National Webinar on Women in Indian Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities

Koraput: A national Webinar on “Women in Indian Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities” was organized jointly by the Central University of Odisha, Koraput and Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Bihar today. Dr.(Smt.) Pankaj Mittal Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi addressed on this occasion as the Chief Speaker. Prof. Shashikala Wanjari, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai; Prof. Sunaina Singh, Hon’ble VC, Nalanda University, Nalanda and Prof. I Ramabrahmam Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Central University of Odisha spoke as special Guests. The seminar was presided over by Prof. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, MGCUB.
As the chief guest, Dr. Pankaj Mittal, General Secretary of the Indian University Association, New Delhi, said that today women have come forward in every field. There is also a need to change the mental concepts towards women, when we think of big scientists, doctors, then the image of male is created in our brain and when we think of nurse or receptionist, the image of woman comes to the mind. Changes are now taking place in our male dominated society, but even today, in rural society, men take decisions regarding higher education and opportunities for women. We should also ponder over this attitude. Managing family is also a big challenge that women easily do. Now training courses with small skill development are also being run in many institutions, due to which women are becoming self-sufficient by doing this course. Women’s colleges and women’s universities are in larger numbers needed. In the end, Dr. Pankaj Mittal gave inspirational suggestions to women that there are two types of people in the world, first – those who got moulded in the lap of time, second – those who changed the role and context. It is up to you to decide what to do.
Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Odisha, Prof. I Rambrahmam expressed happiness about this web seminar as a Special Guest and said that women are decision makers . Women are also good administrators, managers and consultants. Women also have the ability to lead the society and the country. He said that in this ‘Covid 19 time’ too, many women were seen standing with the society. They acted as Corona warriors. University administration also needs to think about why women should come forward in higher education.