31 Women Employees from Railways Honoured for Outstanding Performances

Railway Women’s Welfare Central Organisation Organises Women’s Day Celebrations

Thirty one outstanding women employees of Railways were honoured on the occasion of Women’s Day celebrations organized by Railway Women’s Welfare Central Organization (RWWCO), apex body of the chain of Women’s Welfare Organisations spread over all Indian Railways, here today. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister of Delhi, Ms. Sheila Dikshit who was the Chief Guest at the function, said that during the 100 years old struggle on Women’s Day, the women in the world have taken many steps forward. She said that women in our country showed that they are at par with men in all respects including valour, capacity and capabilities. She said that the women power is in additionally a source of love, compassion and understanding. She said that the women have come out with flying colours. She said that there is a need to change the attitude of the society so that society looks after women well as they perform many crucial roles as mother, daughter and wife in this world. Their ‘raksha’ and ‘suraksha’ should be the prime responsibility of the society, she added.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Vivek Sahai said that the tradition of celebrating Women’s Day is now almost 100 years old and the women have come a long way and created special place for themselves. He pointed out that the women in our country form an important workforce and they have been holding important positions in every walk of life and have been shining through their talent and performance. Shri Sahai said that the world should know that India looks after its women well.

The RWWCO came into existence in 1962 during the Chinese aggression, when wives of officers on the Railways came forward to garner donations from railwaymen and their family members for meeting the need of the national cause. With a very modest start about 49 years ago, the Organisation today has gained importance as one of the foremost voluntary organisations functioning in the country. Railways organisations function through a large number of affiliated units at Zonal and Divisional levels throughout the country.

In her welcome address, President, RWWCO, Smt. Manjushree Sahai said that hallmark of this year’s function is the felicitation of new ladies from the rail-fraternity who not only brought laurels for the Indian Railways but also made India proud of their achievements. They include famous athlete, Ms. P.T. Usha who is working in Southern Railway, former captain of Indian Women National Cricket Team, Ms. Diana Edulgee who is working in Western Railway and Ms. Neelam Katara, social worker and wife of a senior railway officer, she added.

In 1986, RWWCO decided to organize Women’s Day on 19th November every year to commemorate the birthday of late Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi. This year, the function is being held on 8th March that coincides with the International Women’s Day. On this day every year, RWWCO honours the services of selected outstanding women employees of Group C and Group D in the Railways. The purpose is to boost up the morale of those women, who show exemplary dedication, integrity and courage in discharge of their duties and who also work quietly in any other field viz. Hospital, School, Sports, Blood Donation, Family Welfare Programme, Scouts and Guides etc.