International Women’s Day 2018 Celebration

PDM University celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) on the theme “PRESS FOR PROGRESS”on 8th March 2018 with great zest, vibrancy and elation.

A function was organized in G4 hall in PDMU campus. The program was hosted by Prof. (Dr.) Hema Chaudhary Dean, Student Welfare and Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, PDMU. Dr. Shakila T. Shamsu, O.S.D. Dept. of Higher Education, Ministry of HRD, Government of India was the Hon’ble Chief Guest on the occasion and Dr. Anita Gehlot, Principal, Government College, Bahadurgarh, and Dr. Vimal Rarh, Deputy Director, Centre for e-learning, Guru Angad Dev Teaching Learning Centre were the Hon’ble Guest of Honours. The function witnessed the august presence of Prof. (Dr.) A. K. Bakhshi, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, PDM University who presided over the function, Prof. R. C. Bhattacharjee, Hon’ble Pro Vice-Chancellor, PDM University, Deans, Faculty members and students.

Prof. (Dr.) Hema Chaudhary Dean, Student Welfare and Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, PDMU extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries. She mentioned that the celebration of IWD is to commemorate the strength and abilities of women worldwide to inspire and empower them to fight against violence and discrimination.The guests were greeted with floral bouquets by Prof. (Dr.) A. K. Bakhshi, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, PDMU.

Prof. (Dr.) R.C. Bhattachrejee, Hon’ble Pro Vice-Chancellor, PDMU in his address highlighted the stature of women in ancient Indian society, where people worshipped female power as Shakti which nutured and gave power to the whole universe. He quoted that one can get power of education from goddess Saraswati, power of wealth from goddess Lakshmi and power of defence and protection from goddess Durga. He emphasised that women are good managers as they devote equal time to both family and workplace, hence society should not doubt their ability and discriminate them. He called upon females to realise their ability and strength and consolidate their position in society.

Prof. (Dr.) A.K. Bakhshi, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, PDMU addressed the gathering and said that the celebration and respect of women should not be restricted for any particular day, but should be the same throughout the year. He referred the three talented female guests on the dais as living examples of empowered womens. He introduced the Chief Guest Dr. Shakila T. Shamsu, O.S.D. Dept. of Higher Education, Ministry of HRD, Government of India to the audience as an experienced teacher and a contributor in formulating teaching and education policies. He referred the National mission on teaching as the brain child of Dr. Shamsu. He then introduced the Guest of Honor Dr. Anita Gehlot, Principal, Government College, Bahadurgarh as a sociologist by profession and an academic leader, role model and a visionary. He introduced the Guest of Honor, Dr. Vimal Rarh, Deputy Director, Centre for e-learning, Guru Angad Dev Teaching Learning Centre as a very young dynamic lady who has made mark at National level in field of academics and technology. He also informed that she is proficient with ICT skills and is running two e-Learning centers under her leadership and has been the co-ordinator for contributing 42 moocs out of total 63 moocs.

Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) A. K. Bakshshi requested the guests to share their experience and struggle while reaching their present position to motivate the audience. He said, the purpose of IWD is not only to recognize the women achievers but to also appreciate contribution in different fields whether be it politics, sports or academics. He quoted that out of 900 Nobel prizes conferred till date, 50 were awarded to women in which Madam Marie Curie won this honor twice. He said for making a gender equal society and bright future, teachers are the real pivots. Empowering teacher is like empowering the society. He listed the important traits of a highly successful women as:

• Belief in themselves
• Self awareness
• Emotional resilience
• Innovative and out of box thinking
• Bull dog determination and strong will power

He stated that women’s are the real architect of the society. He at last quoted that “Sticks and Stones are thrown only on fruit bearing trees”, so women should not feel demotivated and should always strive for their goals.

Dr. Anita Gehlot, Principal, Government College, Bahadurgarh said that there is a lot difference between government and private educational institutes. She discussed the problems that are faced by her especially in imparting education to girls from rural areas who don’t have supportive educational environment and due to personal and family issues they are not able to pursue and complete higher education. She said that women should know their right and male should respect their thoughts and goals. At last she called for spreading awareness about women rights in the society.

Dr. Vimal Rarh, Deputy Director, Centre for e-learning, Guru Angad Dev Teaching Learning Centre spoke about her self-experience from being a daughter, sister, wife, mother, professional and now a leader. She mentioned that in order to bring a change in society, it is most important to keep on moving and not to lose faith in oneself. She emphasised to have self belief and courage to face problems and continue the journey towards the goal.

The Chief Guest of the event, Dr. Shakila T. Shamsu, O.S.D. Dept. of Higher Education, Ministry of HRD, Government of India spoke about herself that she was fortunate to have a very caring environment during her upbringing and to have an open minded and supportive family. She highlighted that Haryana has lowest female to male sex ratio due to female foeticide. She sensitised that gathering about balancing the sex ratios. She stressed that women are the greatest oppressors. She condemned gender discrimination and stressed on improving government policies on issues like dropping rate of girl’s enrollment in schools due to poor toilet facilities. She emphasised upon drawing equality of women to men based on inner strength, conviction and belief.

Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof (Dr.) A. K. Bakhshi, PDMU presented mementos, fengshui and shawls as a token of appreciation to all the guests and felicitated them.
During the function, ladies from teaching and non teaching staff of PDMU were also felicitated as a recognition to their services. Amongst the teaching staff Dr Meena Khetarpal, Head, Department of Chemistry and Dr Laxmi Narula, Head, F/o Life Sciences were felicitated and amongst the non teaching staff Dr Sudha Kaushik, Chief librarian and Ms. Rekha, Administrative Clerk were felicitated with a momentoe and an fengshui.
Dr Meena Kheterpal and Dr Laxmi Narula were appreciated for their contribution of more than 30 years in teaching. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor also appreciated Prof. (Dr.) Hema Chaudhary Dean, Student Welfare and Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, PDMU, the coordinator of the event for successfully organising the event and congratulated her on receiving ‘The Principal of Year Award’ from Society of Pharmaceutical Education and Research.

A video on successful Indian women was showcased during the function to inspire and celebrate the IWD.
A video of the Rangoli and Posters made by students of all the Faculties during the Rangoli and Poster Competition organised in the pre lunch session was also showcased to the gathering,
The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) A. K. Bakhshi gave the certificates to the winners of the Rangoli and Poster making competitions.
The winners of Rangoli making competition are

• Winners : Pragya and Srishti – F/o Architecture and Town Planning
• First Runner up : Neha and Lovely – F/o Architecture and Town Planning
• Second Runner Up : Monika and Neelam – F/o Physical Sciences

The winners of the Poster making competition are

• Winners : Bhuvan and Jobin – F/o Architecture and Town Planning
• First Runner up : Monika and Simmy – F/o Life Sciences
• Second Runner Up : Yash and Adil – F/o Pharmaceutical Sciences; Anjali and Bhavika F/o Dental Sciences
• Appreciation Prize: Sumit and Vishal – F/o Architecture and Town Planning

The vote of thanks was proposed by Prof. (Dr.) Hema Chaudhry, Dean, Student Welfare. The function culminated with the National Anthem.