Maharashtra November 21 (KNS): Ghulam Nabi Azad opened the three day National Meet of Inner Wheel in Kolhapur with a call for stronger action in service, women’s leadership, and community welfare.
He praised Inner Wheel leaders from across India for what he described as consistent work in education, health, and humanitarian support. He said the organisation has shown resilience during crises including the COVID 19 period when members shifted to digital meetings and virtual outreach.
Azad highlighted the historic role of women who shaped global service traditions. He cited Margarette Golding’s founding of Inner Wheel in 1924, Florence Nightingale’s reforms in nursing, and Mother Teresa’s work with the Missionaries of Charity. He said their examples show how disciplined service can change outcomes.
He noted that Inner Wheel’s focus on friendship, service, and international understanding aligns with its global presence. He said members have contributed to education, women’s economic participation, child health, and environmental initiatives.
Azad spoke about persistent challenges for women in India. He pointed to high dropout rates among rural girls, early marriage, malnutrition, and limited access to reproductive health services.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe added that domestic violence and financial dependence restrict women’s mobility and safety. In cities, he said wage gaps, workplace bias, and rising reports of abuse remain serious issues. He said Inner Wheel plays a role in addressing these gaps through targeted community work.
Azad reviewed policy efforts from his term as Union Health Minister. He mentioned the expansion of Janani Suraksha Yojana, the launch of Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, and new maternal and child health wings in hospitals. He recalled India’s achievement of becoming polio free and the nationwide scale up of newborn care units and adolescent health programmes. He also referred to initiatives on cancer, diabetes, and hypertension screening.
He told participants that progress in women’s health and child welfare shapes the strength of the country.
Azad closed by urging Inner Wheel members to continue their work with clarity and consistency. He said the meet in Kolhapur should motivate the organisation to expand cooperation and deepen its commitment to community service.(KNS)