Manipal, March 08 2022: On account of International Women’s Day, Manipal Academy of Higher Education felicitated women achievers for their remarkable work. The ceremony was presided over by Mrs Vasanti R Pai, Trustee, MAHE, and Ms. Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, National Commission for Women, New Delhi was the esteemed chief guest - along with Prof. Parvathi G Aithal, Retd. Prof. Bhandarkar’s Arts & Science College, Kundapura, Mrs. Indira.S Ballal, Philanthropist, and Mrs Kusuma Venkatesh, Educationist as Guests of   Honor.  Dr HS Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, and Lt.Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, and Dr Narayan Sabhahit, Registrar MAHE along with other officials were also present.

Sharing her thoughts and message to all the Women on this occasion, Ms. Rekha Sharma, Chairperson National Commission for Women, Govt of India, the Chief guest said, “At the outset, I would like to thank MAHE for inviting me to be a chief guest on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Let me first wish every woman, every girl a very happy women’s day and every man too, because every man has got women in his life. Today we are addressing gender biases in society, and we have seen the general stereotypes are so deeply ingrained in our daily system, daily life, environment home, or workplace. Many a time these either go unnoticed or women hesitate to call them out. When you speak up about biases you will surely make a lot of people uncomfortable and uneasy. However, raising your voice against this discrimination is the only way to win an inclusive and fair world. She further added, “This International women’s day let us make sure to voice our opinions and get them registered. Claim what is your right. I wish more power to my fellow sisters not only today each day of your life.”

Mrs Vasanti R Pai, Trustee, MAHE, giving the Presidential Address said “I welcome Ms. Rekha Sharma and it’s an honour to have her on this day. This year's International Women's Day theme is 'breaking the bias' and it's about working towards a world free of stereotypes and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Though 2021 has been continued a year full of challenges due to the pandemic women have shown courage and proved themselves to be strong and they can achieve whatever they want at any age if they make up their mind. I wish everyone a very happy and healthy Women’s Day”.

Mrs Indira S Ballal, Philanthropist spoke on the occasion and said “It is highly important that the biases against women are talked about openly without hesitation, only then we will be able to make some breakthrough when it comes to having an equal and safe environment for women of our country. On this International Women’s Day, let us all pledge to do our bit towards this goal”

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Parvathi G Aithal, Retd. Prof. Bhandarkar’s Arts & Science College, Kundapura said “At the very outset, let me extend my warmest greetings to all my friends gathered here on the occasion of International Women's Day. Forty-six years have been already passed after the world has set apart a day exclusively to celebrate International Women's Day to claim and proclaim the rights of women in society. During these years, women have been able to achieve to a certain extent, social rights through education, economic rights through employment opportunities, and political rights through voting and participation in political administration. But there is a long way to go before we reach our goal and much more to be striven for”

“Women face biases in every aspect of their lives. They are thought of as the weaker sex, there is incredible societal pressure on them when it comes to marriage and childbirth, there are numerous cases where they are abused at home. They have to live up to the unrealistic standards of chastity and purity. The biases against the woman in our society go endless. But the irony is that the society itself- both men and women- are blissfully unaware of that. There is a need to break this vicious tradition. Educated men and women should take the initiative in this regard. They should devote their time to making people free from their prejudices against women so that acceleration of gender parity is made possible. I hope and pray that such a change will come soon in our society.”

 Addressing the function Mrs Kusuma Venkatesh, Educationist, greeted everyone on the occasion of International Women’s Day. She also congratulated the achievers who were acknowledged and felicitated on this occasion. She emphasized the impact of Climate change on women of the world and brought out that the UNO’s theme for IWD 2022 is unique being “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” It is even more interesting and alarming to know how climate changes drastically impact women who are more vulnerable than their counterparts. But at the same time, the contributions of women around the world have deeply been recognized for being effective, powerful leaders and change-makers for taking a leading charge on climate change adaptations, mitigations, and responses to build a more sustainable future for all across the globe. She recollected some of the exemplary contributions made by the Visionary Late Dr Thonse Madhav Ananth Pai towards women’s empowerment and gender equality and his firm belief that education, quality Health care, and economic independence were the only ways to empower women. She further said “Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias. Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions. We can break the bias in our communities. We can break the bias in our workplaces. We can break the bias in our educational institutions. If you, as a woman, have to make #Break the Bias possible YOU and only You have to be clear that “No one can make you feel weak or inferior without your consent and I the women to fight for their rights and be strong, confident and courageous to stand up to any bias towards women”

Ms Hasini Upadhya, Renowned Dancer, Mrs Mookambika Varamballi – Yakshagana Artist, and Mrs Sharada Shetty–Anganawadi Service were felicitated in their respective field during the function.

The programme concluded with an extravaganza cultural program performed by Ms Hasini Upadhaya, a Renowned Dancer. Following with, Ms Archana Jaivittal, Special Olympic Dance sports representative of India performed along with the staffs of MAHE.