By Preetam BC
Kokrajhar: The 8th “Aijw Falangi Bantha 2018”(Women Entrepreneur Award, 2018) was conferred to Reena Basumatary for her immense contribution in the field of enterprise and business at a ceremonial programme at Gwjwn Dera, NERSWN Complex in Kokrajhar in connection with celebration of International Women’s Day on Thursday.
The award conferred by North East Research & Social Work Networking (NERSWN), a Kokrajhar based NGO consists of a citation, cash prize of Rs 10,000 and Indi showl.
Reena Basumatary hailing from very humble socio-economic background of Silgagri Nilaijhora in Gossaigaon subdivision of Kokrajhar district bravely maneuvered the life after being thrown out of home after the demise of her beloved husband by setting up a vegetable vending business to the point that all her children are highly educated and employed.
Raju Narzary, executive director of NERSWN said “the 8th edition of Aijw Falangi Bantha 2019 (Women Entrepreneur Award) was conferred to Ms. Reena Basumatary for her tremendous perseverance and courage to not only stand up to the extreme challenges of life after being devastated by family ostracization and ethnic conflict. She bravely maneuvered the life after being thrown out of home after the demise of her beloved husband by setting up a vegetable vending business to the point that all her children are highly educated and employed.
“We are sure that her dedication and success will inspire many younger generation women to take up enterprise and business, he said.
“These women despite being from remote places and with no education showed their extraordinary power. They showed that there is nothing we cannot do if we have will power. Many have chosen hard work over feeling sorry for themselves, he said.
The award has been instituted since the last eight years to facilitate the women vendors to highlight their flight and works.
The celebration was attended by Sahitya academy awardee Jaishree Boro, writer and teacher Binapani Brahma, Prof Dr Sujata Bhadra, London based Dr Probir Brahma, SHG members, women social workers, activists among others.
Attending the programme, Jwishri Boro lauded the women vendors for their immense support in the work force for their livelihood and support to the family. ‘Their action speak volumes and an example for the whole nation’, he said adding that economic empowerment of the women is of utmost necessity and an encouraging step to the nation.
Echoing him, Dr Sujata Bhadra said women should be empowered economically to become self dependent.
The international women day was also celebrated by the Kokrajhar district Mahila Samiti. Youths and students and conscious citizen also observed the day by organizing an awareness rally against online victimization of women in social media which started from Kokrajhar Government College to new flyover.
