‘HER’ marks inspiring Women’s Day celebration at Apeejay Stya University

The fraternity of Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram enthusiastically celebrated International Women’s Day 2026 with a vibrant programme titled “Main Character: HER.” The event brought together faculty members, students, and staff to celebrate the strength, achievements, and aspirations of women. The celebration was held under the theme “Celebrating Her Power, Passion & Purpose,” highlighting the university’s commitment to recognising and empowering women within the academic community.

The programme was anchored by Phillip G. Dolo, who ensured a lively and engaging flow of activities throughout the afternoon. The event commenced with a warm welcome to the university’s women faculty members, followed by a brief introduction highlighting the significance of the day and the importance of acknowledging women’s contributions in academia and society.

A major highlight of the event was an inspiring motivational talk by Karen Cruise from Leeds, UK. In her address, she spoke about the importance of confidence, resilience, and self-belief. She encouraged young women to pursue their dreams fearlessly and to take up leadership roles in their chosen fields. Her powerful words resonated with the audience and motivated students to reflect on their aspirations and potential.

The gathering was further enriched by a special message from the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Vijay Vir Singh, who acknowledged the invaluable contributions of women faculty members, students, and staff in shaping the university’s academic and social environment. His message emphasised the importance of building an inclusive and supportive ecosystem that allows women to thrive and excel.

The celebration also featured several interactive and fun-filled activities that encouraged active participation from the audience. One of the most engaging segments was the “Who’s That Woman?” Icebreaker, where participants guessed famous women personalities based on childhood photographs, achievements, or clues. The activity proved both entertaining and educational, sparking curiosity and appreciation for the accomplishments of notable women across different fields.

Another meaningful segment was the “Pass the Compliment” Circle, where participants shared positive words and appreciation for each other. This activity fostered a culture of encouragement, respect, and mutual admiration among the attendees. The programme also included light-hearted games and performances, including musical chairs, which added energy and excitement to the event and ensured enthusiastic participation from students and faculty alike.

One of the most memorable moments of the celebration was the cake-cutting ceremony. Women faculty members collectively cut a celebratory cake, symbolising unity, appreciation, and the spirit of togetherness. The ceremony brought warmth and festivity to the event and served as a heartfelt gesture of gratitude toward the women who contribute significantly to the university community.

A unique feature of the programme was the “Appreciation Wall” titled “Dear Women of Our University…”. Throughout the event, participants wrote messages of admiration and gratitude for women who inspire them. The wall gradually filled with heartfelt notes, creating a powerful visual representation of respect and appreciation within the campus community.

The celebration concluded with a closing note followed by a joyful group dance session, symbolising unity, happiness, and the spirit of celebration. Female students and faculty members enthusiastically participated in the activities and expressed their appreciation for the initiative. They also conveyed their gratitude to the university leadership, including Sushma Paul Berlia, Dr. Neha Berlia, and Dr. Vijay Vir Singh, for their continued encouragement in promoting such meaningful celebrations.

The programme was successfully organised with the active involvement of student coordinators Som Sarth, Himanshu, Arshdeep, Pulkit Tyagi, Aryan, Bittoo, and Krishna, along with faculty coordinators Assistant Professor Adnan Rashid, Assistant Professor Chaman, Assistant Professor Chinmay Sharma, and Dr. Vijay Kumar.

Through initiatives like this, Apeejay Stya University continues to foster an inclusive environment that values equality, confidence, and the powerful voices of women, reinforcing the belief that empowering women is essential for building a progressive society.