Odisha Deputy CM Honors Women in Science with Pre-Women's Day High Tea
In a significant gesture ahead of International Women's Day, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida hosted a special high tea event on March 6 to honor ten distinguished women achievers in the fields of science and technology. The women were nominated by the state's science and technology department for their outstanding contributions and groundbreaking work.
Recognizing Academic and Research Excellence
The guest list featured prominent names from academia and scientific research. Among them was Suprava Patnaik, a retired professor from the prestigious Indian Institute of Forest Management in Bhopal, known for her work in environmental science. Nibedita Lenka, a retired scientist from the National Centre for Cell Science in Pune, was also honored for her contributions to cellular biology and medical research.
From the local academic community, Luna Samanta, a professor at Ravenshaw University in Cuttack, was recognized for her educational leadership. Trupti Das, the chief scientist at the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) in Bhubaneswar, was celebrated for her innovative research in materials science and industrial applications.
Celebrating Entrepreneurial Innovation
The event also shone a spotlight on women entrepreneurs who are driving innovation through their startups. Neera Singh, founder of ProCyto Labs, was invited for her work in biotechnology and healthcare solutions. Neeta Mohanty, founder of Orease Oral Care, was recognized for her contributions to dental health and wellness products.
Mamoni Dash, founder of Polyorbit, was honored for her entrepreneurial ventures in technology and business services. Shresta Patel, founder of Scylene Wellness, was celebrated for her innovations in the health and wellness sector. Shalini Singh, founder of ProtExent Biosolutions, was acknowledged for her work in bioscience research and development.
Additionally, Saiprassanna from Pharmatrendz was invited, representing the pharmaceutical and healthcare innovation sector with her entrepreneurial initiatives.
A Tribute to Women's Contributions in STEM
This high tea event served as more than just a social gathering—it was a formal recognition of the vital role women play in advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in India. By bringing together established academics, retired researchers, and dynamic entrepreneurs, the event highlighted the diverse pathways through which women are making significant impacts.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida's initiative underscores the state government's commitment to promoting gender equality in scientific and technological domains. The timing, just before International Women's Day, adds symbolic importance to the celebration, aligning with global efforts to acknowledge and empower women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
The recognition of these ten achievers sends a powerful message about the value of women's contributions to India's scientific and technological progress, inspiring future generations of women to pursue careers in STEM with confidence and ambition.
