Alliance University held an event at the Anekal campus to mark International Women's Day with the theme 'Accelerate Action.' The event focused on gender equality and empowerment by recognising contributions across various fields. The Mahila Spandana Awards 2025 honoured twenty-two women for their achievements in industries such as healthcare, art and literature, media, sports, social impact, and entrepreneurship.

Recognising Contributions Across Fields

The awardees included Dr. Padmini Prasad, Dr. Suman Shree R, and Richa Singh in healthcare. Sudha Belawadi was recognised for her work in theatre and films. Dr Shukla Bose and Prarthana Kaul were honoured for their contributions as NGO founders, and Madhurima Agarwal was acknowledged as a business leader. The arts and literature category included Shilo Shiv Suleman in art, Dr Shylajaa Suresh, and Dr Hema Pattanashetty in literature. Education awardees included Yamuna K, Indira P.G., and Dr Vijaya Subbaraj. In agriculture, Anitha Nanda and Kavita Mishra were recognised. The media and journalism category included Pooja Prasanna and Navithaa Jain. Sobha Raghavan was acknowledged in social entrepreneurship, and Shobha Narayan was recognised for her role in sports. The event also recognised alumni entrepreneurs Payal Sakuja, Srishty Jain, and Sandhya S for their contributions.

Address by Guests and Speakers

The event was attended by Chief Guest Padma Shri (Dr.) C.N. Manjunath, Member of Parliament, Bengaluru Rural, Karnataka, and Guest of Honour Padma Shri Smt. Bharathi Vishnuvardhan, Veteran Actress. Padma Shri Dr. C.N. Manjunath stated that recognising women across diverse fields highlights the importance of empowerment at a more significant level. Ms. Surekha Shetty, Registrar General and Chairperson of the Alliance Centre for Women Empowerment, stated that education is a key tool for self-reliance and that initiatives driven by students and staff have created learning opportunities for rural women. She mentioned that skill development under Kaushalya Spandana is a step towards financial independence and improved livelihoods. She also expressed appreciation for institutionalising the Mahila Spandana Awards.

Initiatives and Activities

The event included exhibitions by self-help groups showcasing small businesses focused on food, art, and handicrafts. Mahila Sabalikarana, supporting education for underprivileged girls, and Kaushalya Spandana, providing skill development for village women and children, were highlighted. The event featured exhibitions and workshops and concluded with the distribution of twenty sewing machines to support rural women's livelihoods.

Cultural and Interactive Sessions

The event featured a musical performance by Smt. Sangeeta Katti Kulkarni and a cultural performance by students. Exhibitions, competitions, and workshops offered discussions and skill-building sessions for attendees. These activities provided opportunities for learning and interaction.

One of the awardees, Dr Padmini Prasad, stated that receiving this recognition reflects the collective effort toward progress. She mentioned that the discussions throughout the event highlighted the importance of empowerment and creating inclusive opportunities.

The event was attended by the Pro-Chancellor, Mr Abhay G. Chebbi, the Vice-Chancellor, Dr B. Priestly Shan, the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Banking, Finance, Development & New Initiatives), Mr Prakash S. Budur, the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Incubation and Innovation ) & Dean - Alliance School of Business, Dr Ray Titus, the Registrar, Dr Matam Viswanathaiah, and the Registrar General, Ms Surekha Shetty.