On 8th March 2017, Durgapur Adda Young Association (D.A.Y.A) observed International Women’s Day at the ‘Sammiloni Hall’ inside Mrityunjoy Housing Society adjacent to Muchipara.
This particular place was chosen as the venue of the observance because the HFC Basti (slum) is at a stone throw distance. Since the closure of the Durgapur-based Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation a decade ago, the people living in this slum are is deep distress.
D.A.Y.A organized a Free Health Check-up Camp in the morning for all the 120 women above the age of 16 living in the slum. There was arrangement for free eye check-up (giving power when and where necessary), need based ECG, blood test to detect Blood sugar, thyroid and haemoglobin percentage. Medicine was provided free of cost, in accordance with the visiting doctor’s prescription.
An awareness programme was also organized by D.A.Y.A to educate women of the slum as to how they can remain healthy following some basic steps of cleanliness, sanitization and proper food habit.
Arrangement for lunch was made for all the women present in the Health Check-up and their accompanying child below six years of age.
D.A.Y.A also felicitated six Durgapur women for their exemplary contribution to the society that brought fame for the city of Durgapur.
MadhumitaJajodia, the principal of Durgapur Women’s College was felicitated for her contribution in the field of education.
Shiuli Mukherjee, one of the directors of DSMS college was felicitated for her success as an entrepreneur.
Kaushiki Ghatak, teacher at the Steel Carmel School was honoured for her contribution in the field of environment protection.
Taniya Chatterjee, head teacher at Dhabani FP School was felicitated for her contribution in the field of social activism concerning women.
Anindita Banerjee, a teacher at MAMC Carmel School was felicitated for her contribution in the field of Badminton; she was the first from Durgapur who participated in Badminton national championship.
Anima Chakraborty was felicitated for her exemplary contribution in promoting ‘Eye Donation’ and eradication of blindness.
D.A.Y.A as an organisation is well aware of the fact that celebrating “Women’s Day” is in no way a thanksgiving gesture for the sacrifice and contribution women make for the society, but to take a pledge of addressing the every plight of women and make them feel equal to men in all possible way.