South Central Railway Vijayawada Division Celebrates International Women’s Day with Enthusiasm

Vijayawada Division of South Central Railway celebrated International Women’s Day at the Railway Auditorium, Vijayawada with great enthusiasm and participation from women employees and their families. Shri Mohit Soniakiya, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division, South Central Railway, was the Chief Guest for the occasion, while Smt. Versha Sonakiya, President, SCR Women’s Welfare Organisation (WWO), Vijayawada, attended as the Guest of Honour. The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolising the spirit of empowerment and progress. The dignitaries were welcomed by Shri Prem Kumar Lakhawat, Senior Divisional Personnel Officer. Dr. A.V.S.K. Prasad, Chief Medical Superintendent; Shri P.E. Edwin, Additional Divisional Railway Manager (Infrastructure); and Shri Srinivas Rao Konda, Additional Divisional Railway Manager (Operations), Vijayawada Division, South Central Railway, also graced the occasion as distinguished guests. Smt. Vijaya, a member of the Vasavya Mahila Mandali, was the speaker for the occasion. In her address she said, “Women take on much more stress in the day-to-day life as they are sensitive and must ensure that they take care of their health, be it physical or mental, by incorporating yoga, meditation and work-life balance in their day-to-day life.

They must take some time out for themselves and ensure their well-being so that they can give a better life to the family too.” Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest Shri Mohit Soniakiya, Divisional Railway Manager, said, “When you educate a woman you educate an entire family. It is an investment into the society and we should do it readily. We have come across generations of parents and grandparents who had some access to education. Today I am standing here because my mother taught me and she could teach me because her grandfather allowed her to go to a school even when she was the only student. My father didn’t have much time to teach me but my mother taught me till 12th even though she herself was educated only till 8th. South Central Railway is also a unique Railway in a way that top departments like commercial, operating, security, accounts and medical are headed by women officers. Similarly, we have many lady officers in Vijayawada Division such as the Station Director, Public Relations Officer, Divisional Personnel Officer and Assistant Commercial Managers whom I have interacted with frequently, and a few others whom I did not get a chance to talk to. They have achieved what is there to be achieved and they stand as an inspiration to the female workforce.” While addressing the women workforce, the Guest of Honour Smt. Varsha Soniakiya, President SCR WWO, stated, “When we give women respect, society gains strong families, smart communities and a bright future. This year’s theme focuses on fostering a culture of collaboration and generosity to extend gender equality – Give to Gain. These three words may seem very simple but carry a very powerful meaning. They remind us that empowerment is not only about celebrating achievements but ensuring that every woman receives dignity, opportunity and respect in her everyday life.” The programme was made lively with vibrant cultural performances and folk dances presented by talented participants. As part of the week-long celebrations of International Women’s Day, a health camp was conducted and also various competitions such as healthy cooking (nutritious recipes), elocution, poetry writing and rangoli were organised. Women employees and family members participated enthusiastically in these events. The winners of the competitions were presented with certificates and mementos at the hands of the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. The programme concluded with a round of applause not only for the winners but also for the entire female fraternity present on the occasion.

 The celebrations of International Women’s Day reiterate the Vijayawada Division, South Central Railway’s commitment towards gender equality and the inclusive growth of women in all spheres of work and life.