Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates workshop to empower women leaders for Viksit Bharat

Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a one-day workshop focused on empowering women leaders in academia, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The event emphasised the crucial role of women in shaping the future of higher education and leadership in India.

In Short

• Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a workshop on women leaders for Viksit Bharat 2047
• Event aligns with NEP 2020, empowering women in education
• Pradhan highlighted government's shift to women-led development

Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, inaugurated a one-day workshop titled Women Leaders: Shaping Academic Excellence for VIKSIT Bharat @ 2047 in New Delhi, organised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The event was graced by Dr Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister of State for Education and Development of the North Eastern Region, along with several distinguished personalities, including Secretary of Education Sanjay Kumar, UGC Chairman Professor M. Jagadesh Kumar, and DRDO’s Director General of Aeronautical Systems, Dr Rajalakshmi Menon.

Pradhan emphasised the alignment of this workshop with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on empowering women at all levels of education. He commended the event for its objective to inspire women to assume leadership roles and raise the standards of higher education in India.

Highlighting the transformative strides made by women in breaking traditional barriers, Pradhan described Nari Shakti as a symbol of resilience, strength, and hope. He credited the government’s consistent efforts over the last decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fostering a shift from women’s development to women-led development. He noted that women’s participation is increasing across sectors, including STEM fields, and stressed the importance of creating a level playing field for them in all spheres.

Pradhan underscored the necessity of an Indian model of women empowerment to ensure women are integral to decision-making processes. He expressed confidence that workshops like these would pave the way for a future where women play a central role in nation-building, contributing significantly to achieving the goal of a developed India—Viksit Bharat.

Dr Sukanta Majumdar reiterated the pivotal role of women in academic and societal leadership, drawing inspiration from historical figures like Maitreyi and Gargi, as well as contemporary leaders like Dr Soumya Swaminathan.

He noted India’s impressive Gross Enrolment Ratio for women and highlighted government initiatives such as PM-USHA, WISE-KIRAN, and DIKSHA that promote gender inclusivity in academia and research. Comparing society to a bird, Dr Majumdar emphasised the need to strengthen both wings—men and women—for holistic development.

Sanjay Kumar also spoke about the importance of diversity in leadership, particularly in STEM fields, where India has achieved the highest participation of women globally. He stressed the need for robust policies to sustain this momentum and reiterated the vision of Prime Minister Modi to make India a developed nation led by the contributions of women.

(With PIB inputs)