Seven days special NSS camp at Home Science College commenced with celebration of International Women’s Day

Chandigarh: Taking into consideration the protocols and SOP’s issued by the Government of India, the NSS unit of Government Home Science College kick-started the seven days special NSS camp from March 08, 2021 to March 14, 2021 with the celebration of International Women’s Day. Aligning with the United Nations theme of the International Women Day 2021, Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in Covid-19 as well as the International campaign theme i.e. #ChooseToChallenge, the college has always strived hard to tap the potential of their girl students. The faculty members of the college have pushed the students out of their comfort zones and walked an extra mile for the realization of their dreams. The first session of the NSS camp commenced with Yoga for Mental Health for NSS volunteers and later it was followed by a special lecture on Anemia and Nutrition by Ms. Namrata.

The subsequent session was commenced by Open Eyes Foundation (a Non-government organization) for celebration of the International Women’s Day. The founder as well as the president of the organization, Mr. Sandeep Kumar started multiple initiatives such as Raddi Se Siksha, Naya Sawera, Rise Women, Education Hut, Hope on Wheels, Vision in Dark for the welfare of the underpriviledged students in the tricity. For his consistent and commendable work throughout the years, Prime minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi mentioned about Mr. Sandeep and the relentless work of his ornganization during his “Maan Ki Baat” recently.

Recognizing the accomplishment of the women who worked tirelessly for the welfare of the underprivileged sections of society, Open Eyes Foundation gave Women Excellence Award to 10 women, who significantly contributed in different arenas i.e. Mrs. Sulekha Rani (Education of Migrant Labourers), Dr. Parbhjot Guron Bajju (Education and Health), Ms. Sukhmani Kahlon (Health Sector), Ms. Mona (Education and Health), Mrs. Reenu Kakkar (Helping Divyangijans), Ms. Ravneet Kaur (Women Health), Mrs. Shivani (Education and helping people during Disaster), Ms. Dipti Singh (Quality Education), Mrs. Reena (Education for Slum Dwellers). In the similar vein, the Principal of the College, Dr. Sudha Katyal, was also felicitated with Women Excellence Award for her significant contribution in using digital media extensively in imparting quality education during pandemic in the society. Moreover, free sanitary napkins and hygiene kits were distributed to the 100 underpriviliged women during the event. It also provided a platform to the 100 NSS volunteers who not only provided the logistical support for this academic cum cultural endeavour but also learned from the grass root level experiences of women working for the upliftment of the often sidelined sections of the society.

The esteemed chief guest of the event was Mr Bikram Singh Rana, State Liasion Officer, Chandigarh Administration. The other dignitaries were eminent social activists i.e. Mr Ravinder Singh Billa, Social activist, Mrs Vanita Talwar and Mrs Harjinder Sodhi. The chief guest of the event emphasized on overcoming the pre-existed social and systematic barriers in the societal structure for the welfare of women in society.

The principal of the College, Prof. Sudha Katyal, strongly advocated the more inclusive leadership and equal representation of women as a pre-requisite for the development of the nation. The need of the hour is to change the mindset of the people and transform the disproportionate and inadequate representation of women. She also expressed her gratitude towards the social activists who provided socio-economical and psychological support to the impoverished as well as underprivileged people of the society.