In a spirited display of cultural heritage and commitment to gender equality, the Sarb Navjawan Welfare Society and Sarb Navjawan Sabha (Regd.) Phagwara orchestrated the annual ‘Dhiyaan Di Lohri’ celebration at the Guru Nanak Mission Blind and Old Age Home in Sapror. The event, held in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendra, Kapurthala, and the Child Development Project Office (CDPO), brought together community leaders and residents in a vibrant homage to daughters and societal reform.
The festivities were presided over by Sukhwinder Singh, president of the Sarb Navjawan Welfare Society, alongside Khushmeet Kaur, the Child Development Project Officer. Distinguished guests included ADC Phagwara Anupam Kaler (IAS), Superintendent of Police Rupinder Kaur Bhatti, Naib Tehsildar Mandeep Singh, and DSP Bharat Bhushan, who attended as chief and special guests. The event also featured notable community figures such as exporter Ashok Kultham, market committee chairperson Tavinder Ram, and various district leaders, all lending their support to the cause.
The celebration commenced with the traditional lighting of the Lohri bonfire, symbolizing the warmth and light that daughters bring to families. This was followed by the heartfelt distribution of gifts—suits and warm coats—to 101 newborn girls, underscoring the society’s dedication to nurturing the next generation. Attendees enjoyed a spread of festive treats, including peanuts, rewari, laddoos, and pinnis, adding to the joyous atmosphere.
Adding to the evening’s allure, vocational students from the Welfare Society showcased Punjab’s rich cultural tapestry through folk songs, gidha, and bhangra performances. Their lively presentations not only entertained but also reinforced the event’s theme of celebrating cultural heritage alongside gender equality.
ADC Anupam Kaler and SP Rupinder Kaur Bhatti emphasized the dual importance of preserving Punjab’s traditions and tackling pressing social issues such as female infanticide. “Initiatives like ‘Dhiyaan Di Lohri’ are pivotal in challenging patriarchal mindsets and fostering a society that values daughters equally,” Kaler stated. Bhatti echoed these sentiments, highlighting the necessity of extending such initiatives to empower women through continuous education and skill development.
DSP Bharat Bhushan and Naib Tehsildar Mandeep Singh lauded the society’s unwavering support for the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ mission. They underscored the critical role of creating opportunities that enable girls to achieve self-reliance and make meaningful contributions to society. CDPO Khushmeet Kaur and Ashok Kultham further highlighted the impact of grassroots efforts, such as vocational training and awareness campaigns, in driving sustainable social change.
The ‘Dhiyaan Di Lohri’ celebration not only honored the birth of daughters but also reinforced the community’s collective resolve to advance gender equality. Through cultural festivities and meaningful dialogue, the event set a powerful precedent for future initiatives aimed at empowering women and upholding the rich traditions of Punjab.
As Phagwara continues to champion these values, the annual Lohri celebration stands as a beacon of hope and progress, inspiring other communities to follow suit in fostering an inclusive and equitable society.
