The Hindu’s World of Women programme organised here on Saturday as part of International Women’s Day turned out to be an occasion to cherish and remember. The event saw over 400 women eagerly listening into a panel discussion in which women achievers shared their experiences. Many participants also took part in a talent show that electrified the auditorium.
Anu Sriram, Joint Managing Director, Integra Software Services, an iconic figure in women empowerment in Puducherry, said that though women’s education had seen sea changes , most educated women chose to remain at home. “They should help in nation building by using academic knowledge gained since childhood”.
Dr. P. Nalini, president, Hemophillia Society, called upon women to unleash their talent and interests in their young age so as to make a mark in their respective fields. Chitra Shah, Director, Satya Special School, which has rehabilitated about 200 special children with mental disabilities, said the country had a number of women with great potential. They are capable of multi-tasking and they should reaslise that they were born to win, she said.
Narrating her story , Sanobar Sultana, radio jockey from Chennai, said it was extremely difficult for Indian women to come out of the clutch of their parents, though they meant well. There are many avenues where women can shine without compromising on tradition, she added.
While stressing the need for creating more women entrepreneurs Anjali Schiavina, Chief Executive Officer, CADS Apparels, Puducherry said that nature had bestowed innumerable resources on humans and women had a major role in preserving nature in all aspects of life. Rupa Lawrence, one of the winners in the Heels on Wheels contest, said she was very impressed with how the panellists managed home and work.
“The story of 70-year-old Dr. Nalini, who has been helping people in need, was very touching,” she said.
Prizes distributed Prizes were distributed to the winners of Heels on Wheels event held last week in which over 200 teams participated. Anamika Saraogi and Rupa Lawrence won the first prize.
The first runner up prize went to Sushma Jain and Neelam Jain and the second runner up to Nalini Kamra and Kokil Kamra. Meera Kumar, a resident of Lawspet, who was among the audience, said many people like her welcomed the opportunity to listen to success stories. “Perhaps next year more time could be provided for the talent show,” she said.
Sony Centre Puducherry was the main sponsor of the event. VLCC, Sree Nivas Buildrech (I) Pvt Ltd and Integra Software Services were the associate sponsors. The Indian Women Network and Be Well Hospitals Puducherry were the knowledge and health partners respectively.
