Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida has called upon women beneficiaries to participate in the ‘Aashirbad Ka Diya’ programme by lighting lamps on the evening of September 17 as a symbol of service, gratitude and women’s empowerment.

The call was made during a review meeting chaired by Parida, wherein Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Cluster Level Federations (CLFs), Gram Panchayat Level Associations of Federations (GPLAFs), Block and District Level Federations, Lakhpati Didis, Producer Groups and Producer Companies were urged to actively participate in the initiative.

Secretary, Mission Shakti, Mansi Nimbhal, and Director, Mission Shakti, Dr. Monica Banerjee, were present at the meeting along with other officials. Chief Development Officers (CDOs), Block Development Officers (BDOs), CLF members, GPLAF representatives and SHG members from all 30 districts participated virtually.

Speaking on the initiative, Parida said, “If every woman beneficiary lights a lamp as a symbol of gratitude and aspiration for Viksit Bharat 2047 and Viksit Odisha 2036, the entire state will glow with the light of women’s empowerment. Each diya will represent the strength, dignity and aspirations of our women and their contribution towards the development of the state and the nation.”

The ‘Aashirbad Ka Diya’ initiative is in line with the state government’s decision to organise the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan–2026’ across the state from September 17 to October 17. The month-long campaign aims to promote the spirit of service, collective participation and social responsibility.