Varanasi Hosts Inspiring International Women's Day 2026 Event at BHU
The National Academy of Sciences, Varanasi chapter, marked International Women's Day 2026 with a significant gathering at the Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, on Thursday. This event drew a diverse audience of 89 participants, including faculty members and PhD students from multiple prestigious institutions across Varanasi.
Diverse Participation from Leading Academic Institutions
Attendees represented a broad spectrum of Varanasi's academic community, coming from the Institute of Science itself, the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), and Mahila Maha Vidyalaya. This cross-institutional participation underscored the event's relevance and appeal across different fields of study and research.
Keynote Session: "A Journey of Resilience" by Padma Shri Recipient
A major highlight was the keynote address titled "A Journey of Resilience," delivered by Prof Mangala Kapoor from the department of music–vocal at Banaras Hindu University. Prof Kapoor, a distinguished recipient of the Padma Shri award in 2026, shared insights from her personal and professional experiences, emphasizing perseverance and strength in the face of challenges.
Interactive Panel Discussion on Women in Academia
The event featured an open forum interactive panel discussion focused on the theme "Challenges of Women in Academia and the Way Forward." This session provided a platform for participants to engage directly with speakers, reflecting on practical strategies to enhance women's leadership and representation in academic settings.
Distinguished Panelists and Moderator
The panel included esteemed academics such as Prof Shweta Prasad from the department of sociology and an executive committee member of BHU, Prof Chandana Haldar, former director of the Institute of Science at BHU, and Prof Royana Singh, former chief proctor of BHU. The discussion was skillfully moderated by Chandana Basu, a scientist at the Centre for Genetic Disorders, BHU, ensuring a productive and insightful dialogue.
Overall, the event served as a catalyst for meaningful conversations about gender equality in academia, celebrating women's achievements while addressing ongoing hurdles. It highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in higher education and research.
