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Pune: “A new India cannot run on one leg; it needs both legs to move forward. Therefore, empowering women is essential. Women are more patient and sensitive by nature. Thus, it is not enough to provide them education, but ensure they receive quality education without hurrying into marriage. Always remember the formula: Education is the key to the future,” advised world-renowned scientist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Hirkani Scheme, organized by The Empower Her Foundation. The event took place at the Kirloskar Auditorium of COEP (College of Engineering, Pune).
The event was graced by the presence of Sandeep Nulkar, Founder and President of The Empower Her Foundation, well-known filmmaker Nipun Dharmadhikari (Secretary), Rishikesh Atre (Treasurer), and Rupali Shinde-Agashe (Director).
As part of the Hirkani Scheme, three girls—Gayatri Ravade, Diya Dighe, and Piyusha Pandav—will receive lifelong educational scholarships this year. The foundation aims to work towards their holistic development until they become financially independent. Dr. Mashelkar formally approved their adoption under the scheme during the event.
Dr. Mashelkar was felicitated with a symbolic gift of Basmati rice and turmeric in recognition of his battle against U.S. companies that attempted to patent these Indian products.
Addressing the audience, Dr. Mashelkar highlighted, “Currently, only 24% of India’s workforce comprises women, whereas this percentage is 60% in China, 70% in Vietnam, and even Bangladesh surpasses us. Decades ago, China assigned jobs requiring intellectual and physical strength to women. In India, while initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, and educational schemes for girls exist, they need to be expanded further. Superstitions still prevail in our country. While we have sent missions to the Moon and Mars, marriages of girls are still hindered because of beliefs tied to ‘Mangal’ (Mars). This calls for introspection.”
“The biggest mantra is Education equals Future. The initiation of such an impactful program in Pune is significant. For such an initiative to succeed, education, skill development, experience, funds, and time are crucial. Just as Savitribai Phule and Ahilyabai Holkar initiated revolutionary changes, the Hirkani Scheme has the potential to evolve into a major movement.”
Sandeep Nulkar remarked, “Having closely observed the struggles of women, I was inspired to work for their betterment. With the aim of providing quality education and appropriate employment to underprivileged girls, thereby ensuring a bright future for them and their families, we established The Empower Her Foundation. Under its Hirkani Scheme, lifelong scholarships will be granted to girls, focusing on their overall development.”
The program was anchored and concluded with a vote of thanks by Sanhita Chandorkar.
