Women must come to forefront for society to prosper: MLA Ponnanna

Madikeri: Society can progress only when women come to the forefront, said Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S Ponnanna.Speaking at the International Women's Day programme organised by Pommakada Koota at Srimangala Kodava Samaj on Sunday, he said women hold an important place in modern society. Social progress is certain when women lead from the front, he noted. Women's empowerment is a key priority for the government, he added, stressing that Women's Day should not remain a symbolic event but must translate into meaningful action.Ponnanna said women today are excelling in every field on par with men. Their presence in the army, sports, public life and various spheres of society is a testament to women's empowerment, she said. She urged women to organise themselves for the betterment of society.Srimangala Kodava Pommakada Koota president Pemmanda Sabita Kushalappa, vice-president Kalimada Seema Prashanth, secretary Chettanda Latha Charana, treasurer Machamada Shwetha Udaya and others were present.Meanwhile, the MLA launched work on a 66/11 kV power distribution centre in Balele, to be built at a cost of Rs 27.23 crore to improve power quality in the region.Speaking after laying the foundation stone, he said the state govt had provided over Rs 200 crore in grants to ensure quality power supply across the constituency, and that work was being carried out in phases. The new power centre in Balele would help deliver reliable and continuous electricity to farmers and residents, he added.Karnataka Sports Authority vice-president Cheppudira Arun Machaiah was present.