JAZBA – Badhte Qadam: Celebrating Courage, Achievement and Women Empowerment
In 2016, the Child Care and Welfare Foundation took a meaningful step towards recognizing courage, determination and achievement by organizing “JAZBA – Badhte Qadam,” a cultural programme and award ceremony dedicated to women empowerment and the welfare of underprivileged children.
The programme was conceived with a simple yet powerful message: every individual, irrespective of social or economic background, deserves an opportunity to dream, achieve and be recognized. “Jazba,” meaning passion, spirit and determination, represented the very essence of the event. “Badhte Qadam,” or moving forward, symbolized the need for society to continuously progress towards equality, dignity and opportunity for all.
The event brought together inspiring personalities who had demonstrated exceptional courage and achievement in their respective fields. Their stories represented different walks of life, but they shared one common quality—the determination to overcome barriers and continue moving forward.
A Celebration of Women Who Broke Barriers
Women empowerment was at the heart of “JAZBA – Badhte Qadam.” The programme recognized women who had challenged conventional expectations, excelled in their professions and inspired others through their journeys.
For many women, achievement is not merely about reaching the top of a profession. It is also about overcoming social limitations, financial difficulties, gender stereotypes and circumstances that may make success more difficult. By recognizing such women publicly, the programme sought to send a strong message to society: talent has no gender, courage has no age, and achievement has no social boundary.
Among the distinguished awardees were personalities from social work, journalism, broadcasting, sports, cinema and education. Each award reflected a different dimension of empowerment.
Dorris Frances – A Pioneer in Traffic Control and Social Activism
One of the personalities recognized at the ceremony was Dorris Frances, described as the first Traffic Controller and a Social Activist.
Her journey stands as an example of a woman entering a field that was traditionally perceived as unconventional for women. Working in a demanding environment requires discipline, confidence and the ability to take responsibility under pressure.
Her recognition at “JAZBA – Badhte Qadam” celebrated not only her professional achievement but also the significance of breaking barriers. Her story reminds us that when women are given the opportunity to participate fully in public life, they can contribute in fields that society may once have considered outside their traditional roles.
Her achievement therefore carried a message far beyond her individual profession—it represented the courage to enter new spaces and create possibilities for those who follow.
Baby Halder – The Power of a Voice from a Weaker Section
Another inspiring awardee was Baby Halder, the well-known writer who emerged from a weaker section of society.
Her story is particularly significant because literature can become a powerful instrument through which the experiences of ordinary people find a voice. Coming from difficult circumstances, Baby Halder’s journey demonstrated how education, expression and determination can help an individual overcome social and economic limitations.
Her recognition at the programme highlighted an important aspect of empowerment: the right to tell one’s own story.
For people from marginalized or disadvantaged backgrounds, being heard can itself be an act of empowerment. Baby Halder’s journey demonstrated that a person’s circumstances do not have to determine the limits of their imagination or achievement.
Her presence among the awardees reinforced the belief that talent can emerge from every section of society and that opportunity should never be restricted by social status.
Sameena Ali Siddiqui – Excellence in Broadcasting
The ceremony also recognized Sameena Ali Siddiqui, Senior Anchor Presenter at Rajya Sabha Television.
As a professional in broadcasting, she represented the important role of women in journalism and public communication. Television anchors and presenters are often responsible for bringing public issues, debates and perspectives to millions of viewers. Their work requires communication skills, confidence, knowledge and the ability to engage with diverse subjects.
By honoring Sameena Ali Siddiqui, “JAZBA – Badhte Qadam” celebrated women’s contribution to the media and communication sector.
Her achievement also demonstrated the importance of women’s participation in shaping public discourse. When women occupy visible and influential positions in media, they contribute not only as professionals but also as role models for younger generations aspiring to enter the field.
Dadi Prakshi and Dadi Chandro – Age Is No Barrier to Achievement
Perhaps among the most inspiring stories associated with the event were those of Dadi Prakshi, aged 72, and Dadi Chandro, aged 78, Indian shooter players.
