Through education, women are forging ahead in every field.

Under the aegis of the Women’s Development Cell (WDC) of Sri Aurobindo College—affiliated with the University of Delhi—an event titled “ASTITVA ’26: A Celebration of Existence” was organized to mark International Women’s Day. The objective of this program was to celebrate the identity, strength, and achievements of women, while simultaneously creating a platform for meaningful dialogue on gender equality and empowerment. The event featured Ms. Rashmi Singh (IAS), Secretary of Women and Child Development (Government of Delhi), as the Chief Guest. The proceedings were presided over by the College Principal, Professor Arun Chaudhary, and the stage was anchored by Dr. Ila Yadav. On this occasion, various cultural societies of the college presented a diverse array of performances. A large number of female students and faculty members participated in the event. Notable attendees included Ms. Ayanna Bhardwaj, Dr. Anita, Dr. Nosaba, Dr. Neetu Dubey, Dr. Kalpita Sonwal, Dr. Moushumi Biswas, Prof. Namita Rajput, Dr. Kirti Yadav, Dr. Anupama, Prof. Hansraj Suman, Dr. Vikas Anand, among others.

The program formally commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Chief Guest and the College Principal—a traditional custom symbolizing the dissemination of knowledge, positivity, and empowerment. Following this, the Chief Guest and the Principal were felicitated with floral bouquets. The inaugural session was succeeded by a beautiful classical dance performance presented by the college’s Classical Dance Society, “Nadanta.” This performance resonated perfectly with the theme of Women’s Day, offering a vivid portrayal of the spirit, resilience, and dignity of women. This cultural presentation infused the event with a unique warmth and artistic flair, setting a wonderful tone for the remainder of the program. The college’s Western Music Society, “Allegro,” delivered a musical performance that added a vibrant and energetic touch to the proceedings. Their performance aligned perfectly with the program’s theme and was highly appreciated by the audience.

The Chief Guest, Ms. Rashmi Singh (IAS), held an interactive session with the college students, during which she shared her experiences and insights with both students and faculty members. In her address, Ms. Singh spoke about the evolving role of women in society, specifically highlighting that society has now entered an era of women-led development. She noted that today, women are excelling in every field; while there was a time when they were not permitted to step outside the home, today there is no domain where women have not made their presence felt. All of this, she emphasized, has been made possible through education. Education has fostered awareness within society, enabling women to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with men. She further remarked that women often have to prove their mettle by balancing responsibilities both at home and in the workplace—a challenge that ultimately enables them to perform exceptionally well. Dr. Ila Yadav observed that Ms. Rashmi Singh’s address was profoundly inspiring for the students. Her interaction with the audience was highly motivating, encouraging the students to believe in their own capabilities and to pursue their goals with unwavering determination.
On this occasion, various societies presented cultural programs. The event also featured two engaging competitions, designed with the specific objective of fostering dialogue and critical thinking. The first competition was a debate titled “Power Pitch,” in which participants presented their arguments and perspectives on relevant issues with absolute confidence. Participants took an active role in this debate competition, engaging in profound discussions. Based on their compelling arguments and impressive presentation skills, Ms. Ritakshi and Mr. Vansh were declared the winners of this competition.

Similarly, the second competition, titled “Break the Bias,” was a problem-solving challenge; it encouraged participants to reflect upon existing gender biases in real-life scenarios and propose practical solutions to address them. Confronting the challenges placed before them, the participants demonstrated a remarkable display of creativity, awareness, and analytical thinking. For their well-thought-out and innovative approaches, Ms. Palak and Mr. Ashmit were declared the winners of this competition. Both competitions were conducted seamlessly and received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from both the participants and the audience. The event concluded with the distribution of certificates to the winners and all participants, acknowledging and appreciating their efforts and contributions.

The event coordinator, Dr. Ila Yadav, remarked that “ASTITVA ’26 – Celebrating Existence” proved to be an immensely meaningful and memorable celebration of International Women’s Day. This event successfully underscored the importance of recognizing women’s voices, experiences, and achievements within society; furthermore, it inspired students to reflect upon the ideals of equality and empowerment within the community. It was an exceptionally well-organized event that presented a wonderful confluence of inspiration, creativity, and dialogue, leaving everyone with a sense of enthusiasm and positivity. Following the conclusion of the cultural session, the College Principal, Professor Arun Chaudhary, delivered his presidential address, in which he shared his views on the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in every sphere of life. In his address, he emphasized the need for sustained efforts to ensure equality and dignity within society. He concluded his remarks with a beautiful poem, the central themes of which were women’s empowerment, dignity, and respect. He further highlighted that several societies dedicated to the welfare of young women are actively functioning within our college, extending their work across Delhi and the NCR region.