On June 30, the University of Engineering and Management (UEM) celebrated the 75th Year of Independence by felicitating and honouring extraordinary women across various fields who have made their mark through their professional careers and the significant changes they have initiated through their work. The programme, held in the auditorium of UEM Kolkata, was inaugurated with a ceremonial lighting of the lamp by pro-vice chancellor Satyajit Chakrabarti, joined by other dignitaries.
An enlightening panel discussion followed, with Shoma A. Chatterji, journalist, author and film scholar; Alokananda Roy, dancer, actress and social activist; Lopamudra Mitra, singer and composer; Suhrita Paul, vice chancellor of West Bengal University of Health Sciences; and Nilanjana Maulik, secretary general of Alzheimer’s and Related Disorder Society of India (ARDSI), Calcutta Chapter, as the panellists. The discussion was compered by eminent anchor Satinath Mukhopadhyay, who was also felicitated along with the panellists.
The panel discussion aimed at acquainting the guests with the extraordinary journeys of the panellists. They shared personal experiences about challenges that they had to face, their strategies to meet various challenges and ultimately becoming successful in their field of work. Shoma emphasised the importance of owning a home and women’s employment to achieve financial independence and control over their own lives. Alokananda condemned the negativity that women often face in our society. She further elaborated on the limitations this kind of negativity perpetuates. She explained how gender discrimination and bias bring down a woman’s self-esteem, therefore hindering them from availing several opportunities. Women can dream big and achieve success, but the need for a supportive and empowering society is urgent, she said.
Lopamudra advocated pursuing one’s passions to build a life that is balanced and joyful. She related her journey to stardom through her art and advised the guests present to treat others with love and respect in order to maintain harmony. Suhrita shared how she balances her personal and professional lives, which is a challenge that working women often face. She encouraged women to pursue their careers in their respective fields of interest. She is still professionally pursuing her love of singing. Nilanjana talked about the harrowing challenges in dealing with Alzheimer’s disease such as cognitive decline, memory loss and difficulty in conducting basic activities. She also shared the reality of the emotional strain the family of a patient suffers and stressed the need for support systems to provide proper care as they navigate the rapidly progressive states of the disease, while also taking care of their own health.
The event brought to light varied perspectives, lessons and journeys highlighting the fact that women are equipped with the will and the power needed to achieve every dream they aspire to and change the society for the better. The panellists inspired the audience by sharing their journeys and elucidated through their speeches women’s ability to follow their passion, stay persistent in the face of hardships and be able to shape their lives into something they are proud of.