NE NEWS SERVICE
MANIPAL, MAR 8
Manipal Academy of Higher Education felicitated women achievers on International Women’s Day, Monday, for their remarkable work. The ceremony was presided over by Vasanti R Pai, Trustee, MAHE, Lt. Gen. Madhuri Kanitkar was the chief guest along with Indira S Ballal, Philanthropist, and Kusuma Venkatesh, Educationist as Guest of Honour, says a release.
Dr HS Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, MAHE, and Lt. Gen. (Dr.) MD Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor, MAHE were also present.
Sharing her thoughts and message to all the Women on this occasion, Lt. Gen. Madhuri Kanitkar, the chief guest said, “At the outset, I would like to thank MAHE for inviting me to be a chief guest on the occasion of International Women’s Day. I would like to start with a quote, ‘Freedom lies by being bold.’ Most often women choose to keep quiet, but I think this theme tells us that we need to do more. I don’t run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run towards it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your foot.”
Lt. Gen. Madhuri Kanitkar, paid tribute to her grandmother Dr Sarladevi Khot who was a gutsy woman. Orphaned at 2, married at 9, widowed at 10 Doctor at 29, but it was her mother’s choice to challenge systems and accepted norms of society in early 1900. My journey started in July 1978 to March 2020 when I became a Lt Gen. My first challenge was Joining AFMC with no background in armed forces.
She further added, “In conclusion, I would like to share the message, that each woman is capable of doing much and beyond, so you need to move out of your comfort zone .”
Vasanti R Pai, Trustee, MAHE, giving the Presidential Address said “I welcome Lt. Gen. Madhuri Kanitkar and it’s an honour to have her on this day. Though 2020 has been a year full of challenges due to the pandemic women have shown courage and proved themselves to be strong and they can achieve whatever they want at any age if they make up their mind. I wish everyone a very happy and healthy Women’s Day”.
Speaking on the occasion, Kusuma Venkatesh, Educationist said, “I take immense pleasure in wishing everyone a very Happy International Women’s Day. Women as healthcare workers, caregivers have performed exemplary work during the pandemic. The majority of the countries like Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Finland, Slovakia, Ethiopia, New Zealand have dealt with the COVID situation better as women were the heads of the state. Yet there are only 20 countries where women are the heads of the country. Women have proved their commitment even during these trying times. Gone are the days when they said that behind every successful woman there is a man, today we all lead from the front. Therefore, I recognise, congratulate, and salute all the women achievers who have been felicitated today.”
Rozy Baretto, working over 4 decades in Postal Department, and Baby H Salian who is a Women entrepreneur were felicitated in their respective field today. This was followed by the prize distribution to the winners of the Essay and Painting Competition on #ChooseToChallenge.
Dr Smitha Nayak, Associate Professor – MIM gave the welcome address, Hilda Cornelio, Management Executive made the introductions of the chief guest, Dr Shubha H S, Associate Professor & HOD, Media Studies, MIC, Manipal was the master of the ceremony and vote of thanks was given by Dr Jagriti Gangopadhyay, Coordinator of Center for Women’s Studies. The Officials of MAHE, Faculties, and Students were present during the function. The programme concluded with a cultural extravaganza performed by the staff of MAHE.
