Najma Heptulla calls for focus on population control, ending female infanticide and ensuring women's safety at FICCI Ladies Organisation's annual session Neeta Boochra takes charge as new FLO President

NEW DELHI, April 9, 2014. Dr. Najma Heptulla, Vice President of the Bharatiya , today advised FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) to spread the message of population control, bring about awareness to eliminate female infanticide and ensure women's education and their safety in order to empower them and restore their rightful place in society.

Dr. Heptulla was speaking at the 30th Annual Session of FLO where she felicitated 11 most inspiring grassroot women entrepreneurs. A total of 150 women entrepreneurs have been recognized and compiled in a publication titled 'Entrepreneurship: Against all Odds' by FLO for their achievements.

The compilation has been inspired by Mr. 's exhortation at FLO's Annual Session held in April 2013 to document the achievements of women entrepreneurs so that they standout as role models for women entrepreneurs in the country.

Mrs. Malvika Rai, President, FLO, in her address mentioned, "This compilation is a humble attempt by FLO to recognise India's unsung women entrepreneurs and acknowledge the powerful role they play in helping build a better future for their families and communities, often while facing fierce challenges and difficulties."

Mr. Harsh Pati Singhania, Past President, FICCI, said that empowering women was a necessity, but it was equally important to instill in each individual the feeling of pride for the nation. He emphasized that the diminishing traits of discipline, accountability, consequence management and moral values need to be restored in every citizen to make India an action-oriented country.

On the occasion, Ms. Neeta Boochra took the charge of FLO as its President.

Dr. Arbind Prasad, Director General FICCI, also addressed the session.

On the eve of the Annual Session, a commemorative issue titled 'FICCI FLO: Celebrating 30 Years' was released by the Past Presidents of FLO.

The 11 women entrepreneurs who were felicitated at the Annual Session were Chetna Sinha, a social entrepreneur from Satara, ; Laxmi Lokhande makes brooms and ropes from Maharashtra; Latha Gowri runs a business of selling saris, dress material and community radio from Rangareddy, Andhra Pradesh; Anusuya Khoapde stitches school uniforms and makes agarbattis from Pune, Maharashtra; Manorama Devi runs a cosmetic shop and a SHG from Bodh Gaya, Bihar; Anuradha Pegu runs a hand-woven cloth business under 'Naturally Anuradha' brand from Kamrup, Assam;Kumari Bindu S sells ayurvedic products from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala; S Narayanamma rears milch animals and runs a leather business from Ananthapur, Andhra Pradesh; Janaki Ben makes khakaras from Ahmedabad, ; Afsanais a dairy farmer from Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh and Jamna Sultanpuri runs wholesale business of clothing material from New Delhi.

*************************************************

FICCI MEDIA DIVISION