‘Women empowerment will further drive India towards greater heights’

Like every year, this year was no different when it came to celebrating the power of womanhood at Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram. The School of Behavioural Sciences in Apeejay Stya University actively participated in the global celebration of International Women’s Day. The theme for this year’s event, as designated by the United Nations, was “Invest in women: Accelerate progress; Inspire women”.

The celebration aimed to raise awareness among students about the significance of International Women’s Day, elucidating the reasons behind its observance and emphasising the United Nations’ theme for the year. A unique feature of this year’s event was that the entire programme—from planning to execution—was led by ASU students. This approach aimed to empower students to understand, interpret, and express the theme through various activities.

The grand celebration commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by distinguished guests from Apeejay family including Professor Dr. MoinUddin, Dr. Anupama Diwan, Dean at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor Vimala Veeraraghavan, Ph. D, Emeritus Professor Psychology & Education, Apeejay Stya University, Prof Sanjay Ahirwal, Dean, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Apeejay Stya University.

The program featured a video presentation titled “The Journey of the Leader,” showcasing the remarkable life and accomplishments of Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Education, and Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University,. The video highlighted her journey from a young age, underlining her role as a successful entrepreneur, industrialist, educationist, and philanthropist, as well as her contributions to the Apeejay family and society at large.

Professor MoinUddin inaugurated the event, sharing video testimonials of four women students, who had completed their Ph.D. under his guidance. He emphasised the progress and empowerment of women as a catalyst for overall development in India.

Prof. Anupama Diwan, the Guest of Honour, commended the achievements of women at ASU, citing examples of Chancellor Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia and Dr Neha Berlia, Co-Promoter, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Joint Secretary, Apeejay Education, and Pro-Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University. She underscored the importance of women’s empowerment in driving India towards greater heights.

Unique activities

Following the inaugural addresses, students actively participated in an elocution competition, a skit focusing on empowering and inspiring women, a fashion show, and a poetic recitation. These student-led activities brought to light the depth of insight and knowledge the participants possessed regarding the theme.

The International Women’s Day celebrations concluded with the distribution of prizes, certificates, and ASU T-shirts to the winners and participants. The awards were presented by Professor Dr. MoinUddin, Chief Guest, Prof. Anupama Diwan, Guest of Honour, Dean Students Welfare Prof. Sanjay Ahirwal, Dean Academics Prof. Amit Goel, and the Registrar Prof. Chetan Choudhary.

Refreshments were provided to all students and faculty, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie within the ASU family. The celebration successfully achieved its goal of being a meaningful and fruitful observance of International Women’s Day.