 Early Times Report
NAGROTA, Mar 8: In a heartfelt tribute to her legendary father and senior BJP leader, Devender Singh Rana, J&K BJP Yuva Morcha Vice President Devyani Rana today joined thousands of women in Nagrota to celebrate International Women's Day.
The event was held at the very venue where Mr. Rana had embarked on his journey to contest the 2024-Legislative Assembly elections-a contest he won with a record-breaking margin, emerging as the most resounding voice for Jammu's cause.
The atmosphere was charged with emotions and nostalgia as the people of Nagrota remembered the dynamic and visionary leadership of Devender Singh Rana, who left this world on October 31 last with his boots on, just days after taking oath as an MLA, leaving behind an irreplaceable void in Jammu and Kashmir's political landscape.
Interacting with the participants, Devyani Rana emphasized the unmatched potential of women and their role in shaping society as also their own destiny.
"Given the right opportunities, the sky is the only limit for women, who have already proven that they are second to none in any field," she said.
Devyani Rana also highlighted the Narendra Modi government's commitment to women empowerment, urging the women of Nagrota to take full advantage of the various welfare schemes designed to uplift them.
Assuring her support to the people of Nagrota, Devyani Rana reaffirmed her commitment to carrying forward her father's mission. "This constituency was extremely close to my father's heart, and I will do everything I can to uphold his vision for its progress," she added.
During the event, Devyani Rana felicitated several distinguished women achievers from Nagrota for their exceptional contributions in different fields. They included Nazia Bibi, daughter of Sabar Ali and Zulaikha Bibi, an international Kho-Kho player who represented India in the 2025 Kho-Kho World Cup in New Delhi. Hailing from Ban, Nagrota, she played a crucial role in India's victory; Chhavi Sharma, daughter of Vijay Sharma and Tripta Sharma from Jandyal Thathi, an international fencer who won a bronze medal in the Cadet and Junior Commonwealth Fencing Championship held in Christchurch, New Zealand; Ridhima Rajput, daughter of Rajeshwar Singh and Bindu Slathia from Jakhyari (Dhan), a promising spin bowling all-rounder. She played Under-15 and Under-19 cricket (2023-24) and took 11 wickets in the Women's U-15 One-Day Trophy, securing 9th rank in India; Meenakshi Jamwal, daughter of Varinder Singh and Neetu Devi from Jhakyari Dhan Panchayat, a senior national-level player in Kho-Kho and Rugby ; Ashley Sharma, daughter of Romesh Kumar and Anjali Sharma, a national-level Judo player from Agore village; Preeti Sharma, daughter of Late Bansi Lal Sharma, a successful entrepreneur who has been running a wholesale grocery business in Nagrota for the past two decades; Prakriti Sharma, daughter of Rattan Lal and Santosh Sharma from Gharota, a gold medalist at the National Thang Ta Championship in Kanyakumari, Ekta Kumari, resident of Gharota, who led the NCC contingent during the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi and Chitrakala, daughter of Ishar Dass from Chilla, a gold medalist in Mastogi-Du.
The celebrations were marked by a cultural extravaganza and local talent showcase. The celebrations featured vibrant cultural performances by women and girls from the Nagrota constituency. Renowned Dogri singer Varsha Jamwal, who hails from Surinsar, Nagrota, presented a mesmerizing performance, enthralling the audience.
Devyani Rana also launched Pooja Saathi Dhoop Cones, a local women-led entrepreneurship initiative. This product, crafted by Nagrota's Self-Help Group (SHG), is now listed on various online platforms, bringing handmade food, beauty, health, jewelry, and clothing products to a wider market.
The event was a testament to the growing empowerment of women in Nagrota and reaffirmed the legacy of Devender Singh Rana, who always advocated for social and economic upliftment of the Constituency. |
