Date:25/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/07/25/stories/2005072516020300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

`Representation of women vital in all fields'

Staff Reporter

Lauds the efforts of Lions Clubs in serving the society

CLARION CALL: N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu, addressing a gathering at the district cabinet installation ceremony of Lions Clubs International District 324-B3 in Madurai on Sunday. — Photo: S. James.

MADURAI: Women have a major role to play in the country's growth and their representation is vital in all fields, N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu, said here on Sunday.

Addressing a gathering at the 16th District Cabinet installation ceremony of Lions Clubs International District 324-B3, he expressed happiness that one of its past governors was a woman. Women had performed better in the common admission test of the Asian College of Journalism, where they secured 77 of the 112 seats.

Despite the growth in several fields, the needs of the deprived masses were yet to be addressed. "Over 300 to 350 million people were still living below the poverty line," he said.

Lauding the efforts of Lions Clubs in serving the needy, he said India ranked among the top nations providing basic amenities. However, the country lacked all round development, as it could not leapfrog from the present state of agricultural economy to the state of knowledge economy.

The emergence of the software information technology sector (SITS) had put the country on the path of economic growth. While India could claim to be a software superpower and was making good progress in the field of biotechnology, all round development was still lacking. Mr. Ram emphasised the need for commitment to equality and principle while speaking on secularism and democracy. "Patriotism has no meaning unless you recognise the plurality," he said.

Challenges faced

by the media

Compared to other developing countries, India was in an enviable position as far as freedom of speech and expression was concerned.

Expressing satisfaction over the solidarity of the Press fraternity, which rose to the occasion whenever there was a major challenge, he said media too had several weaknesses such as sensationalism, tabloidisation and misrepresentation. But, the Indian media, which was 200 years old, has played a sterling role all through. "It has brought to the fore information, which otherwise would have been suppressed," he added.

Earlier, S. Murugesamurthy, District Governor, Lions Clubs International District 324-B3, explained his plan of action and the rehabilitation work undertaken by Lions Clubs in tsunami-hit areas.

The clubs have granted a sum of Rs.25 crores for the construction of 50 houses at each of the 10 different locations identified. He also disclosed various service projects to benefit children, the youth and public.