GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
GANDHINAGAR, MAR 8
Women’s economic empowerment and education are essential to achieving women’s rights and gender equality. Importantly, the economic empowerment of women and closing gender gaps in the work are vital to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Five women from the banking, civil service, academics, and the chamber of commerce batted for women’s economic empowerment and education by sharing their experiences at an event held in the GIFT City ahead of the International Women’s Day on March 2.
Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd unveiled a specially commissioned sculpture at GIFT City, ahead of International Women’s Day on 8th March. Titled “Meri Udaan, Meri Pehchaan”, the 21-feet high sculpture salutes the indomitable spirit of the Aatmanirbhar Indian Women and aims to inspire women across the country.
- KotakSilkUnveils“Meri Udaan, Meri Pehchaan” Sculpture at GIFT City To Commemorate International Women’s Day
- The sculpture salutes the Spirit of the ‘Aatmanirbhar’ Indian Women taking flight and creating their own identity
- Today’s women are truly inspiring, embodying the spirit of independence and resilience as they create their own identities and break barriers to fulfil their aspirations: Shanti Ekambaram, Whole-time Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd
The especially curated, traveling sculpture designed by artist Shaila Nambiar, is a tribute to Indian women who are confidently taking charge of their finances and moving towards financial freedom. The red cape flowing from her shoulders, inspired by the Infinity symbol in Kotak’s identity, symbolises her superpower; her strength and resilience.
The unique traveling sculpture was unveiled in Gurugram last year. This year, she has travelled to GIFT City, near Ahmedabad.
“Meri Udaan, Meri Pehchaan” sculpture was unveiled by chief guests Mona Khandhar, Principal Secretary (Economic Affairs), Finance Department, Govt of Gujarat; Dr. Indira Parikh, President – Antardisha, Founder – President, FLAME University and Former Dean, IIM A; Dr. Rachana Gemawat, Chairperson – FICCI FLO, Ahmedabad Chapter; as well as Dr. Rajul Gujjar, Principal – LD Engineering college, Ahmedabad, along with Shanti Ekambaram, Whole-time Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.
After the unveiling of the sculpture, Shanti Ekambaram, Whole-time Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd, moderated a panel discussion by the four women leaders.
Kick-starting the discussion, Mona Khandhar, Principal Secretary (Economic Affairs), Finance Department, Govt of Gujarat, “I was very happy when I received my first salary as it helped in buying gifts for my family. When I was posted in the Dangs, the tribal district in Gujarat, I found that women were treated as assets by their husbands as polygamy is a tribal custom. To put an end to this, I approached the NDDB to help launch dairy coops for them. They resisted it by saying that they had made two abortive attempts earlier. After much persuasion, dairy coops were started in seven villages with 700 litres of milk per day. Tribal women grabbed this opportunity and made it a great success. Later, the Central government replicated this all over the country.”
Stating that marriage does not put an end to women’s education, Dr. Indira Parikh, President – Antardisha, Founder – President, FLAME University and Former Dean, IIM A, said, “Though I was a school dropout, I got married to a doctorate scholar at the age of 18. My husband asked me ‘what is your life’s ambition ky dear young lady?’ To this I replied that ‘I want to pursue education.’ With his solid support, I not only completed graduation in top class world university and pursued doctorate and become a faculty of IIMA. Marriage is no barrier for ambitious women. All we have to do is work and family balance.”
Rachana Gemawat, Chairperson – FICCI FLO, Ahmedabad Chapter, said, “At the time of marriage I was a dentist. After settling in family life, I wanted to join my family business. To equip me well, I did management course and contributed a lot to the business as I am from a Marwari family.”
Surviving in a male dominated world, Dr. Rajul Gujjar, Principal – LD Engineering college, Ahmedabad, said, “Many of my students, especially girls, used to take part in many challenging project works and competitions and come out with flying colours. On the contrary, majority of my women faculties were reluctant to go out for outstation duties and pursue doctorate citing family responsibilities. As a caring mother and responsible head of an educational institute, I goaded them to complete the doctorate. To my utter surprise, over a dozen women were conferred with doctorates in one-go at a Gujarat Technological University convocation ceremony. We can achieve life’s goal with hardwork and determination.
The moderator Shanti Ekambaram, Whole Time Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank “I would like every woman to aspire to reach the very top. For that they have to get out of their comfort and contentment zones and take risks in the kind of job and role that they do so as to get adequate experience and exposure. Women also need to also constantly build their confidence quotient so that they are heard and can express their point of view clearly. It is also important that every woman be financially empowered and literate so that they can manage their own money and grow their savings and wealth.”
“Today’s women are truly inspiring, embodying the spirit of independence and resilience as they create their own identities and break barriers to fulfil their aspirations. As evident in EPFO data, more and more women are joining the workforce, paving the way for their financial independence. #MeriUdaan, Meri Pehchaan by #KotakSilk salutes these women. As we soon approach the International Women’s day, I urge more and more women to pursue the journey of financial freedom. Reach out for the stars and be in control of your own finances,” added Shanti Ekambaram
As part of the #MeriUdaan by #KotakSilk campaign, Kotak Mahindra Bank will run exclusive offers for its Silk customers throughout the month of March, with special offers on a range of popular brands.
Kotak Silk is Kotak Mahindra Bank’s exclusive banking programme designed to partner women in their journey towards financial independence and help them Save, Invest, Protect as well as Indulge. It offers women special pricing on safe-deposit Lockers, Gold Loan, Two-Wheeler Loan, Personal Loan & Car Loan, exclusive offers on Nykaa, Urban Company and rewards on Debit card Spends. Kotak silk endeavours to help women customers master the art of personal finance with @silk.moneymatters, an Instagram community for women. The product also offers a dedicated query resolution desk especially for women.
