The Alliance Centre for Women Empowerment at Alliance University hosted an inspiring conference titled "The Role of Women in Shaping Viksit Bharat 2047." The event brought together students, faculty, and esteemed guests to discuss how women are key to building a progressive and inclusive India by 2047, which marks the centenary of India's independence.

Inspiring Speakers and Thoughtful Discussions

The conference began with a welcoming address by Ms. Surekha Shetty, Registrar General of Alliance University. She emphasised the importance of uniting powerful voices of women, who should be seen not merely as contributors but as central figures in shaping the nation's future. The event also featured a formal address by Dr B. Priestly Shan, Vice Chancellor of Alliance University. He highlighted various initiatives by the university to encourage women's participation in leadership and empowerment. Dr Shan stressed that empowerment starts at home, with mothers playing an essential role in shaping future generations.

Dr Ray Titus, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Business School, discussed how women continue to face mental barriers in their professional lives. He emphasised the importance of taking risks and being a decision-maker, suggesting overcoming mental barriers would lead to better decision-making.

Keynote Speeches by Distinguished Guests

The event was graced by two distinguished chief guests, Padma Shri Malathi Krishnamurthy Holla, a renowned para-athlete, and Dr Meghana Gaonkar, an acclaimed actress and scholar. Padma Shri Holla shared her journey of resilience and determination. She spoke of her extraordinary achievements in wheelchair racing, shot put, and discus throw, having won 393 gold medals at national and international levels. Despite facing numerous challenges, she encouraged young girls to focus on their future and aspire to greatness, concluding with the words, "If you change your world, the world will change according to you."

Dr Meghana Gaonkar, known for her role in the Kannada film industry, spoke about her decision to break stereotypes and pursue a career in the film industry. She encouraged young girls to pursue their passions with dedication and perseverance, ending her speech with the message, "Brush off all the challenges and stand on top of it."

Panel Discussion on Women's Role in Nation-Building

The conference also featured a panel discussion with academic leaders, industry experts, and students. The panellists, including Dr Chitra Narayan, Ms Nandini Sarkar, Ms Nivedita Singh, and Ms Shobha Varthaman, discussed several critical topics such as women in leadership and governance, the role of technology in closing gender gaps, encouraging women entrepreneurs in both rural and urban areas, and the policies required for achieving gender equality. The interactive discussion allowed the audience to engage with the panellists, and the ideas shared resonated with all attendees.

Conclusion

The event concluded with a vote of appreciation to the panellists, participants, and chief guests for their invaluable contributions. The discussions and ideas exchanged during the event strengthened the belief that women will be pivotal in realising the vision of a developed and inclusive India by 2047. The success of this conference, organised by the Alliance Centre for Women Empowerment, inspired all attendees to support the mission of "Viksit Bharat 2047."

The conference not only showcased the significant contributions of women across various fields but also highlighted their role in shaping India's future. The speakers, panellists, and attendees shared valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and women's influence on national development. The event celebrated the spirit of innovation, dedication, and leadership that women bring to shaping India's future.