Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala on Saturday pitched for full education of women in every society so that they could contribute equally for the country's development.
"Educating the girl child is the first step to empower her. In these times, no society can claim to be progressive unless women are educated and are contributing in equal terms in the overall development of the nation," she said, addressing hundreds of female students of Kripalu Mahila Mahavidyalaya here on the occasion of its 6th Annual Day function 'Utthan' or uplift.
The institution under Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat(JKP) is an organisation working for the welfare of humanity which also includes providing education to female.
Expressing her happiness at rising literacy of women in the country, Manisha said: "Female students must value education as it is something that is going to stay for entire life. Stronger and economically independent girls are always more confident and can contribute positively to the society and nation building."
Amidst thunderous cheers of students, Manisha was welcomed by JKP's three presidents - Vishakha Tripathi, Shyama Tripathi and Krishna Tripathi along with JKP representative Ram Puri.
State Religious Endowment Minister Vijay Mishra, who was also present, said: "Providing free education to the girl child of rural areas is true service to humanity. It is heartening to see that the girls of the school are doing exceedingly well in all the areas."
The event was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Pradeshik Cooperative Federation (UP PCF) chairperson Aaditya Yadav who gave away prizes to the meritorious student of the institution.
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"The concept of providing top class education to girls of rural areas free of cost should be adopted in the entire nation. This vision of JKP is unique and if it is applied with conviction in the entire nation, no girl child shall be left uneducated," he said in his address.
Puri said: "Students and management have been making great efforts to make this event a success and they have proven themselves. I also thank all the presidents of JKP for their continued support and encouragement. Year after year KMM has been taking strides of success. Our efforts in this direction would continue seamlessly."