Bhubaneswar, 8 March 2025: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Rama Devi Women’s University (RDWU) in Bhubaneswar hosted a dynamic Youth Conclave that focused on accelerating efforts toward achieving women’s equality. The event attracted over 1,000 delegates, including more than 800 university girls, and aimed to promote women’s entrepreneurship, prioritize mental health for women, and ensure equal opportunities for all.
Organized by the National HRD Network (NHRDN), OdishaLIVE, and the Swasthya Plus Network, in collaboration with RDWU, the conclave also had the Utkal Chamber of Commerce & Industry Limited (UCCIL) as an ecosystem partner.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the ‘WE’ logo, an initiative designed to foster entrepreneurship and innovation. Launched by OdishaLIVE and NHRDN, ‘WE’ will roll out a series of awareness programs for young girls across various locations in Odisha.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Chandi Charan Rath, Vice-Chancellor In-Charge of RDWU, underscored the profound role of women in society. Quoting Indian scriptures, he said, “Where women are worshipped, the gods reside. When women are empowered, the future of any country will be brighter.” He stressed the importance of women in shaping families, communities, and nations.
Pranati Parida, Director of OdishaLIVE & Co-Founder of Swasthya Plus Network, delivered an inspiring welcome address, urging the girls to chase their dreams and lead with confidence. Prof. Shikha Singh, Director of IQAC at RDWU, echoed similar sentiments, urging women to realize their full potential and break free from stereotypes to succeed in all areas of life.
Bobby Patnaik, President of NHRD Network Bhubaneswar Chapter & HR Business Leader at Infosys, emphasized the importance of women in entrepreneurship as key to a prosperous world. “Whether climbing the corporate ladder or running a business as an entrepreneur, women can dream big,” she told the youth.
A special session on ‘Women in Entrepreneurship’ attracted much attention, featuring corporate leaders and startup entrepreneurs such as Rashmi Vishwakarma (VP & Senior Group Manager, Infosys), Rosalin Mohanty (Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer, Cozentus Technologies), and Akanksha Priyadarshini (Co-Founder & CEO, Aurassure). The session, moderated by Prof. Shradha Padhi, EC Member, NHRD, and Dy. Director, Regional College of Management, was chaired by Prof. Dr. Jyotirmayee Acharya from RDWU’s Department of Gender Studies.
Another key session focused on women’s mental health, where Dr. Siba Prasad Chakrabarty, a Mental Health Specialist, addressed issues such as overcoming social stigma and managing depression, anxiety, and stress. The session, moderated by Priyanka Sucharita from Swasthya Plus, was chaired by Prof. Sasmita Mohanty from RDWU’s Biotechnology Department.
In a moment of recognition, four alumni from RDWU’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication were felicitated for clearing the UGC-NET exam and pursuing careers in media education and research. The UCCIL Ladies Forum also honored the girls, with the forum’s president and senior officials participating in the ceremony.
The ‘WE’ logo was officially released by Nilambar Rath, Founder Editor & CEO, along with Bhabani Mohanty, Director of OdishaLIVE, and Padmalaya Mandhata, Secretary of NHRDN.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ambika Sankar Mishra, Head of the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication at RDWU. Faculty members from various departments, including Dr. Santosh Kumar Biswal, Narasinha Majhi, and Ahana Mansai, were also in attendance.
The program was hosted by Subhashree Nayak and Smruti Rekha Barik, who engaged the youth and aligned them with the spirit of International Women’s Day.
