A Youth Conclave at Rama Devi Women’s University celebrated International Women’s Day by promoting women in entrepreneurship and mental health
OdishaPlus Bureau
A Youth Conclave hosted at Rama Devi Women’s University (RDWU), Bhubaneswar on International Women’s Day witnessed a pledge to accelerate action for women’s equality.
The unique event, attended by over 1000 delegates including 800 plus girls of the university, promoted women in entrepreneurship and emphasized on the mental health of women while ensuring equal opportunity for every woman and girl for an equal world.
The event was hosted by National HRD Network (NHRDN), OdishaLIVE and Swasthya Plus Network in association with Rama Devi Women’s University. The Utkal Chamber of Commerce & Industry Limited (UCCIL) joined the program as ecosystem partner.
The logo of ‘WE’, an initiative promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, was unveiled at the event. Launched by OdishaLIVE and NHRDN, the initiative is going to have a series of awareness programmes for young girls at various places in Odisha, the organizers informed.
While emphasizing the importance of women in the society at the inaugural session, Prof. Chandi Charan Rath, Vice-Chancellor In-Charge, RDWU stated, “As per Indian scriptures, it is said that where women are worshipped, the gods reside. So, when women are empowered, the future of any country will be brighter.” He highlighted the crucial role of women in shaping families, communities, and nations.
While presenting the welcome address at the session, Pranati Parida, Director, OdishaLIVE & Co-Founder, Swasthya Plus Network encouraged the girls to live their dreams and lead the world. Similarly, Prof. Shikha Singh, Director, IQAC, RDWU said that, “All women should realize their full potential and break the stereotypes to thrive in every aspects of life.”
While setting the context, Bobby Patnaik, President, NHRD Network Bhubaneswar Chapter & HR Business Leader, Infosys, emphasized on promoting women in entrepreneurship for a prosperous world. “Whether in corporate ladder or running a business as an entrepreneur, women can dream high,” she advised the youth at the event.
A special session on ‘Women in Entrepreneurship’ was the key attraction at the event. Women corporate leaders and start-up entrepreneurs like Rashmi Vishwakarma (VP & Sr. Group Manager, Infosys), Rosalin Mohanty (Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer, Cozentus Technologies) and Akanksha Priyadarshini (Co-Founder & CEO, Aurassure) shared their voyage with the youth. When Prof. Shradha Padhi, EC Member NHRD & Dy. Director, Regional College of Management was the moderator, the session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Jyotirmayee Acharya, Department of Gender Studies, RDWU.
Further, a session on women’s mental health was addressed by Dr. Siba Prasad Chakrabarty, Mental Health Specialist (Psychiatrist). He emphasized on overcoming social stigma and dealing with depression, anxiety, and stress while nurturing mental health. When Priyanka Sucharita from Swasthya Plus moderated the session, Prof. Sasmita Mohanty of Bio-Technology department, RDWU chaired the same.
At the occasion, four alumni of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, RDWU were felicitated for cracking UGC-NET examination to pursue career in media education and research. The UCCIL Ladies Forum presented the token of appreciation to the girls, where the president of the forum along with senior officials joined the stage.
Nilambar Rath, Founder Editor & CEO along with Bhabani Mohanty, Director OdishaLIVE and Padmalaya Mandhata, Secretary, NHRDN joined the stage during the release of the logo of ‘WE’.
Dr. Ambika Sankar Mishra, HoD, Journalism & Mass Communication, RDWU delivered the vote of thanks. Among others, faculty members of the department namely Dr. Santosh Kumar Biswal, Narasinha Majhi, and Ahana Mansai and faculty members of various departments and officials of the university were present at the program.
On behalf of the organizer, Subhashree Nayak and Smruti Rekha Barik hosted the program, engaging the youth, aligning them with the messages of International Women’s Day.
