IIT Bhubaneswar Celebrates International Women’s Day

Bhubaneswar:  The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar marked International Women’s Day with a grand celebration and function on March 18, 2024. The Women Welfare Committee (WWC) of the Institute orchestrated the event with great pomp. Professor (Dr.) Sweta Singh, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, graced the occasion as the esteemed chief guest.

During the event, Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director of IIT Bhubaneswar, emphasized the increasing enrollment of female students in technical education, citing various surveys. He underscored the institute’s commitment to fostering gender diversity in professions beyond the conventional ones, attributing this shift partly to advancements in technology and societal changes. Prof. Karmalkar emphasized the pivotal role of technological progress in empowering women and called for a shift in attitudes toward women’s professional advancement.

In her keynote address, Professor (Dr.) Sweta Singh elaborated on the theme ‘Inspire Inclusion: Supporting Women’s Health’. She provided invaluable insights into health concerns such as Cervical Cancer and Breast Cancer, outlining preventive measures to safeguard women’s health. Dr. Singh also raised awareness about available vaccines for cervical cancer prevention and offered guidance on prenatal care.

Dr. Manaswini Behera, Chairperson of the Women Welfare Committee, highlighted the committee’s ongoing initiatives aimed at ensuring the welfare of female members within the Institute. Dr. Prama Bhattacharya, Member Secretary of the WWC, extended gratitude through a vote of thanks.

The event also honored the winners of various competitions held earlier in the month, presenting them with prizes. Additionally, students and residents of the Institute showcased their talents through diverse cultural performances, captivating the audience.