- Cinema meets the uniform as two iconic women redefine leadership, courage and purpose
- Swarrnim campus turns into a live classroom of resilience, women’s safety and self-belief
- From Mardaani 3 to ground realities of policing, the message is clear—act, empower, lead
- Entrepreनारी spirit shines as young innovators draw inspiration from real-world role models
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, JAN 13
Motivation, mentorship and women-led change took centre stage at Swarrnim Startup & Innovation University as celebrated actor Rani Mukerji and IPS officer Parikshita Rathod inspired young innovators during a powerful edition of SwarrnimTalks, organised by the university on Tuesday.
The star-studded session brought together two Presidential Award–winning women leaders from vastly different worlds—cinema and public service—yet united by a shared commitment to leadership, resilience and social impact. Reflecting the theme of women empowerment, both guests were escorted by girl cadets of the university’s Self Defence Training Cell, setting the tone for an evening rooted in confidence and courage.
Held at the university’s Bhoyan Rathod Campus, the event drew an enthusiastic audience of students, entrepreneurs and young professionals eager to learn from two women who have challenged norms and carved their own paths. The session was attended by university trustees Sunita Jain, Vinjal Jain and Nikita Jain, among others.
Rani Mukerji, widely admired for portraying strong and unconventional women on screen, spoke candidly about authenticity, grit and responsibility that comes with influence. She also showcased the trailer of her upcoming film Mardaani 3, formally flagging off the film’s promotions from Ahmedabad.
“It is wonderful to be back in Ahmedabad. The warmth I have received here today is truly special. Being on a university campus takes me back to my own school and college days; this is the most important phase of your life, when you must discover your dreams and have the courage to chase them. My three-decade journey in cinema would not have been possible without the love and support of audiences across the country,” she said.
Addressing the issue of women’s safety, Mukerji stressed awareness and collective responsibility.
“When it comes to women’s safety, awareness is critical; knowing where you are going, with whom you are going and being mindful of your surroundings. But real change begins at home. It starts with mothers teaching their sons where boundaries lie. Only when we work together can we build a safer and more equal society,” she added.
IPS officer Parikshita Rathod, known for her integrity and courage in public service, offered grounded insights from her policing experience, urging young women to invest in their own strength and preparedness.
“Government schemes and policies can provide a framework, but true change begins when women empower themselves. Self-defence training should be part of every school and college, because confidence and preparedness go hand in hand. Young women must recognise their own strengths and build themselves up – socially, economically, physically and mentally; so they can face the world with courage and clarity,” she told students.
Together, the two speakers embodied the essence of Entrepreनारी—women who challenge conventions, lead with conviction and create impact beyond traditional boundaries.
As part of the visit, both guests were given a guided tour of women-led startups incubated at the university. Parikshita Rathod also honoured NCC cadets—both boys and girls—by presenting them with badges, reinforcing the message of discipline and equal opportunity.
Speaking on the initiative, Adi Rishabh Jain, Vice President, Swarrnim Startup & Innovation University, said, “SwarrnimTalks was created to give our students direct access to leaders who have shaped their fields through courage, integrity and innovation. When young people engage with role models like Rani Mukerji and Parikshita Rathod, they do not just hear stories of success; they begin to visualise their own potential and responsibility as future changemakers.”
The session marked another milestone in Swarrnim’s mission to nurture a culture of entrepreneurship, inclusion and leadership, leaving students with not just inspiration—but a call to act.
