Gender Equality in Focus: National Symposium Marks Thoughtful Exchange of Ideas

Chikkaballapur, May 11, 2025

A three-day National Symposium on “Achieving Gender Equality in India: Opportunities and Challenges” was successfully organized from May 8 to 10, 2025, by the Women’s Development Cell of Vasanta College for Women, Varanasi, in collaboration with Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence (SSSUHE), Karnataka.

The symposium was inaugurated by Prof. Srikanta Murthy (Vice Chancellor, SSSUHE) and Prof. Alka Singh, Principal of Vasanta College, with distinguished addresses delivered by Prof. Vaishali Sharma (Vice Chancellor, Jagannath University) and Prof. Jaya Bhasin (Central University of Jammu). Their insightful speeches emphasized the urgent need for inclusive, policy-driven efforts to achieve gender parity in India.

The event was convened by Prof. Minakshi Biswal (SSSUHE), Prof. Preeti Singh (VCW), Prof. Anandan (SSSUHE), and Dr. Yogita Beri (VCW), who collectively ensured the seamless execution of the symposium’s academic agenda.

Across three technical sessions, around 40 research papers were presented on critical themes of gender equality. The event also featured enriching plenary talks by Prof. Sudeshna Mukherjee and Prof. Namita Rajput.

With around 250 participants from across Indian states—Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Kerala, Nagaland, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Bihar, and Delhi—the symposium fostered diverse dialogue and collaboration.

The event concluded with a valedictory address by Prof. Alka Singh and closing remarks by Ms. Krishna Subhaga of the Prashanti Balamandira Trust, affirming a shared commitment to building a more gender-equitable society.