Byatikram MASDO successfully conducted a full-day event, “Ensuring Safety of Women: A Call to Action,” at NEDFi Hall from 10 a.m. onwards. This event was dedicated to the late social worker, Bandana Baruah, honoring her lifelong contributions to women’s safety and empowerment. The event began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp, followed by a heartfelt tribute to Late Bandana Baruah. Attendees observed a minute of silence prayer in her memory. After that Smt. Krishna Baruah, ACS, Deputy Commissioner of Baksa District, delivered an emotive address, paying a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Bandana Baruah saying, “On behalf of myself and my family, I thank Byatikram for taking this step. Late Bandana Baruah, has made numerous contributions to the field of women’s safety and empowerment and worked tirelessly towards social and cultural advancement over the past three to four decades”.
In her opening speech, Byatikram MASDO’s advisor and singer Manisha Hazarika praised the event, inspiring women by announcing that starting from next year, an award in Late Bandana Baruah’s name will be given to individuals contributing to social causes. The event featured special guests, including Mumbai-based writer, entrepreneur, and social worker Dr. Dinesh Sahara, Singer Manisha Hazarika, London-based producer and executive of the film “Sikaar,” Sam Bhattacharjee and Mitra Bhattacharya, and “Sikar” director and screenwriter Debangkar Borgohain, as well as Baityakram MASDO’s president, Dr. Saumen Bharatiya. Following this, the “Sikar” team officially launched a “Sikar” t-shirt.
The event “Ensuring Safety of Women: A Call to Action” also included panel discussions, speeches, and a cultural program. Participants in the cultural program included actress Nishita Goswami, writer and editor of “Nandini” Maini Mahanta, Joint Secretary of the Department of Family Welfare and Health Indrani Laskar, Journalist Snigdhashikha Borah, PTI Assam Bureau Chief Durba Ghosh, WWF-India Assam state office coordinator Archita Baruah Bhattacharya, music therapist Anubhuti Kakoti Goswami, yoga instructor and entrepreneur Suchandra Roy, fashion designer Meghna Rai Medhi, fashion designer Medha Saikia, jewelry designer Jeuti Das Banikya, psychologist Dixeeta Pranab Garg, social influencer Priyanka Bora Talukdar, artist Rinkumoni Kalita, model and teacher Rekha Das, Rabindra and Kathak dancer Tanisha Dutta among others.
The program also had a few cultural performances performed by Sattriya dancer Anannya Mahanta, mass communication student and writer Dhrunika Dutta, singer Pranita Talukdar, singer Kakoli Krishna, etc.
The primary aim of this event was to provide a platform for networking among women of the Northeast, ensuring their safety, and offering insights. The goal was to create a safe environment for women of all ages and social backgrounds. In this regard, Byatikram MASDO’s president, Dr. Saumen Bharatiya, stated, “It is crucial for women to be confident and self-reliant in the current era. For society to advance socially, politically, culturally, and economically, it is essential for both men and women to progress equally. However, history shows that this continuity has not always been maintained. Therefore, we need to explore ways to ensure women’s dignity and self-respect through discussions and constructive actions. This is why we are organizing this event, titled ‘Ensuring Safety of Women: A Call to Action.’ We have previously organized several successful events with women, and we are hopeful that this event will further empower them. It is noteworthy that this event will not only impact women but will also influence various levels of society. Byatikram MASDO’s initiative will serve as a barrier to protect women’s safety. The event was supported by several organizations, including the Assam State Aids Control Society , Dinesh Shahra Foundation, and others.
