One day ICSSR sponsored National seminar “Towards Inclusive Growth through Women Empowerment- An Economic and Psycho- Social Perspective” was organised at Khalsa College for Women, civil lines, Ludhiana. (Mrs.) justice Raj Rahul Garg, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh was the chief guest of the event. She presented the keynote address and inaugurated the seminar. In her address she apprised that the importance of women as valuable Human Resource was recognised by the Constitution of India but it calls for ingenious leadership, Political Will and implementation of laws to expand the democratic space for women in socio-cultural, economic and political sphere. The Principal Dr. Mukti Gill extended a warm welcome to the guests and delegates. Faculty, Scholars and researchers from various Universities and Institutes in India participated in the Seminar. The first session was taken over by the eminent academicians from various parts of the country. Dr. Rajesh Gill professor, Department of Sociology, Panjab University Chandigarh emphasised on the holistic development and empowerment of women, gender equality and gender justice through programmes impacting women. She also urged the need to create conducive environment to bring a social change. Dr. Navdeep Singh Tung Professor, Department of Psychology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, focused on women with special emphasis on mental health related issues and called for concerted efforts to address the women health issues effectively by Government, civil society and NGOS.
The Technical session was chaired by Dr. Nalini, Department of Psychology, Punjabi University Patiala. In the technical session Dr. Neena Malhotra, Professor, Punjab School of Economics, GNDU, Amritsar, deliberated on the importance of education in empowering women and making them financially independent and their role in the socio-economic growth of the country. The last session consisted of a Panel discussion on the issues and challenges in the way to women empowerment. The discussants were illustrious people from diverse fields such as Mr. Manish Chibber, Executive Editor, DNA News, Zee Network, Mrs. Manmeet Grewal, Director, Agaaz Charitable Foundation, Dr. Neeru Katyal, PCS, Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Jagraon, Mrs. Mridula Jain, M.D Shingora Textiles Ltd. and Mr. Neeraj Satija, Chairman, CII Ludhiana Zonal C. The audience also actively participated in the discussion.
In his valedictory speech Padma Bhushan Dr. S.S Johl, Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, appreciated the efforts of the organisers who worked an extra mile to bring insights and inputs into the important issue of empowering women and emphasised that women empowerment is required for inclusive growth and to build a sustainable society.
