On the auspicious afternoon of the 8th of March 2025, as the world paused to celebrate International Women’s Day, the hallowed precincts of Seminar Hall – II at the Indian Academy Group of Institutions reverberated with the impassioned voices of women leaders par excellence. The occasion Empowering Women Through Sisterhood: Mentorship, Collaboration, and Purpose-Driven Careers was not merely a panel discussion, but an eloquent symposium of sagacity, solidarity, and shared purpose. Commencing at 12:30 pm, this confluence of intellectual prowess and empathetic leadership was a testament to the indomitable spirit of womanhood and the transformative power of collective empowerment.
At the vanguard of this distinguished assemblage stood an illustrious constellation of panellists, each an exemplar of excellence in their own right. Dr. Bharathi, the dynamic Principal of IADC-A, brought to the table her profound insights on academia’s role in nurturing inclusive environments that foster gender equity. Dr. Vaishnavi K, a KAS Officer and Special Duty appointee to the Honourable Chief Minister of Karnataka, illuminated the audience with her nuanced perspectives on governance and policy frameworks that champion women’s empowerment at the highest echelons of public service. Ms. Megha MR, Chairman of HamsaTV and an influential podcaster, spoke with verve on the transformative capacity of media and storytelling in shaping societal narratives and amplifying women’s voices across the digital firmament.
The discourse was further enriched by the mellifluous presence of Smt. Uma Menon, a renowned Mohiniyattam exponent, choreographer, and founder of the Kalaanjali School of Dance. She articulated, with artistic fervour, the role of cultural expressions in reclaiming feminine identities and fostering intergenerational sisterhood. Complementing this dialogue was Ms. Sunita Dube, visionary Founder & CEO of Happy60Plus, a holistic seniors’ wellness platform. Her address poignantly underscored the imperative of inclusivity, particularly the oft-overlooked demographic of older women, in the matrix of collaborative empowerment. Orchestrating this intellectually invigorating dialogue was none other than Dr. Reena Shyam, the erudite Director of IASMS, who presided as the moderator. As the afternoon gave way to an aura of enlightened camaraderie, it became evident that this congregation was far more than an academic exercise; it was an invocation of collective resolve. The clarion call of sisterhood rooted in mentorship, collaboration, and purpose-driven action rang clear, promising a future where women not only break barriers but build bridges for generations yet to come.!
