Lohri celebration on theme of “Promises and Action for Attaining Gender Equality” 

Chandigarh, January 13, 2025: The Department cum Centre for Women’s Studies and Development, Panjab University Chandigarh organised a Lohri celebration centred around the theme of “Promises and Action for Attaining Gender Equality”. 

The event saw active participation from faculty, students, and research scholars of the emerging areas building, and university, fostering awareness and commitment to the cause of gender equality. A gender-sensitive rendition of the traditional Lohri Song, DulhaBhatti, along with a specially composed boliyan advocating for women’s empowerment and gender equality, set the tone for the event. 

On the occasion, students recited boliyan to tackle gender-based inequalities, and students were gender sensitised, and made aware about burning gender issues. 

The performances emphasised the importance of gender parity, blending tradition with contemporary social issues. The Lohri celebrations were further marked by a symbolic effigy burning, for eliminating social evils, like Gender-based Women, Patriarchy, Acid Attacks, and reinforcing the department’s commitment to addressing gender-based inequalities/injustices. 

Also, the participants were invited to write their promises for gender equality on the board, making the festival not only a cultural celebration, but also a platform for social change. The students highlighted the issues of curbing female foeticide, trafficking, sexual harassment at the workplace, eliminating glass ceiling for women, commodification of women, etc.  Adding vibrancy to the festivities, students from Northeast India, visiting for a program with the Centre of Social Work, presented captivating dance performances that showcased their cultural heritage, further enriching the celebrations and making it more national.

Prof. Pam Rajput (Prof. Emerita, & Founder Director-DCWSD), and Prof. Manvinder Kaur, Prof. Anil Monga, Prof. Simrit Kahlon (DSW), Dr. Praveen Goyal, Dr.Ameer Sultana, Prof. Namita, Prof. Supinder, Prof. Dinesh, Dr.Bharati, Dr.Bhawna, Dr. Kuldeep, Dr. Prabhdeep, Prof. Monika, guest faculty, non-teaching staff, research scholars, security personnel and students actively participated in the festivities. The Lohri celebrations witnessed active participation across all walks of life. 

Earlier, Dr. Rajesh K. Chander, Chairperson, advocated the need for gender equality and equal participation of all genders, to achieve the goal of Gender Inclusive and Just Society. Gender justice in celebrating cultural festivals is the urgent need of the hour, he concluded. 

Dr. Ameer Sultana thanked Prof. Renu Vig, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rumina Sethi, DUI, & Prof. Y.P. Verma, Registrar, and Prof. Pam Rajput, Prof. SimratKahlon (DSW), and the DCWSD organising team for providing the motivation, inspiration and support to organise “Lohri with a difference”.