Agri varsity celebrates International Women’s Day with focus on gender equality

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, hosted a grand celebration of International Women’s Day at the Pal Auditorium. The event honoured women’s contributions across various fields and reinforced the call for gender equality and empowerment.

A key highlight of the event was chief guest Sanjeev Arora, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, gifting the Indian Constitution to distinguished women achievers, emphasising the power of constitutional rights in empowering women.

Addressing the gathering, Arora lauded the pivotal role of women in shaping a progressive society and humorously noted that while roadsides often displayed boards that read “Men at Work,” there should be signs everywhere acknowledging that women were tirelessly working across all fields.

He highlighted that gifting the Indian Constitution was the most meaningful tribute, ensuring women knew their legal rights and entitlements. He cited compelling statistics, noting that Indian women constituted 30.69 per cent of armed forces personnel, 15 per cent of the global aviation workforce, and 29 per cent of civil services and medical professionals, with 80 per cent in nursing and nearly 100 per cent in social health services.

PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal reaffirmed the university’s leadership in championing gender equality in agriculture. He highlighted how women-led agribusinesses, precision farming, and agricultural research were reshaping the sector, which men once dominated. “A nation cannot succeed if its women are left behind,” he asserted, calling for a shift from celebration to action in securing equal opportunities for women in research, education, and leadership.

The guest of honour, Harpreet Singh Sandhu, State Information Commissioner of Punjab, echoed these sentiments, calling women the backbone of civilisation. He commended Arora’s vision of gifting the Indian Constitution, describing it as an empowering resource for every woman.

Jitendra Jorwal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, compared the Indian Constitution to a necklace with multi-coloured beads, symbolising India’s unity in diversity. He urged that every day should be Women’s Day and stressed that women’s contributions must be fully utilised for India to achieve its developmental goals.

Gurlovleen Singh Sidhu, IAS, recited a poem as a tribute to womanhood. Dr Simranjeet Kaur Gill, Dean of Academics at CT University, delivered an insightful presentation on women’s rights and legal protections, shedding light on the challenges and progress in gender justice.