International Women’s Day

To empower and celebrate the strength of women, the NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY celebrated the International Women’s Day on 8 March 2016. The School of Law organized an event in association with Indian National Bar Council (INBA) and Prachi Educational Society (PES) in the morning session. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Ms Rekha Lohani (IPS), DIG, CRPF and conferred the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service for the Year 2013. Ms Helene Tremblay, the Guest of Honour, is a Canadian citizen, an internationally acclaimed inspirational speaker, author and photographer. 30 years back she started an ambitious journey of Humanity to Humanity across 116 countries across the world. Prof. (Dr) Rama Patnayak, President, Prachi Education Society, Professor Delhi University and a renowned social activist and Ms Archana Agarwal, National Bar Council were special invitees at the event.

The programme highlighted the achievements and challenges that women have encountered to gain acceptability and their efforts towards achieving an equal footing with men.  The welcome address was delivered by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Brig. SK Sharma (Retd). He said, “Safety of women is a basic issue. At NCU there is no discrimination between males and females.  We offer equal opportunities to girls and boys in everything from admissions to academics, student activities etc. In fact, one third of the students are girls but corner 50% of top slots (the Dean’s List). NCU is the right destination for higher education of girl students.”

Speaking at the occasion Ms Lohani spoke about the strong women leaders of modern India who have played important roles in every field leading and excelling in the freedom struggle, and later like Ms Indira Gandhi, Ms Pratibha Singh Patil, our lady Chief Ministers, Kalpana Chawla, Saina Nehwal and many more.  She emphasized that women should be self-motivated and nothing should dampen their ‘self-drive’. They must not be complacent as they have a long way to go so as to soar like the eagle.

Through a visual presentation Ms Helen Tremblay highlighted the status of women in many parts of the world. Speaking from her observations she said that men have generally tried to break the spirit of a woman and that is why women need empowerment. She said, “Men are stuck in a tradition. Help them to think differently as men need women”.

Prof. (Dr) Rama Patnayak (PES) appreciated NCU’s sincerity towards women empowerment and stated, “No woman should be fearful or feel insecure. Women should be ensured security, and equality has to become a reality”.

Students, Mukul Sharma and Manmohit Grewal, BBA-LLB (H) were felicitated for their outstanding social work during their first internship at Prachi Educational Society.

At the end students rendered mesmerizing musical tribute to womanhood, with the audience joining in and swaying to the rhythm and clapping to their beats, making it a memorable occasion.  This was followed by a debate and Extempore competitions for students. The event was coordinated by Mr Subhradipta Sarkar (SOL) and Dr Divyabha Vashisth (CLL).

To rejoice in the spirit of womanhood, the celebrations continued in the afternoon, organized by NCU’s HR Manager Ms Deepika Deswal  and Dr Shilpi Wadhwa, in co-ordination with Columbia Asia Hospital, Gurgaon. Speaking on the occasion Ms Deswal  said that the theme for 2016 International Women's Day is  "Planet 50-50 by 2030" and all present took a pledge to take concrete steps to accelerate gender parity, equality and create inclusive and flexible cultures.

Talk on ‘Health and Fitness’ was organized for all girls and lady staff members and delivered by Columbia Asia Hospital’s team of Rheumatologist Dr Shaloo Bhasin Gagneja, Dietician Dr Honey Khanna and  Senior Gynecologist Dr Amita Shah. An interactive session followed the talks and prizes were awarded by Columbia Asia Hospital, followed by tea and refreshments.