Emphasis on Women’s Rights, Importance of Constitution and Social Justice
New Delhi (Special Report : Mutiur Rehman Aziz) – Dr. Nowhera Sheikh, CEO of Heera Group of Companies and National President of All India Mahila Empowerment Party (AIMEP), spoke openly on women’s rights, the importance of the Indian Constitution and the struggle against social injustices in a special interview on the occasion of Republic Day. The interview has been uploaded on the YouTube channel “Matiiur Rehman Aziz”, which was recorded on January 26, 2026 and has reached millions of views so far. Dr. Nowhera Sheikh shed light on a variety of topics, from her personal life struggles to the interpretation of constitutional rights and urged the youth to study the Constitution.
The interview begins with Dr. Nowhera Sheikh’s childhood memories. She said that she was born in a village in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh and grew up in Tirupati. During that era, girls were considered a burden on the family. “Girls were married off at the age of 12-13, while boys were given education and priority,” said Dr. Nowhera Sheikh, who recounted the discrimination faced by girls in her relatives and community, such as dowry-based marriages and the perception of girls as inferior. This injustice inspired her to fight for girls’ rights at an early age. Learning the lessons taught to boys in secret, she questioned gender equality. Dr. Nowhera Sheikh said that by the time she reached the age of 16, she began to reason with the Holy Quran and the Indian Constitution. “The Constitution gives equal rights to everyone, so why are girls deprived?” she asked. Facing resistance to girls’ education and empowerment, especially in the Muslim community, she went from village to village to campaign for awareness. Explained constitutional rights to parents and elders, such as consent to marriage, right to education, employment and participation in politics. Visiting several states, she established schools, colleges and employed 95% women in her business "Heera Gold”. "Society has imposed a ‘limit’ on women, but I have broken it,” she said proudly. On the occasion of Republic Day (January 26), Dr. Nowhera Sheikh placed special emphasis on the importance of the Constitution. She said that after independence, from 1947 to 1950, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and a committee, which included both Hindus and Muslims, drafted the Constitution.
Describing the supremacy of the Constitution, she said that it is above the government, politicians and agencies. Explained key articles, such as Article 14 (Equality), Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty), Article 19 (Right to Liberty), and Article 32 (Right to a Fair Trial). “The Constitution provides for judicial review, fundamental rights and protection from discrimination,” he clarified. Knowledge of these articles is essential for empowering citizens. The interview also discussed the justice system in detail. Dr. Sheikh outlined the hierarchy of courts: Sessions Court, High Court (Article 226) and Supreme Court (Article 132). “Evidence is essential in a trial, without evidence, punishment cannot be given,” he said. Referring to Public Interest Litigation (PIL), he said that it can be used for public harm, and compensation can be obtained for wrongs. He stressed the importance of protection from media trials, arrest laws (without warrant only in emergencies), rights in custody (two female officers for women, basic facilities) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). “One can go to court or commission against injustice,” he advised. Speaking on women empowerment, Dr. Nowhera Sheikh said that 50% of girls and women in the village are still unaware of their rights and are victims of harassment. “Youth, read the Constitution and follow it to create a safe and just society.” She appealed to spread love, equality and humanity, as India is a bouquet of diverse religions living in harmony. Citizen action is necessary to protect democracy, reject corruption and use agencies like CBI, ACB. Dr. Nowhera Sheikh recounted her personal struggle of facing pressure but finding strength in the Constitution. As the national president of AIMEP, which has 2.5 million members, she encouraged women to participate in politics (33% reservation) and enter business. “Avoid lies, fight with truth,” she advised. Expressing optimism about the future of the judiciary, she said that more judges, faster trials and youth interest will improve it. This interview presents constitutional literacy as a key to empowerment, justice and national strength, with a special focus on women’s rights and equality. This talk by Dr. Nowhera Sheikh highlights the importance of Republic Day and encourages social change.
