Jammu, March 27 (Scoop News) – The Governor, N. N. Vohra, today stressed the need of every possible step being taken to promote the education of girls, particularly those who live in the slums and in the remote rural areas.
The Governor, as Chief Guest, was addressing the 14th Annual Scholarship distribution function of the Harbans Bhalla Educational Trust at Talab Tillo, here.
Highlighting the important role which philanthropic organisations can play in promoting education among the under-privileged sections of the society, the Governor observed that the Harbans Bhalla Trust has been doing commendable work in achieving this objective. While appreciating the Trust for providing over 80% of the total scholarships to girls, he stressed the need for further enhancing this level to over 90% in the next few years.
The Governor complimented Kunil Bhalla, Managing Trustee, for achieving over 50% increase, in the past 2 years, in the total number of eligible children who were granted scholarships.
The Governor observed, with satisfaction, that many students who had been supported by the Trust for pursuing their education in the past years are now well settled and also complimented the Trust for particularly providing financial support to disadvantaged students to receive education and become self-reliant.
The Governor announced a grant of Rs. 1 lakh for the Trust and observed that, out of this amount, Rs. 2,000 should be given to Miss Rajni, a 3rd standard student from Surinsar, who had presented a captivating folk song in Dogri.
The First Lady, Mrs. Usha Vohra, who was the Guest of Honour at the function, speaking on the occasion emphasized the crucial importance of female education, adding that an educated woman can bring all round transformation in the family and the society at large. She said that the key to socio-economic empowerment of women is their education. She lauded the Trust for forging ahead to secure this objective and said that all of us should meaningfully contribute for the harmonious growth of the society at large.
The Governor and the First Lady distributed scholarships among 337 students at the function, interacted with many of them and impressed upon them to work hard, take full benefit of the support being provided to them by the Trust and achieve excellence in their education, to carve out a bright future. They wished them a bright future ahead.
The programme started with lighting of the traditional lamp by the Governor and the First Lady, which was followed by Saraswati Vandana by the students.
Earlier, on arrival at the function, the Governor and the First Lady were received by the management, teachers, students and their parents, who were present in large numbers.
The Managing Trustee, Harbans Bhalla Educational Trust, Kunil Bhalla, dwelt on the activities of the Trust and its future vision. He said that since its inception in 1997, the Trust has so far provided scholarships worth Rs. 50 lakhs. He said that in addition to providing monetary assistance to the students of the poorer strata of the society, the Trust also organizes free medical camps and conducts home visits to the houses of children to monitor their progress in studies.
Ms. Goldy Slathia and Sourab, both senior students associated with the Trust, presented a welcome address and proposed a Vote of Thanks, respectively.
Leave Your Comments