Himachal: 61 women left for Ayodhya pilgrimage

Himachal Pradesh: Deputy Speaker of Himachal Pradesh Assembly Vinay Kumar flagged off a women delegation for a seven-day pilgrimage to Ayodhya and other religious places to promote women empowerment and inclusive development in the state. The entire cost of the trip is being borne by Vinay Kumar himself, so there will be no financial burden on the government or other organisations. Kumar reiterated the state government’s dedication to empower women and provide them equal opportunities in all spheres of life. “This initiative is a step towards strengthening women and making them self-reliant. By giving them such experiences, our aim is to motivate them and encourage their active participation in society,” he said. The delegation comprises 61 women from 62 panchayats of seven areas of Renuka Assembly constituency.
The week-long tour will start from Renukaji and end back at Renukaji, covering major religious places including Ayodhya, Vrindavan, Mathura, Kashi, Naimisharanya, Barsana and Kurukshetra. All arrangements for accommodation and food have already been made to ensure a seamless experience for the participants. Kumar emphasised the role of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in improving the financial status of women. “By associating with SHGs, women can produce their own goods and sell them at reasonable prices in the local markets, providing them better income opportunities,” he said. Kumar also lauded the state government’s initiatives to ensure gender equality. “The government is committed to providing education, skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities to women. These efforts are aimed at enabling women to overcome challenges and realise their true potential, thereby contributing to the overall development of the state,” he said. The women expressed gratitude for the opportunity to embark on this spiritual journey.