OdishaPlus Bureau
“Economic empowerment is crucial for every woman to achieve self-reliance and fulfill their aspirations and contribute to the holistic growth of the society,” said Aparajita Sarangi, Lok Sabha MP from Bhubaneswar, while attending the foundation day event of UCCIL Ladies Forum.
‘UCCIL Ladies Forum,’ the woman wing of Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited, hosted the annual event on 3rd August, Saturday at the premises of the premier industry association. The guests appreciated the efforts of the forum towards supporting the marginalized communities & promoting women in entrepreneurship.
“Feminism is not about competing with our counterparts; it’s about complementing each other. When we support one another, we create a stronger & better society,” Ms Sarangi highlighted while appreciating the role of women members under the forum.
At the beginning Pranati Parida, President, UCCIL Ladies Forum, welcomed the guests & members to the function. Priyadarshi Mishra, Ex-MLA of Bhubaneswar North, Tandra Ray, Veteran actress, Dr. Namrata Misra, CEO, Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster (BCKIC) and Tarini Prasad Mohanty, President-in-Charge, UCCIL, graced the program as guests of honor.
“Odisha boasts a rich reserve of global skills, intellectual capacity, and a determined new generation. By blending our trade and business heritage from the maritime age, with modern knowledge & entrepreneurial will, we can foster an environment to incubate the future businesses. We should open this canvas for the women of the region who can paint their dreams & prove themselves as effective business leaders,” said Pranati Parida, President of the forum.
The forum felicitated prominent women figures from various fields, namely, Shailaja Kumari Aparajita Mohanty (Writer & Social Leader), Mousumi Mohanty (Senior TV Journalist), Sushama Nanda (State-level Volleyball Coach) & Asha Bahadur Gurum (Visually impaired Singer). The board members of UCCIL were also felicitated on this occasion.
The forum’s annual souvenir, ‘Siddhi’, was released at the event. Sweta Das, Vice President of the UCCIL Ladies Forum and Sunshine Anand Swain, hosted the programme. Archana Malla, Secretary of the forum presented the activity report, while Swetapadma Rath, Treasurer presented the vote of thanks.
The forum’s social action includes providing computers to schools in enhancing digital learning, distributing blankets to senior citizens and raincoats to sanitation workers etc. The Forum also conducts initiatives such as free health check-ups for underprivileged and plantation drives promoting environmental conservation.
The event was attended by audiences comprising members of the Ladies Forum and the Utkal Chamber along with prominent entrepreneurs, media representatives, and people from the social sector.
