On Durga Ashtami, Let Us Pledge to Ensure the Health of Every Mother and a Bright Future for Every Daughter
Nutrition Kits Distributed to 1,500 Pregnant Women Under Suposhit Maa Abhiyan
KOTA: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has said that Durga Ashtami is a festival celebrating power, creation and respect for motherhood. A healthy and empowered mother is essential for nurturing healthy future generations and building a strong nation.
He was addressing pregnant women during a camp organised under the Suposhit Maa Abhiyan at the Traffic Garden premises on the occasion of Durga Ashtami, with the support of AU Bank Foundation. Nutrition kits were distributed to 1,500 pregnant women during the programme.
Birla said that the initiative, launched six years ago out of concern for the health of mothers and newborns, has benefited more than 30,000 women so far. Under the campaign, pregnant women are provided with nutritious food, regular health check-ups, medical consultations and essential medicines.
He said that on Durga Ashtami, young girls are worshipped as manifestations of the Goddess. The collective pledge should be to ensure that every girl receives dignity, security, better healthcare and quality education from birth. He added that efforts would also be made, with public participation, to provide financial support to secure the future of daughters.
Campaign Bringing Positive Change to Society: Heeralal Nagar
Rajasthan Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar said that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had launched several social initiatives after understanding the difficulties faced by underprivileged people. Providing slippers to children who walk barefoot on roads and arranging blankets for passengers sleeping in the open at railway stations during winter reflect his compassion and sensitivity.
Nagar said that the Suposhit Maa Abhiyan was also an extension of this spirit of service. Inspired by Om Birla, he has launched a similar initiative in the Sangod region. He emphasised that public representatives should ensure that government schemes and social assistance reach those who genuinely need them.
Improving the health of mothers and children is essential for nurturing a healthy generation and securing a better future for the country, he added.
Commitment to Healthy Lives for Mothers and Children: Kalpana Devi
Ladpura MLA Kalpana Devi said that the Suposhit Maa Abhiyan was born out of the compassionate vision of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. After witnessing the grief of mothers who lost their newborns at JK Lon Hospital, Birla realised the need to ensure proper nutrition and care for pregnant women. This concern led to the launch of the campaign.
She said that transforming a good idea into a sustained public movement requires continuous dedication. Om Birla’s welfare initiatives inspire people to help those in need and bring positive changes to society.
Kalpana Devi expressed gratitude to the Lok Sabha Speaker, AU Small Finance Bank and everyone associated with the campaign for their continued support in taking the initiative forward.
A Festival Celebrating the Dignity of Motherhood: Sandeep Sharma
MLA Sandeep Sharma said that Navratri and Ashtami celebrate the strength and dignity of women. The Suposhit Maa Abhiyan, launched on the initiative of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, reflects the same spirit.
The campaign aims not only to provide nutrition to mothers but also to ensure the health and well-being of future generations. He said such initiatives could bring meaningful changes to the lives of underprivileged people. Efforts are also being made to empower women and help them become self-reliant.
Sharma thanked the campaign team, doctors, volunteers and Sanjay Agarwal, Managing Director of AU Small Finance Bank in Rajasthan, for their contributions.
It Is a Privilege to Be Part of a Noble Cause: Sanjay Agarwal
Sanjay Agarwal, founding trustee of AU Foundation and Founder, Managing Director and CEO of AU Small Finance Bank, said that the health of mothers and children is essential for building a better society.
Through the Suposhit Maa Abhiyan, mothers are receiving regular nutritional support, while community participation is bringing positive changes to their lives.
Highlighting AU’s strong association with Rajasthan, Agarwal said the organisation shares a special bond with the state and its people. He added that contributing to meaningful improvements in people's lives through this noble initiative was a matter of pride.
Ensuring that every mother and child enjoys a healthy life and receives opportunities to progress is an important step towards building a strong nation and realising the vision of a developed India, he said.
During the programme, women doctors who have consistently supported the Suposhit Maa Abhiyan were felicitated. Dr Meenu Birla spoke about the six-year journey of the campaign and its achievements.
BJP District President Rakesh Jain, Kota Mayor Anusuiya Goswami, Deputy Mayor Vivek Rajvanshi, other office-bearers, dignitaries and a large number of women attended the programme.
