National Science Seminar on Women Empowerment

Udaipur: A two-day national conference on the role of science and technology in women's empowerment and entrepreneurship development commenced at Pacific University on Friday. The conference was inaugurated by Padma Shri Dr. Balram Bhargava, Chief of Cardiorthoracic Surgery at AIIMS, New Delhi. The event, organized by Pacific University and the National Academy of Sciences India (Rajasthan Chapter), aims to raise awareness about the role of science and technology in creating a conducive environment for women's empowerment.

Prof. S.D. Purohit, the Secretary of the event, highlighted the importance of the seminar in bringing together various sections of society to discuss and raise awareness about the role of science and technology in creating a conducive environment for women's empowerment.

Dr. Bhargava emphasized the crucial role of science and technology as a sustainable foundation for women's livelihood security and quality of life. He praised India's contributions to vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledged the essential role of science and technology in achieving this success. He further underlined the global efforts of scientists to develop COVID-19 vaccines, emphasizing the indispensable role of scientific knowledge.

Padma Bhushan Dr. Manju Sharma, former Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, stressed that although India has a conducive environment for women's empowerment, more efforts are required to promote gender equality in society without any gender bias.

In recent decades, the agenda of creating more opportunities for women in the fields of science and technology is gaining momentum worldwide, encouraging women to choose careers in science and technology without any gender bias.

Prof. H.N. Varma, Chair of NASI Rajasthan Chapter, spoke about the chapter's initiatives related to women's empowerment through agriculture.

Dr. K.K. Lohiya acknowledged the achievements of NASI and various women scientists from Rajasthan in various fields of science and technology nationally and internationally.

From Puducherry, Prof. V.M. Katoch discussed digital technology, while Dr. Satish Sharma highlighted income-generating activities in the tribal areas. From Ajmer, Prof. K.K. Sharma spoke about the goals and challenges of science and technology. Prof. Rita Singh addressed hormonal fertility, and Prof. Shobhna Sharma discussed challenges in the field of science. Prof. Kiran Katoch spoke about women and their health in India. Prof. S.D. Purohit spoke about the use of forest resources for the economic growth of rural women, and Paramjit Khurana discussed the role of women in agribusiness.

Prof. B.P. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of Pacific University, described the seminar as an excellent opportunity for a group of successful entrepreneurs from the Udaipur region to interact with eminent scientists and policy-makers. He emphasized how the integration of tools of science and technology in their products can enhance the value addition for women and their economic empowerment. Empowering women can certainly ensure a better and happier life for all.

The event was welcomed by Prof. K.K. Dave and Prof. S.D. Purohit chaired the proceedings.