Strap: Women achievers honoured, heritage walks and educational initiatives highlight the spirit of the day
HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, March 8: Sivasagar Barowari Mahila Mancha, Hindu Dharmasabha Mahila Chora, Sanatan Dharma Namghar Mahila Samaj and Rangpur Mohila Chora jointly observed International Women’s Day on Sunday in Hindudharma Namghar Auditorium. Utpola Shrutikar Baruah anchored the programme that began with an inaugural song.
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Nilaxi Baruah, manager, Canara Bank, Jakhalabondha, as the appointed speaker said that a woman must have the courage to establish oneself and to say the truth.
Sitala Devi, former Principal, Sivasagar Government HS MP School, said that if women do not get respect and recognition at home, society will never do that. Gauri Bhagawati, former teacher of Fuleswari Girls HS also delivered an inspirational speech. Dr Arun Chandra Changkakoty, dand Manoj Kr Borthakur in their speech, highlighted the importance of the day. Gayatri Baruah sang the famous song ‘Jaya nai, Jaya Nai’.
Our Hojai Correspondent adds: The Family Strengthening Program of SOS Children’s Village, Hojai, marked International Women’s Day with enthusiasm at Hira Basti in Hojai. Distinguished guests included B Chowdhury, DSP (HQ), Srimanta Sankardev Nagar, Arpana Kindo, Labour Officer and Namita Chakraborty, LADCS, DLSA Hojai. Around 177 caregivers from Hawaipur, Milik Basti, Dhanuhar Basti and Hira Basti joined the event. The programme began with a welcome address by Chitta Ranjan Mohanty, Assistant Village Director.
Namita Chakraborty highlighted women’s rights and free legal aid via DLSA, urging participants to seek support. Arpana Kindo discussed Labour Department schemes, stressing Nirman Sramik Portal registration for benefits and insurance. B Chowdhury opened the floor for caregivers to share views, calling the day a chance for women to build confidence and drive societal progress.PRI members and village leaders praised SOS’s role in family development and women’s empowerment.
Our Tezpur Correspondent adds: A day-long programme marking International Women’s Day was organised by Seva Sadhana Santha at Harihar Dham auditorium in Chandmari, where several women were felicitated for their contributions to society. The event, chaired by Basundhara Sarma, began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a tribute led by founder president Dharmakala Upadhyay.
Chief guest MLA Prithiraj Rabha spoke on the importance of women’s social and economic empowerment, citing successful initiatives like Amul and Lijjat Papad as examples of self-reliance. Keynote speaker Indu Prabha Devi, executive president of the Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha, stressed that true empowerment means progressing equally alongside men. Manisha Upadhyay, Aruna Devi and Ansumwi Basumatary attended as distinguished guests.
The Seva Sadhana Samman was awarded to Tara Devi Giri, while the Sabita Upadhyay Memorial Award went to Nirmala Subba. Several women were felicitated. Mothers above 75 years of age were honoured.
Established in 1994, the organisation had formed a self-help group with local women to promote economic self-reliance through a common fund.
Meanwhile, Tezpur College in association with its Women’s Group and Alumni Association Women’s Wing, also celebrated International Women’s Day at the Chandra Mohan Medhi Auditorium. The programme was inaugurated by Principal Dr Manoj Kumar Hazarika.
Several distinguished women were felicitated, including writer Maya Sharma, Tezpur Central Jail Superintendent Naima Ahmed, Assam Valley School Administrative Officer Daisy Barua, dancer Mousumi Sharma and Mitali Dutta. A cooking competition was also held, judged by Anupama Barua and Arati Sharma.
The main session was presided over by Trishna Kakoti, Head of the Education Department, and conducted by Dr Trishna Rani Deka and alumna Jinia Sharma. The programme featured dance and musical performances and concluded with a vote of thanks by Surajita Bora.
Our Dhubri Correspondent adds: Marking International Women’s Day, a curated heritage walk was organised in Dhubri by the virtual museum ‘Abhijna e-Museum’, led by senior journalist Bijoy Kumar Sharma. The nearly three-kilometre walk through the historic town brought together around 20 participants, including students, heritage enthusiasts and local residents.
Beginning from the Victoria statue at Tetoltala, the walk covered several historically significant sites reflecting Dhubri’s colonial past and cultural diversity. Key stops included the revered Paanch Peer Dargah, known for its syncretic traditions, the historic Dhubri Gurudwara Sahib associated with Guru Tegh Bahadur and the Brahma Mandir linked to the Brahma Samaj reform movement.
Organisers said the initiative aimed to promote awareness of local heritage and encourage community engagement with history. They also noted that holding the event on International Women’s Day highlighted the growing role of women in heritage documentation and cultural initiatives.
Our Kokrajhar Correspondent adds: The districts of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) observed International Women’s Day on Sunday with various programmes highlighting women’s empowerment.
In Kokrajhar, the 15th Aijw Falangi Bantha (Women Entrepreneur Award) 2026 was conferred on Putuli Borgoyary of the Haltugaon–Dalgaon area. She runs a small tea shop near Central Institute of Technology Kokrajhar to support her family and educate her two children, one of whom is currently pursuing an MBBS degree. The award, instituted by the Kokrajhar-based NGO North East Research and Social Work Networking (NERSWN), included a citation, Rs 20,000 and traditional Aronai and Eri chador.
The UPPL Women’s Wing also celebrated the day at the party’s central office in Kokrajhar. The programme began with flag hoisting by Women’s Wing president Pratibha Brahma, followed by an open discussion. Kokrajhar MLA Lawrence Islary, social activist Menan Kumar Brahma and several women activists attended the event.
Oxford’s International School Kokrajhar also emerged as a notable example of women-led leadership in education. Established in 2024 at Charaikhola Part 2, Harinaguri Road, the school is guided by co-founder and director Bandita Newar. Out of 25 staff members, 17 are women, including 14 teachers and three non-teaching staff, making it one of the most female-driven educational workplaces in the region.
In Tamulpur, the Bodo Bima Gouthum celebrated its second foundation day along with International Women’s Day at Kumarikatha with various programmes, where successful women were felicitated and discussions were held on the welfare and empowerment of women in the region.