Their achievements challenge one of the most common assumptions about age—that opportunities for new accomplishments diminish as people grow older.
Their participation in shooting and their recognition at “JAZBA – Badhte Qadam” offered a remarkable lesson in determination. At an age when many people may choose to slow down, these women demonstrated that passion and ambition can continue to flourish.
Their story is particularly inspiring for younger generations because it changes the way we think about age. Achievement is not limited to a particular stage of life. A new beginning can happen at any age when an individual has the courage and determination to pursue it.
Dadi Prakshi and Dadi Chandro became symbols of confidence, resilience and the refusal to allow age to define one’s capabilities.
Their recognition was therefore more than an award—it was a celebration of the human spirit.
Samiya Ahmed – A Young Achiever with Exceptional Determination
The programme also honored Samiya Ahmed, an MSc student who had achieved an extraordinary accomplishment by winning 12 medals at Lucknow University.
Her achievement represented the aspirations of young India—the belief that education, discipline and dedication can open the door to excellence.
For a young student, winning multiple medals at university level reflects sustained effort and commitment. It also demonstrates how educational institutions can become platforms for discovering and developing talent.
Recognizing Samiya Ahmed alongside accomplished professionals and inspirational personalities sent an important message to young people: their achievements matter, and society must celebrate their efforts.
Her story also fits perfectly within the broader vision of “JAZBA – Badhte Qadam”—encouraging young people to move forward with confidence and to pursue excellence in their chosen fields.
Jayshree Puri – Excellence Behind the Camera
The awardees also included Jayshree Puri, Senior Cinematographer with Doordarshan News.
Cinematography is a field that often remains behind the spotlight, even though the camera plays a vital role in shaping the way audiences understand events, people and stories. As a senior professional in the field, Jayshree Puri represented women’s contribution to technical and creative roles in the media industry.
Her recognition highlighted another important dimension of women empowerment: women should have opportunities not only in traditionally recognized professions but also in technical, creative and leadership roles.
Her achievement demonstrated the importance of skill, experience and perseverance in building a successful professional career.
The Distinguished Chief Guest
Adding further significance to the occasion was the presence of Mrs. Najma Heptulla, then Union Minister for Minority Affairs, who attended the programme as the Chief Guest and presented the awards to the distinguished achievers.
Her presence brought national-level recognition to the programme’s central themes of empowerment, inclusion and social welfare.
The presentation of awards was not simply a ceremonial moment. It represented a collective acknowledgement of people who had demonstrated that determination can overcome barriers and that individual achievement can inspire wider social change.
More Than an Award Ceremony
“JAZBA – Badhte Qadam” was conceived as more than a conventional award function. Through its combination of a cultural programme and awards ceremony, it created a platform where social causes, artistic expression and individual achievement could come together.
Its focus on women empowerment and underprivileged children was particularly significant.
Women empowerment cannot be separated from the welfare of children and families. When women receive education, opportunities, recognition and economic independence, the benefits often extend to the next generation. Similarly, when underprivileged children are provided with care, education and encouragement, they are given the opportunity to build a different future.
The work of organizations such as the Child Care and Welfare Foundation is therefore important because social development is not achieved through one initiative alone. It requires continuous efforts to identify talent, support vulnerable communities and recognize individuals who are creating positive change.
The Meaning of “JAZBA”
The word “Jazba” captures something deeply human—the inner spirit that encourages a person to continue despite difficulties.
It is the spirit that motivates a woman to enter a profession where she is breaking traditional barriers.
It is the courage that allows a person from a weaker section of society to find their voice through writing.
It is the confidence required to speak before a national television audience.
It is the determination of a 78-year-old athlete to compete and excel.
It is the dedication of a young student winning medals through hard work.
And it is the professionalism of a woman building a distinguished career behind the camera.
These stories may be different, but their underlying message is the same: progress begins when we refuse to let circumstances decide our future.
Badhte Qadam – Moving Forward Together
The second part of the title, “Badhte Qadam,” carries an equally important message.
Moving forward does not mean that one person succeeds alone. True progress occurs when individual achievements inspire communities, when successful people become
