From the President's Desk

          On behalf of the Mahila Kalyan Manch of DRDO and on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of this Manch I wish all members of the MKM and all who are present here, a very good afternoon. It is both an honour and privilege to get an opportunity to interact with the Mahila Kalyan Manch members and their families who have assembled here. 

Mahila Kalyan Manch is a body that was created in June 2004 and the aim was to bring together wives of DRDO officers and lady officers under one umbrella organization. The main purpose behind this initiative as I understand it; was to integrate women who belong to the DRDO family and join hands to pursue some productive goals that could lead to the self fulfillment of the members and also contribute to the well being of the society through their determined efforts.
 

My predecessors have left behind a tradition to follow which makes my assignment as head of MKM-not so difficult. They have put themselves completely into giving this body a character and a mission of purpose.
 

A number of initiatives have been taken by the MKM - Delhi to realize  goals that it set for itself. 
 

One of the major missions of the MKM is to contribute to the well being of the society. For this members of MKM conduct classes to tutor underprivileged children. The efforts put in by MKM members have shown results as children are performing better in subjects like English, Maths, Science and Hindi.
Tailoring, Embroidery and Applique work classes to equip women with a capability to generate resources are also conducted by MKM.
 

Music classes too are conducted for underprivileged children. The work being done by all the MKM associates is extremely credit worthy. MKM has also associated with NGOs like the Amar Jyoti Charitable Trust which involves with differently disabled children and the Aparna Trust which has also adopted several villages and also runs a blind school. MKM members have been working with these organizations and contributing whatever little we could do to their cause. 
 

I am proud of what has been achieved in the last five years but I would like to add that there is a lot more that can be done by this Manch. 

It is a body that forms the backbone of scientific organization like DRDO as we all provide support to scientists and officers at home so that they can work with ease and be stress free at their work, at least from issues concerning the home front. 

We all are proud to be associated with DRDO in that manner. It becomes very important for us to work towards our own self development and also help in improving the lives of people around us. 

Most of us in the Manch have the potential to pass on something to the underprivileged children to help them with their studies. I know the effort is on, but we could come together in larger numbers and teach more children around us. It could be whenever we are. It is the spirit of the MKM to spread education amongst the underprivileged. 

Young scientists who are still young and don't have major family responsibilities could spare some time to teach computers to some children in and around their place of residence or work with the NGOs with which MKM has ties. A very small thing for our young educated officers but this could change the life of some needy child. 

MKM periodically exhibits art and craft items generated through their efforts and put them on sale. This has been a practice which is being followed but can be given a greater push, and I am sure we all can do it. 

We could tie up with NGOs who could periodically come and collect our spare clothes needed for each season and distribute it amongst the poor people.  

In my understanding a big limiting factor in our efforts through MKM is that the membership is very low. In Delhi we have less than 200 members in the MKM. This is a very low representation. 

Strength of numbers indicates involvement and we have to increase-our involvement to the cause of MKM. I want all regional MKMs to constantly be in touch with each other and the MKM of DRDO Delhi and exchange ideas on what all we could do.  

I want the MKM website to be made more functional and interactive so that a free flow of ideas generated could reach all. An all India directory of MKM members also needs to be created. I would request Director, DESIDOC to please help in this initiative to make it more robust and active. 

We all understand that more minds put together can come up with new ideas and be more creative. I want all officers of DRDO to see that their spouses join this Manch. If they are engaged otherwise they could spare only limited time, that can be with us in the Manch.

I want all lady officers in DRDO also to come forward and contribute in whichever way they desire to take the mission of the Manch forward.

This is my first interaction with the members and I am very earnest when I say that I need support from all to carry the mission of the MKM forward.

My seniors created a body for a noble mission, and I feel that we all need to work hard on it and do something to carry forward the MKM tradition. 

I promise to do whatever I can. And I can do it only when I have support from all of you. I know we can achieve a lot if we work together and work hard.

I wish everyone all the best and thank all members of MKM who are working hard and making it possible for all of us to meet and exchange our thoughts through this platform.

A word of thanks especially for the office bearers of the MKM for their dedication to this forum.

Thank you all once again and many we all meet with greater pride on the next anniversary of the MKM in 2011 with many more achievements.



Smt Asha Saraswat
President :Mahila Kalyan Manch,
DRDO- DELHI