Anuradha Pal’s Stree Shakti
Anuradha Pal has always been among the strongest advocates for women’s empowerment. Catalysed by her own challenges and experiences, Anuradha formed STREE SHAKTI – India’s first all-girls Classical band in 1996, to provide a platform to and inspire other talented girls and women who were similarly discriminated against. Her team members credit her with boosting their confidence, uniting gifted female Musicians (Hindustani, Carnatic Classical and folk, Vocalists, instrumentalists and percussionists), creating career opportunities, thereby inspiring many more girls, through Stree Shakti concerts in prestigious festivals across the world.
She wrote the lyrics ‘Khud ko tu Pehchaan de’ and composed the music and anthem for the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Govt of India’s Nari Shakti campaign in March 2018, in the service of the nation, the girl child and the female entrepreneurs & professionals. The Anthem celebrates the power of Stree Shakti and inspires women to contribute to India’s glory across the world.
Padmashri M. T. Vyas Stree Shakti award
In October 2020, Tabla Vidushi Anuradha Pal had instituted the Padmashri M. T. Vyas Stree Shakti award (in memory of her grandfather – Great educationist and freedom fighter) to encourage young girls towards Indian Music/ Dance and Social Service. Applications were invited from all over the country and the winner was awarded by then Union Education Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, where he also released the book ‘The Teacher and the Taught‘, (written by Shri M. T. Vyas) among a panel of eminent educationists and scholars. Edited by noted painter and writer, Ila Pal , ‘The Teacher and the Taught’ specifically enshrines principles for women’s education, empowerment and equality and was hailed as a visionary document and precursor to NEP 2020.
The Padmashri M. T. Vyas Stree Shakti award 2021 was presented in a grand function to 4 young girls from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh & Maharashtra for pursuing IndianMusic/ Dance & being actively involved in social service initiatives like preserving & propagating folk & tribal art forms, raising awareness about climate change, female foeticide, sustainable development, Cancer awareness; on the International Day of the Girl Child.