• Program organized at Sona Devi University, Ghatsila on the occasion of International Women’s Day
• Padma Shri Chutni Mahato attended as the Chief Guest; said that any distressed woman can contact her for help
• Everyone must seriously support Padma Shri Chutni Mahato in her struggle against social evils and exploitation – Shri Prabhakar Singh, Chancellor, Sona Devi University
A program was organized at Sona Devi University, Ghatsila on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The event was held at Vivekananda Auditorium, where Padma Shri Chutni Mahato attended as the Chief Guest.
Addressing the audience in the auditorium, Chutni Mahato said that despite being uneducated, she has fought throughout her life against superstition and social evils such as the practice of branding women as witches (“Dayan”). She shared that she was once expelled from her own home by family members, but she moved forward leaving those experiences behind and continues to struggle for the rights of distressed women while providing them shelter. She said that any victimized woman can contact her and receive assistance. She also mentioned that she still visits police stations to collect information about cases registered related to witch-hunting.
Earlier, the program began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Assistant Registrar Archana Singh welcomed all the guests and informed the audience about the various courses being run by Sona Devi University as well as its CSR activities.
As a distinguished speaker, Advocate Mamta Singh extended greetings on International Women’s Day and emphasized that all women should be aware of laws related to women’s rights. She also spoke about gender equality, equal pay for equal work, and laws related to women’s safety at the workplace. Mamta Singh discussed constitutional rights and explained important laws such as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, Dowry Prohibition Act, Domestic Violence Act, and the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act. She also reminded women of their responsibilities and stressed the importance of education, stating that the goal should not merely be obtaining degrees.
Former Head of the Sanskrit Department of Kolhan University, Dr. Ragini Bhushan, raised the question of why there is a need to celebrate Women’s Day in India. Referring to Lord Shiva’s Ardhanarishvara form, she spoke about the concept of the five elements (Panchatatva). Explaining the idea of “Give to Gain,” she said that in the Vedic era women held a higher status than men. She also explained the meaning of the household system and Swayamvar. Sharing references from the Vedas and Puranas, Dr. Ragini stated that despite women being empowered in many ways, the question arises why Women’s Day became necessary. Answering her own question, she said that with changing circumstances certain arrangements were made to ensure women’s safety. Over time, several social evils emerged in history, the consequences of which were borne by women. She emphasized that women should now move from “women’s discourse” to “self-reflection.” She encouraged women to learn how to manage difficult circumstances and presented a verse titled “Rashtra ki Richaon ko Gunagunana Chahiye”, extending her greetings on Women’s Day to all women and students.
Trustee of Sona Devi University and former Head of the Botany Department at Kolhan University, Dr. Nirmala Shukla, also extended her greetings on International Women’s Day. She congratulated those women who have fought for their rights. She stated that instead of focusing only on equality between men and women, it is more important to focus on equality of opportunities. She emphasized that empowerment comes through education. Women should develop their qualities and follow the right path. Dr. Nirmala also called upon men to express nurturing and maternal qualities. She stressed the need for change so that no one is left behind and encouraged society to think about giving back and to adopt a practical approach in helping women from every section move forward.
Chancellor of Sona Devi University, Shri Prabhakar Singh, expressed gratitude to all the invited distinguished guests and extended his greetings on International Women’s Day. He said that even after nearly seventy-five years of independence, the position of women in society is not what it once was. In a country where women were once worshipped, they still had to struggle for their rights. Shri Singh thanked Padma Shri Chutni Mahato and said that everyone must seriously support her in her struggle to eliminate social evils and exploitation.
Registrar Dr. Nit Nayana delivered the vote of thanks. The program concluded with the national anthem, performed collectively with the participation of Dr. Sangeeta Chaudhary, Head of the Music Department, marking the successful completion of the International Women’s Day event.
