Mysuru: “Women play a major role in the country’s economic growth and it is important that they should be brought to the mainstream society,” said the Department of Space Director K.R. Adarsh Urs.

He was speaking at ‘Rajamaate Lakshammanni’ Awards conferment programme organised as part of the 5th anniversary of Ursu Mahila Jagruti Sabha Trust at Rotary West auditorium here on Sunday.

“The State and the Country can develop in real terms only if women get quality education and equal opportunities,” he said.

RDPR Department Superintendent Engineer K.J. Sindhu Urs, in her address, said it was the erstwhile Mysore rulers who laid the foundation for the development of Mysuru and built the city with farsightedness and a distinct vision. Mysuru has become a model to the entire country because of the plans and programmes of the erstwhile rulers, she noted.

Manjula Urs (Cinema), Sharada Urs (Handicrafts), Monika Urs (Advertising) and Shubha Sanjay Urs (Social) were conferred with ‘Rajamaate Lakshammanni’ awards on the occasion.

Educationist Bhramara Bahaddur presided.

City’s noted limerick writer Dr. M.G.R. Urs, Environmental Engineer of K.R. Pet Priyanka Urs, Ursu Mahila Jagruti Sabha Trust Founder-President P.B. Indukala Urs, Secretary Purnima Urs and others were present.