MARCH 12:Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, attended the ‘Shakti Parv’ event organized by the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), to commemorate International Women’s Day. The event, held on March 11, celebrated the strength, resilience, and achievements of women from various walks of life, recognizing their contributions across multiple fields.
Women leaders and achievers were felicitated during the ceremony, highlighting their remarkable impact on society. The event also featured engaging discussions, storytelling sessions, and insightful talks, bringing together distinguished speakers, scholars, and students. These sessions emphasized the pivotal role women play in shaping society, both in the present and in the future.
Ramesh Kumar, as the chief guest, addressed the audience and highlighted the challenges women face due to societal biases at different stages of life. He urged the need to break deeply ingrained stereotypes and emphasized that women’s empowerment should not be celebrated only on International Women’s Day but must be reflected in everyday actions and attitudes. Special guest Devyani Rana shared her personal journey of breaking stereotypes in the media industry, stressing the importance of diverse representation of women in journalism. She also underscored the role of women’s voices in storytelling, which she believes is essential for a balanced narrative in the media industry.
Prof. Garima Gupta, Head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, welcomed the participants and spoke on the importance of ‘Shakti Parv.’ She noted that the event pays tribute to the spirit of women who challenge societal norms and inspire change. She also acknowledged the crucial role men play in promoting women’s empowerment, stating that it is the synergy of both genders that can create a truly empowered society.
Regional Director of IGNCA, Shruti Awasthi, emphasized that women have always been the driving force behind societal progress. She stated that through cultural narratives and academic discussions, the event aims to highlight women’s invaluable contributions to society.
Women security guards, auto drivers, and shopkeepers were also felicitated for their hard work, resilience, and contribution to society. Chairperson of MIER Group of Institutions, Renu Gupta, stressed the need to accelerate efforts toward gender equality. Other speakers, including renowned singer Aasha Kesar, Nirmal Vikram, Fozia Akhtar, and Rolie Khanna, shared their experiences and discussed various aspects of women’s empowerment, gender bias, and the evolving role of women in journalism. The event concluded with a strong message of unity, change, and the ongoing struggle for equality.