Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 21: Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad today said that the work of Inner Wheel continues to be essential as women across India navigate persistent challenges in education, healthcare, safety and economic independence.
Addressing the inaugural function of the Organization’s three-day National Meet in Kolhapur (Maharashtra), Azad noted that Inner Wheel’s long-standing values remain closely aligned with the country’s social priorities, especially those concerning women and children.
Azad described Kolhapur as a city shaped by history, courage and craftsmanship, drawing a connection between its legacy and the Inner Wheel tradition of service. He traced the organization’s roots to Margarette Golding, who in 1924 brought together women in Manchester to create a collective platform for meaningful social contribution at a time when women had limited public roles.
He also referred to the work of Florence Nightingale and Mother Teresa, noting that their humanitarian approaches reflect the ethos that continues to guide Inner Wheel. He emphasized the organization’s guiding principles – friendship, service and international understanding – and observed how they shaped its response during the COVID-19 pandemic, when members shifted to digital meetings, online fund-raising and remote outreach.
Turning to present-day issues, Azad said rural women continue to confront early marriage, barriers to education, inadequate maternal healthcare and limited economic independence, while urban women face workplace inequality, wage gaps and increasing reports of domestic violence. These conditions, he said, demonstrate why Inner Wheel’s focus on empowerment, welfare and dignity remains significant.
Reflecting on national health efforts from his tenure as Union Health Minister, Azad described initiatives such as the Janani Suraksha Yojana, Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, expansion of Maternal and Child Health Wings, newborn care units, adolescent health programmes and India’s achievement of being declared polio-free. He said improvements in maternal and child health strengthen broader social well-being.
Azad noted that the National Meet offers Inner Wheel members an opportunity to reinforce their commitment to community service and continue shaping initiatives built on cooperation, compassion and long-term social improvement.
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