, while addressing the audience, highlighted how the workshop, aligning with the vision of NEP 2020,emphasises the empowerment of women at every level of education. He also mentioned that the workshop aims to showcase how women are elevating educational standards in higher education and also equip and inspire them for leadership roles.
Shri Pradhan also mentioned that Nari Shakti is a symbol of strength,resilience, and hope, and treating women with respect is an inherent value of Indian civilisation. Expressing his gratitude to PrimeMinister Shri Narendra Modi, he said how the government in the last 10 years, has led from the front to bring a transformative shift from women’s development to women-led development.
The Minister also noted that the emerging new world order will be driven by knowledge and women are breaking glass ceilings, challenging gender roles and their participation is increasing in all spheres, including in STEM. It is important to establish a level playing field for women in all spheres, he added. He also said that he was confident that the deliberations, dialogues, and experience sharing in the workshop would provide a roadmap for that.
Shri Pradhan emphasised that an Indian model of women empowerment has to be created to ensure that women belong to all decision-making structures and life choices. As we move towards realising the goal of Viksit Bharat, Nari Shakti will assume more decision-making roles, he said.
The Minister said that equality and empowerment of women alone can empower our society and nation.
Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, in his address, emphasised the importance of women leadership in education to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat.Paying reverence to ancient knowledge leaders such as Maitreyi and Gargi, as well as present-day scientists like Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, he mentioned how women leaders are playing a pivotal role in shapingacademic excellence and contributing to nation-building. Referring to the impressive women Gross Enrolment Ratio, he noted that it is poised to increase further in the future. He also mentioned the significance of initiatives such as PM-USHA, which focuses on gender inclusivity in policies, along with WISE-KIRAN and DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) and how the government has empowered women to excel in academia and research. Comparing society to a bird, he stressed the need to strengthen both its wings—men and women—for the all-round development of the country and to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat.
