Dear Friends,

Greetings from Team Raksha IRIA,

It is my proud privilege to inform you that the Raksha Team of IRIA launched pan India drive of ‘Raksha Program-2020,’ on 14th June 2020 at 09.00 am via online platform. Shri Om Birla ji, our distinguished Lok Sabha Speaker and Member of Parliament inaugurated the program and bestowed all the member Radiologists with his blessings. He also launched “A RUPEE A DAY FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS” drive on this occasion.

The Raksha team of IRIA through the state chapters of IRIA, under Pan India drive, distributed kits to the underprivileged ‘Mothers & Daughters’ across the country. The Raksha team also gave talks and played Videos on women empowerment, safety, cleanliness & hygiene, nutrition, education and awareness on Breast and Cervical Cancer. They also sensitized them about awareness on COVID-19 and Mental Health. I am glad to inform you that the Raksha IRIA has planned to distribute 2 lakhs kits in next two months.” The Raksha IRIA is also in process of installing of Sanitary vending machines in Govt. Schools in under privileged areas and sensitize the girls about their hygiene and safety.

The Radiologists of entire country from North to South, East to West worked together happily for the noble cause, which created a wave of happiness & responsibility. I take this opportunity to thank all the State Chapters of IRIA, Raksha Coordinators and Volunteers for putting their heart and soul in carrying out Raksha activities. The detailed report of Raksha activities carried out through state chapters of IRIA has been published in the July 2020 issue of the e-Newsletter of IRIA.

The ‘Raksha’ is the flagship program of IRIA meant for Save the Girl Child and for the welfare of underprivileged mothers and daughters so that the slur of sex determination and female discrimination is removed from our society. Admittedly, female feticide and gender discrimination is going on a large scale even after 72 yrs. of independence, which is not only morally and ethically unacceptable; it is indeed a matter of shame. Basically, this is a sociological problem and may be eliminated in the long run with greater awareness and empowerment of women. Hence, role of education and efforts like team Raksha IRIA will play a significant role. Through Raksha programs, we will try to change the mind set of the society and women at large.

Our Radiologists friends are generously contributing in this fund and now few healthcare industries are also willing to do their bit for this noble cause. I request the members to come forward to contribute in this mammoth task for the not so privileged ‘Mothers and Daughters’ in our society. I also request all the members to contribute ‘One Rupee a Day for the underprivileged Mothers & Daughters’.

The funds collected in Raksha Fund will be used in installation of Sanitary vending machines.