The School of Physiotherapy along with The Rotaract Club commemorated International Women’s Day on March 6, 2025 @ BC Roy Hall by 10:30AM – 1:00 PM, with an inspiring and thought-provoking event that brought together distinguished speakers, faculty members, and students.
The celebration focused on the theme of “Constitutional Rights and Women’s Empowerment”, shedding light on the crucial role of legal rights in fostering gender equality and strengthening women’s positions in society.
The event commenced with a warm welcome address which set the stage by emphasizing the significance of Women’s Day. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. E. Shanmugananth, Principal, School of Physiotherapy, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth who underscored the importance of education in empowering women. He spoke about the evolving societal roles of women and how knowledge, awareness, and skill development can enable them to break barriers and achieve success in various domains.
Rtn. Jothiram, President of the Rotary Club of Pondicherry Heritage, highlighted the contributions of Rotary International toward women’s development and empowerment initiatives
Prof. Nihar Ranjan Biswas, Vice Chancellor, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, spoke about the role of academic institutions in empowering women. He reiterated the need for inclusive education, skill development programs, and a supportive environment that allows women to excel in their chosen fields.
Chief Guests’ Address on “Constitutional Rights and Women’s Empowerment” The event was honoured by the presence of two eminent chief guests, Dr. Rachna Singh, Commandant, PAP, Puducherry, and Dr. Marie Stella, Assistant Governor, Rotary International District 2981, Puducherry.
• Dr. Rachna Singh delivered a compelling speech on the constitutional provisions that safeguard women’s rights in India. She elaborated on the importance of legal awareness and how constitutional guarantees such as equality before the law, protection against discrimination, and equal opportunities play a vital role in ensuring a just and equitable society. She also stressed the need for women to be vocal about their rights and to actively seek justice in cases of discrimination or injustice.
• Dr. Marie Stella addressed the audience on the broader aspects of women’s empowerment, emphasizing that true empowerment comes from education, financial independence, and leadership opportunities. She encouraged young women to take up leadership roles in various professional fields and contribute to the development of society. She also shared inspiring stories of women who have broken stereotypes and paved the way for future generations.
The event also featured engaging discussions where students had the opportunity to interact with the chief guests and dignitaries. Thought-provoking questions were raised about gender equality, workplace discrimination, and the role of youth in advocating for women’s rights. The insightful responses and shared experiences from the speakers made the session highly impactful.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Rtr. Dhanusha, President of the Rotaract Club, School of Physiotherapy who expressed gratitude to the esteemed guests, faculty members, students, and organizing committee for making the Women’s Day celebration a grand success.
The Women’s Day celebration reinforced the message that awareness, education, and active participation are key to building an inclusive and empowered society.
