Indus Valley Times

By Our Correspondent

Bhubaneswar, Mar 7  : International Women’s Day with a campaign theme, Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress, highlighting the need for a world where everyone is respected and valued was celebrated at CSIR –IMMT Bhubaneswar.

Chief Guest, Utkal Ratna Samman Mrs. Jagi Mangat Panda, MD, OTVand Guest Of Honour Dr. Smita Mohanty, Director & Head, CIEPET: SARPinaugurated the celebration Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar Hall, of CSIR-IMMT in the presence of distinguished women professionals from the state faculty members and students. On this occasion, Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT conveyed his greetings to all the employs.

Speaking on this occasion Mrs. Jagi Mangat Panda, highlighted significant achievements such as the launch of Chandrayaan 3 and the role of women power and mind in this project. Emphasising on breaking stereotypes surrounding women in India, particularly citing the achievements of the “Rocket Women” and advocating for their recognition. In her speech she discussed on the recognition of India’s deep history and culture, alongside the ongoing efforts to break stereotypes and promote gender equality, advocacy for women to take on decision-making roles, emphasizing that Women’s Day should not be limited to a single day but celebrated daily. We should acknowledge women’s qualities such as compassion and understanding of emotions, as well as the necessity of women’s soft skills for overall development.

Dr. Smita Mohanty emphasized the need to break down barriers that hinder women’s participation in entrepreneurship. These barriers could include societal norms, access to funding, and cultural biases. She noted a shifting trend where women are increasingly participating in traditionally male-dominated fields such as bodybuilding and kusti (traditional Indian wrestling), signalling a broader cultural shift towards gender equality and inclusivity.

The involvement of women in physically demanding sports like bodybuilding and kusti not only challenges stereotypes but also promotes physical health, self-confidence, and empowerment among women, said Dr Mohanty

While Shri. H. K Tripathy, Scientist in-charge and Dr(Mrs) M.G.Sujana, Chief Scientist, organising secretory of the international women’s day celebrations presided over the celebrations. In this connection, several programmes were arranged for the students and staff of the institute and prizes were distributed to the winners. During the program, last one PhD awarded girl research scholar were felicitated along with RRL project school girl topper as a token of appreciation and encouragement.