Srinagar, Mar 08:(KNS)   The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Tuesday celebrated 'International Women's Day' on the campus in which speakers lauded the contrition of women folk in the society.

The event was organized by Department of Physics and the theme for this year’s Women’s Day is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, recognizing the contribution of women and girls around the world for climate adaptation and mitigation.

Prof. Seemin Rubab from the Physics department was the event coordinator, while Senior Scientist, Dr. Nasheeman Ashraf from CSIR – Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanat Nagar was the chief guest and Prof. (Dr.) Massarat Khanon was guest on the occasion.

In her key address, Dr. Nasheeman Ashraf shared her inspiring academic and professional journey with the young women audience of the college.

"There is no shortcut to success and one can achieve their goal only through hard work and dedication. Education is the tool which can help one in achieving his/her goals," she said.

Dr. Nasheeman also briefed the participants about various women-centric scholarships, special schemes, awards, and fellowships. S urged students to get benefited from these opportunities.

On the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Massarat Khan, Dean Faculty of Fisheries, SKAUST-Kashmir who was guest of honour at the event also shared thoughts with the young audience and urged them to work hard in every field.

"Parental support is the backbone for the success and students cannot achieve their full potential unless their parents are actively involved in their education," she said.

Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Rakesh Sehgal expressed his gratitude to organizers including Prof. Seemin Rubab for organizing the women's day celebrations on the campus.

"It’s a day where women are recognized and appreciated for all their hard work and dedication. Women are running ahead of men and leading in each and every sector in the entire country," he said.

Regarding this year's theme, Prof. Sehgal women and girls are effective and powerful leaders and change-makers for climate adaptation and mitigation.

Quoting the example of recent JKBOSE results of 10th and 12th, he said girls have outshined boys. Newspapers were filled with success stories of the girls. Apart from looking after their families, women are excelling in every sphere in today's world, he said.

Prof. Sehgal said our world would mean nothing without women. Their courage that exists in perfect harmony with amazing tenderness saves our world every day, he said.

Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari said International Women’s Day is a way to recognize and appreciate the things that women do on both personal and professional ends in their lives.  

"There is no limit to the work and efforts that a woman can put forward for her own progress as well progress of people linked to her obviously sons, daughters, brothers, and husbands.

Prof. Bukhari said the celebration of women's day is a collective effort of all those who care about human rights. This day reminds us of all contributions and achievements of women in society.

"The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States on February 28 1909, which the Socialist Party of America dedicated in honour of the 1908 garment workers' strike in New York where women protested against harsh working conditions, he said.

Prof. Bukhari said it is the day where everyone appreciates, acknowledges everything that the women in their lives do,' he said.

 Head Department of Physics, Prof. MA Shah said this is a global day for celebrating the social, economical, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also focuses on issues of gender parity in society, he said.

Prof. Shah said his wish is to have ladies like Marie Curie and Lala Ded in the country. He also extended his gratitude to guests, Director Prof. Sehgal and Prof S K Bukhari for their consistent support to the department.

Earlier Prof. Seemin Rubab delivered her keynote address on 'A Philatelic tribute to women in freedom movement' in which she highlighted the contribution of women to Indian freedom.

"The history of Indian freedom struggle would be incomplete without mentioning the contributions of women. The sacrifice made by the women of India will occupy the foremost place. They fought with true spirit and undaunted courage," she said.

Prof. Rubab mentioned Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rani Laxmi Bai, Jhalkari Bai, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Awantibai Lodhi, Savitri Phule, Annie Besant, Sister Nivedita, Kasturba Gandhi, Sarijini Naidu, and others.

"Indian women who joined the national movement belonged to educated and liberal families, as well as those from the rural areas and from all walk of life, all castes, religions, and communities,' she said.

The event was also attended by Prof. Mohd. Ikram, Dr. Prince A . Ganai, Dr. Vijay Kumar, Dr. Mohd Zubair Ansari from the Physics department.

The event was followed by a Quiz program, which was coordinated by Miss Surbhi Rajput and Miss Shahreen Imtiyaz from the department.

The first position was bagged by Mouminah and Bazeela, followed by Puja, Varnika, Samruddhi, and Meenakshi. The third position was bagged by Saba and Asma respectively.

While a formal vote of thanks was presented by Assistant Professor, Dr. Jaya Shrivastava to all guests, Director, Registrar, faculty members, and students for making the event successful.(KNS)