By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
Jammu : 7th death anniversary of Begam Akbar Jahan was observed as Women's Day by Jammu & Kashmir National Conference, yesterday. Begam Akbar Jahan, wife of Sheikh Abdullah and mother of Farooq Abdullah is also popularly known as Madr-e-Meharban. Quran Khwani (reciting of holy Quran) was performed at the party office in the morning for peace of her soul.
 Twice member of Parliament, Begum Jahan died on 11th July 2000 in Srinagar at the age of 83.
The programme to observe her death anniversary was organised by NC's Provincial President of Women Wing and former MLA Bimla Luthra and the main function was held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu, Party Provincial Head Quarter.
"It was not only in 1947 when Madr-e-Meharban came to the rescue of the people to heal their wounds but when NC came to power in 1975 her role in championing the cause of poor and down trodden was remarkable. She contributed for the State particularly in Indian Red Cross Society during 1947 and proved that she was ablest lady of the state who dedicated her services for the cause of down trodden and weaker section of the society," said Mohd Shafi Uri Former Minister, addressing the function.
Shri Rattan Lal Gupta, Sr. Vice President termed Begum Akbar Jahan termed her as a beacon light for the freedom struggle and a symbol of sacrifices for the upliftment of women folk in the State and poor in particular, while paying tribute to her.
He added that she came forward when there was a conservative atmosphere and it was very difficult for women to fight for their rights in the State. He said it was under her inspiration that National Conference Government had provided 33% reservation to women in all spheres. She even ensured that State Government start maximum schemes for the welfare of the women folk for empowerment.
Surjit Singh Slathia , Senior NC leader and former Minister said, paying tributes to Madr-e-Meharban, that she was a symbol of sacrifices for the upliftment of the women folk in the state in general and poor in particular. He said National Conference will pursue programme and policies of Madr-e-Meharban and Sher-e-Kashmir as envisaged in Naya Kashmir.
Talib Hussain, Chairman of NC and ex-MP highlighted the role of Begum Akbar Jahan on the political front and for the upliftment of poor, destitute and downtrodden of the state.
Adressing the function Bimla Luthra threw light on the services rendered by Begum Akbar Jahan, who had supported Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in all sphere of life. She averted that Begum Abdullah not only kept liaison with grass root level workers but also motivated the women folk to come forward to fight for their rights. She worked tirelessly for bringing women at par with men in the male dominated society.
She thanked the women activists of the party for their contribution in observing the 7 th Death Anniversary of Madr-e-Meharban – Begum Akbar Jahan. She said National Conference will pursue progamme and policies of Madr-e-Meharban and Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah as envisaged in Naya Kashmir.
Lunch was also served among the participants, and fruits and other eatables were distributed among poor and orphans.
Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Vice President, M.R. Qureshi, MLC Chander Mohan Sharma District President Jammu URBAN, Mahinder Gupta, District President, Th. Kashmira Singh, ex-MLC, and others were among the prominent who paid tribute to Madr-e-Meharban-Begam Akbar Jahan.