenges exist to make us stronger not weaker. As a female artist, I also faced numerous challenges to the extent that I stopped working on my passion. It was during that period of darkness and irrelevance that I recognized the need to get back on my feet and continue chasing my passion of singing. I restarted myself and alhamdulillah, I’m living my dream and working on passion. So, don’t let anyone or anything stop you from doing what you are good at.”
Kusum Kaul
Kusum Kaul, a proud Kashmiri is a communication and Media professional of par excellence and has a rich academic background and is a philanthropist as well .
Kusum Kaul is also Director – Transsphere Technologies Pvt. Ltd, Proprietor – Zest Worldwide Communication, Managing Trustee – Utkarsh Healthcare Foundation .She has this message for women on eve of World women’s day 2016 –
“Women have an equal and important role to play in the civilization development. Indira Gandhi has always been my role model. A strong woman of steel, who steered India out of poverty into a modern India. I was always fascinated by Nehru who chartered his daughter’s mental makeup from jail and faraway places through his letters. I have been brought up with my father’s words. “Gandhiji had four sons and Nehru had one daughter, nobody knows Gandhiji’s sons but everyone knows this daughter.” I have been brought up with this state of mind, she was so frail and delicate in looks but had a brain and determination as strong as steel. Women need to be determined and confident enough to achieve anything is my message. We should all also be more tolerant and humane towards one another and never shun the core of humanity.”
Neelam Singh
Neelam Singh, vivacious and talented actress of Kashmir is known for her acting skills and superb caliber and in field since 17 years . Her first serial was “Tavnich Duniya” in the year 1999.She is currently shinning and performing eminent roles in serials of prestigious TV Channels like Sony Tv,Colours, Life OK, Epic etc. Her message on world women day is .She She has this message for women on eve of World women’s day 2016 –
“Kashmiri women through their diverse roles have shown to world the mettle of their intellect. If I look into my life The childhood days went on normally. After death of my father, my mother really took all the great care of me. Till eight class I studied at Guru Nanak School Baramulla and then shifted to Srinagar for further studies. When I reached 9th standard I started to get offers in TV Serials which I initially refused but after great persuasion I gave it a try and was successful in auditions. I wanted to be a doctor and joining the world of acting came by chance and getting acting offers at early age tempted same. Yes, today I love my work and it became my passion now. Women should never suffocate their dreams but give them platform to shine .We can achieve anything if we remain focused on our work and women should develop tough mettle to survive and thrive. ‘”
