Bhubaneswar, September 11: Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Women and Child Development and Mission Shakti, Pravati Parida on Friday called upon women beneficiaries of the flagship Government schemes to participate in the ‘Aashirbad Ka Diya’ (Lamp of Blessings) programme by lighting a lamp on the evening of September 17, as a symbol of service, gratitude and women’s empowerment.
The call was made during a review meeting chaired by Parida, wherein Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Cluster Level Federations (CLFs), Gram Panchayat Level Associations of Federations (GPLAFs), Block and District Level Federations, Lakhpati Didis, Producer Groups and Producer Companies were urged to actively participate in the initiative.
Mission Shakti Secretary Mansi Nimbhal and Director Dr. Monica Banerjee, were present at the meeting along with other officials. Chief Development Officers (CDOs), Block Development Officers (BDOs), CLF members, GPLAF representatives and SHG members from all 30 districts participated in the meeting virtually.
Speaking on the initiative, Parida said, “Each diya will represent the strength, dignity and aspirations of our women and their contribution towards the development of the State and the nation.”
The ‘Aashirbad Ka Diya’ initiative is in line with the Government of Odisha’s decision to organise the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan–2026’ across the State from September 17 to October 17. The month-long campaign aims to promote the spirit of service, collective participation and social responsibility.
For the context, the BJP has decided to launch a nationwide programme featuring a slew of activities and public engagements to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years in public life.
Christened ‘Aashirbad Ka Diya' (Lamp of Blessings), the initiative will begin on September 17 and cover beneficiaries of various welfare schemes of the Central Government across the country.
The campaign is intended to express gratitude to people who elected the BJP and enabled Modi to continue as the Prime Minister for a third consecutive term.
