Jalandhar, August 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Thousands of women from Jalandhar Central, including women volunteers, Sakhis, Anganwadi workers, grassroots workers and other residents, participated in a special Raksha Bandhan programme and tied Rakhi to AAP Jalandhar Central Halka In-charge Nitin Kohli.
Kohli attended the celebrations along with his wife, Nidhi Kohli, and interacted with women associated with grassroots outreach as well as those from different sections of the constituency.
Describing the occasion as more than a traditional festival ritual, Kohli said the Rakhis represented the trust, affection and responsibility associated with the brother-sister relationship.
“Today, thousands of sisters have tied Rakhi on my wrist and blessed me. For me, this is much more than an honour. It is a reflection of the trust with which they have accepted me as their brother. I consider this trust a responsibility that I must live up to,” he said.
Kohli said public life ultimately rests on trust between people and their representatives, adding that he would remain committed to listening to women’s concerns and working for their welfare.
More than 60,000 women benefited under Mawan-Dhiaan Satkar Scheme
Referring to the Chief Minister Mawan-Dhiaan Satkar Scheme, Kohli said more than 60,000 women in Jalandhar Central had benefited from the scheme so far.
“For us, 60,000 is not merely a number. Behind this figure are thousands of women, mothers, daughters and families with their own needs, challenges and aspirations. When a woman receives support through a government scheme, its positive impact reaches the entire family,” he said.
He said the effectiveness of women-centric welfare schemes depended on ensuring that eligible beneficiaries knew about them and could access their benefits without unnecessary difficulty.
Kohli also acknowledged the contribution of around 2,000 women volunteers and grassroots workers who helped spread information about the scheme and assisted eligible beneficiaries with the application process.
He appreciated the role of Sakhis and Anganwadi workers in connecting with families at the grassroots and facilitating access to welfare initiatives concerning women and children.
“These women did much more than assist with forms. They reached out to other women, listened to their concerns and helped them understand the support available to them. Sometimes a small effort by one person can make a significant difference to an entire family,” Kohli said.
Focus on women’s empowerment
Speaking about women’s empowerment, Kohli said strengthening women economically and socially was essential for the progress of families and society.
“When a woman becomes stronger, the entire family becomes stronger. When a mother gets support, it creates greater confidence and opportunities for her children. When a daughter gets an opportunity, it strengthens the future of the next generation,” he said.
He said his focus would remain on strengthening women’s participation in Jalandhar Central and ensuring that eligible beneficiaries could access government welfare initiatives.
Kohli promises to honour Rakhi bond
Addressing the women at the programme, Kohli said he regarded every Rakhi tied on his wrist as a symbol of trust and responsibility.
“I do not want to speak to you as a politician or as someone holding a position. I want to speak to you as your brother. The Rakhi you have tied on my wrist carries your trust, affection and blessings. I may not be able to solve every problem overnight, but I can promise that I will always try to listen to your concerns, understand your difficulties and stand with you wherever I can,” he said.
He added that the significance of Raksha Bandhan should extend beyond the festival itself, saying he wanted every woman in Jalandhar Central to feel that her voice, dignity and aspirations mattered.
“The love and blessings I have received from thousands of sisters today are among the most meaningful moments for me. You have given me the relationship of a brother, and I will always try to honour that relationship with sincerity, sensitivity and responsibility. Your trust is my greatest strength,” Kohli said.
AAP councillors and ward in-charges Lagandeep Singh, Tirlok Sraan, Parveen Pehlwan, Amardeep Sandal Keenu, Vicky Tulsi, Balbir Singh Dhillon (Bittu), Karamjit Kaur, Shivam Sharma, Rajesh Babbar, Manmohan Raju, Pinderjit Kaur, Love Robin, Harpal Mintu, Kartik Sahota, Deepak Kumar, Rajiv Gill, Naresh Sharma, Ajay Chopra, Jagdish Raja, Parveen Wason, Nikhil Arora, Gurpreet Kaur and Jatin Gulati were among those present.
Mohinder Singh Bhagat, Balbir Singh Bittu, Goldy Marwaha, Sanjeev Tarhan and Manish also attended the programme.
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