Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar (RRU), an Institution of National Importance which is a Pioneering National Security and Police University of India organized a One Day Seminar on “Role of women in achieving the dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047”, enriched by the presence of the Guest of Honour, Ms. Delina Khongdup, Member, National Commission for Women. Panelists from various fields like Science and Technology, Social Service and Corporate gathered to discuss the issues, experiences, proposals and even explore several measures of empowering women across the country and help them rise above limitations.

Major General Deepak Mehra, Kirti Chakra, AVSM, VSM (Retd.), Director, School of Internal Security and SMART Policing welcomed the esteemed dignitaries and audience with the Welcome Address. He emphasized on the status of equality that has been imbibed in our ancient texts, that how women and men were considered the 2 wheels of the same vehicle. He also pinpointed that almost 50% of the population of India comprises women, hence, achieving the dream of Viksit Bharat is practically impossible without the equal participation and contribution of women.  He also pointed out that the theme for the International Women’s Day 2024, as set by the United Nations, is “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress”.

Dr. Priyanka Sharma, Dean Extension and Distance Learning, Rashtriya Raksha University gave the Ceremonial Address emphasizing on how women might be behind achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat. She highlighted how if women are empowered, they will empower the whole world.

Prof. Dr. Kalpesh H. Wandra, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Rashtriya Raksha University highlighted the importance of providing equal opportunities to women in all sectors and how that will result in improved stability of the society and our country in his Inaugural Address. He supported this with examples of multiple esteemed women like Indira Gandhi, Kalpana Chawla, Mary Kom, Naorem Roshibina Devi, etc.

Following the Inaugural Address, the Guest of Honor, Ms. Delina Khongdup, Member, National Commission for Women, took over the session for the Keynote Address where she explained how women play a vital role in the dreams aspired by our Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for the 100 year celebration of our independence in 2047. She then emphasized that humans, like clay, are shaped by mothers, highlighting the importance of educating and empowering mothers first. She also highlighted the role of women in Policy Making “Panchayat se leke Parliament tak”.

The event was also graced by UN Women representative from India, Ms. Shraddha Chickerur. She emphasized on the concept of Women Led Development as highlighted by our Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi throughout the G20 India Summit. She also suggested how men should learn basic survival skills in order to let women rise above the limitations set by our society.

The Rashtriya Raksha University and the National Commission for Women conducted a ceremonial exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), after which the book "Cyber Warrior" was officially launched.

Followed by this, a panel discussion, convened by Ms. Sunandini, Assistant Director and Coordinator (CWPSS), SISSP, RRU, featured an esteemed group of speakers who provided valuable insights and perspectives on the “Role of women in achieving the dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047”. Renowned for her proficiency in the design and development of satellite payloads, Ms. Shilpa Pandya, Deputy Director, Sci/EngrG, Space Applications Center (ISRO), Ahmedabad, provided insightful remarks on the significance of women in leadership positions in the field of STEM and their part in accomplishing the vision of Viksit Bharat. She also brought up the fact that fewer and fewer women are pursuing careers after completion of their education and also provided insights on how to reintegrate these women in the professional environment. Ms. Gazala Paul, Managing Trustee & Founder Member of SAMERTH Charitable Trust in Ahmedabad, joined the panel and provided insightful guidance on initiating the empowerment of underprivileged women in rural and underdeveloped communities. She elaborated on the importance of helping these women claim their identity and access the entitled benefits through government schemes as a crucial step towards empowerment. Additionally, Ms. Puunam G. Kaushik, Deputy Managing Director and Chief of Corporate Affairs, Meteoric Biopharmaceuticals, Pvt. Ltd. enriched the discussion by offering insights on increasing women's participation in the corporate sector and facilitating their journey towards becoming successful entrepreneurs. The contributions of every speaker enhanced the conversation and gave it more depth and richness, allowing for a thorough examination of how to support women in thriving in emerging society and contributing equally to the achievement of Viksit Bharat by 2047. After the panel discussion, there was a Q&A session where attendees could interact with the speakers. The occasion promoted deep dialogue and information sharing among attendees, advancing cooperation and understanding in the goal of empowering women across our nation.

After signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Rashtriya Raksha University and the National Commission for Women look forward to a fruitful collaboration, aiming towards promoting inclusivity for women in all sectors and contributing significantly to the development of a Viksit Bharat.

AP/GP/JD

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