New Delhi, March 9 (NationPress) Kisan Trust held the ‘Aparajita Samman Samaroh 2026’ in celebration of International Women’s Day, uniting policymakers, experts, and remarkable women to discuss empowerment and honor the resilience and accomplishments of women, particularly those who have survived acid attacks.

The gathering, attended by numerous women from Delhi and Muzaffarnagar, included discussions on women’s economic involvement, job prospects, and the rehabilitation of acid attack survivors.

Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, was the chief guest and commended the Trust for its initiatives that acknowledge women’s successes while supporting those who have endured significant hardships.

She remarked that such platforms are essential in enhancing the confidence of women from varied backgrounds, especially acid attack survivors, by providing them recognition and backing. The minister also underscored various initiatives by the Government of India designed to bolster women’s welfare, safety, and economic involvement.

The Trust was established by former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, a Bharat Ratna awardee and a dedicated advocate for farmers’ rights. For decades, it has focused on empowering rural and marginalized communities, emphasizing the importance of farmers and women.

During her speech, Charu Chaudhary, Trustee of Kisan Trust and organizer of the event, expressed that the Aparajita Samman Samaroh aimed to recognize the bravery, struggles, and accomplishments of women who persist in overcoming challenges and contributing to society.

She stated that empowering women through respect, opportunities, and resources not only fortifies their future but also that of society and the nation, affirming that the Trust will continue its mission for women’s economic and social empowerment.

A significant portion of the event included a panel discussion titled “Empowerment through Employment,” which concentrated on enhancing women’s economic participation and the role of policy support in broadening opportunities.

The discussion featured Anna Roy, Principal Economic Adviser at NITI Aayog; Kanta Singh, Country Representative of UN Women India; banking and fintech expert Shinjini Kumar; and former Doordarshan news anchor Salma Sultan. The session was moderated by social and political activist Manisha Ahlawat, a member of the Uttar Pradesh State Commission for Women.

During the discussion, Roy emphasized the significance of dedicating a day to honor women and reflect on their contributions, while Singh acknowledged the strength of acid attack survivors. Kumar pointed to education as the cornerstone of empowerment, and Sultan highlighted the vital role families play in nurturing confident and empowered women from an early age.

The event also featured an intimate conversation with entrepreneur Pooja Sharma, affectionately known as the “Millet Mom,” who recounted her journey in millet-based nutrition and women’s entrepreneurship. She began her career with a modest salary of Rs 2,500 at an NGO before transitioning into dairy farming at her ancestral haveli, which ultimately defined her identity as “Millet Mom.”

Another highlight of the event was the recognition given to Padma Shri awardee Mangala Kapoor, a classical vocalist and former Associate Professor of Vocal Music at Banaras Hindu University.

Kapoor, an acid attack survivor, shared that life after the attack she endured at 12 was incredibly challenging, involving years of hospital stays. However, she chose music as her path to resilience, earned her PhD, and built a successful academic career.

Through the Aparajita Samman Samaroh, Kisan Trust reaffirmed its dedication to promoting the dignity, bravery, and economic empowerment of women by uniting leaders, experts, survivors, and entrepreneurs on a shared platform.

The program was conducted by Bholashankar Sharma, Managing Trustee of Kisan Trust.