NIT Srinagar celebrates International Women’s Day

Women are multitasking and no one in the globe can replace their contribution: Prof. Srabani

SRINAGAR , March 10: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Friday celebrated ‘International Women’s Day’ on the campus in which speakers acknowledged the vital contribution of women to society.

The event was organized by the PG Department of Physics and the theme for this year’s Women’s Day was “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. It emphasized on importance of technology in bringing gender issues to light.

The event was presided over by Director NIT Srinagar Prof. Rakesh Sehgal and Prof. Srabani Taraphder (Dept. of Chemistry, IIT Kharagpur). Institute’s Registrar Prof. Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari and Prof. Anju Sehgal (Ex. Principal, GDC Hamirpur HP) was Guest of Honor on the occasion.

 Prof. Seemin Rubab from the Physics department was coordinator of the event. Head Department of Physics, Prof. MA Shah and other esteemed guests were also present at the event.

 In his presidential address, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Rakesh Sehgal expressed his gratitude to event coordinator Prof. Seemin Rubab for organizing the women’s day celebrations on the campus.

 “Empowering women means creating an environment where women can exercise their rights, make choices, and participate fully in all spheres of life without fear of discrimination or violence,” he said.

 Prof. Sehgal also highlighted various schemes for empowering women and the most well known amongst them all is the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign which focuses on reducing female infanticide and providing the girl child with education.

Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari said women play an essential role in society, and their contributions are crucial to the well-being of communities and the world.

 “Women make significant contributions to their families, communities, and the world, and it is essential to recognize and support their efforts towards gender equality and empowerment,” he said.

 Prof. Bukhari said the celebration of women’s day reminds us of all contributions and achievements of women in our society.

 On the occasion, Chief Guest Prof. Srabani Taraphder (Dept. of Chemistry, IIT Kharagpur) said that the role of women society is diverse and essential.

Women’s contributions are crucial to achieving social and economic development, building stronger families and communities, and promoting gender equality and social justice, she said.

 “It is vital to recognize, support, and empower women in all aspects of life to achieve a more equitable and just society.  Women are multitasking and no one in the globe can replace their contribution,” Prof. Srabani.

 In her keynote address, Dr. Anju Sehgal, ex. Principal GDC Hamirpur HP shared her academic journey with the participants. She said still in many parts of the country, women face significant obstacles to accessing education. 

 “Women continue to show tremendous courage and resilience in their pursuit of education. Their stories serve as inspiration and a reminder for gender equality and women’s empowerment, she said.

 “Balancing work and motherhood is challenging, and women often face a range of obstacles in their efforts to do so. Despite these challenges, many women have found ways to balance motherhood and work,” Dr. Anju said.

 In his inaugural address, Head Department of Physics, Prof. MA Shah said this is a global day for celebrating the social, economical, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also focuses on issues of gender parity in society, he said.

Dr. Shah suggested to have a special training program for underprivileged girls so that they can live honorably.  Besides suggested that there should be a ladies park ” Lala Ded Park” exclusively for ladies

 Later, during the felicitation ceremony women achievers from Physics were felicitated for their outstanding contributions in the subject.

These included Dr Ghazala Anjum, Cluster University of Srinagar and  Dr Abida Bashir, GDCW, Anantnag were facilitated for getting research grants  First women scientist and INSPIRE Faculty in Physics in Kashmir, Dr Rubiya Samad CUK was also facilitated.

Other who were facilitated include Dr Maria Sidiqah Kashmir University (One among the two PDF), Dr. Ishtihadah Islam, NPDF, NIT Srinagar, Ms Asma Tahir, women scientist recipient, Kashmir University, Branch Manager J&K Bank, NIT Srinagar Ms. Nasreen, KAS Officer Ms. Afroz, Dental Surgeon MU NIT Srinagar Urnaib Riyaz and Saba Nawaz, NIT Srinagar.

A formal vote of thanks was presented by Prof. Seemin Rubab from the Physics department was the coordinator of the event to all guests, Director, Registrar, faculty members, and participants for making the event successful. The event proceedings were managed by Ms. Saba, Ms. Shamiksha and Ms. Refat.