Manipal, March 8, 2021.

On account of International Women’s Day today Manipal Academy of Higher Education felicitated women achievers for their remarkable work. The ceremony was presided over by Mrs Vasanti R Pai,Trustee,MAHE,Lt.Gen. Madhuri Kanitkar, AVSM, VSM was the esteemed chief guest alongwith Mrs. Indira S Ballal, Philanthropist and MrsKusuma Venkatesh,Educationist as  Guest  Honor.  Dr HS Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE and Lt.Gen.(Dr.)M.D.Venkatesh,VSM(Retd),Vice Chancellor, MAHE were also present.

Sharing her thoughts and message to all the Women on this occasion, Lt.Gen. Madhuri Kanitkar, AVSM, VSM , chief guest said, “At the outset I would like to thank MAHE for inviting me be a chief guest on the occasion of  International Women’s day. I would like to start with 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 women.Orphaned at 2 Married at 9 Widowed at 10 Doctor at 29,but it was her mother choose to challenge systems and accepted norms of society in the early 1900.My own 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 .”

MrsVasantiR 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 but 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, Mrs 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. Majority of the countries like in Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Finland, Slovakia, Uthopia, New Zealand have dealt with 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.”

Mrs.RozyBaretto, working over 4 decades in Postal Department and SmtBabyHSalian who is a Women entrepreneur were felicitated in their respective field today. This was followed by the prize distribution to the winners of Essay and Painting Competition on #ChooseToChallenge.

Dr Smitha Nayak, Associate Professor - MIM gave the welcome address, Mrs 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 extravaganza cultural programme performed by the staff of MAHE.