Vijayapura: Stressing the need for the education of women, Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Delhi, Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has opined that a society can achieve meaningful progress only through a higher degree of female education.
Speaking at the 13th and 14th Convocation of Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women’s University on Monday December 19, she said that educating a woman means improving the future of her family, society and the nation. “Therefore, women’s education is necessary for India’s generational transformation,” she said. She regretted that despite being half of the total world’s population, women are being marginalised, discriminated against, ignored and even silenced on several issues.
Describing women as an engine of social and political change, she said that the progress of and empowerment of women is critical for the growth of India. Prof. Pandit said that with their participation in the organised and unorganised sectors, women have been helping millions of Indians to escape from poverty.
Stating that the Universities are the place where the ecosystem for equal treatment, training and trust for women is built, she said that the Universities can take women’s education to a new height.
She expressed confidence that the students of women’s university will make a positive impact on thousands of lives over the course of their careers. “I have confidence in your talent, determination and the quality of the education you have received at the University,” she said.
Prof. Pandit said that for a society to make meaningful and sustained progress, women must be the torchbearers of the change and take up the challenge of getting the best education.
Referring to the political empowerment of women, she also regretted that from 1952 when the women’s representation in Lok Sabha was a mere 5 per cent, has increased only to 14 per cent in so many decades. “This is not news to cheer as women’s representation should increase proportionate to their population,” she said.
In his address, Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot hoped that the lone women’s university of the State would work and set a role model for other Universities.
He congratulated the gold medalists and three women who have been conferred an honorary doctorate for their remarkable achievements in the social sector.
Those who got honorary doctorates are Indumati Katdare, Reshma Kaur and S. G. Shushilamma.
On the occasion, 167 students got 202 gold medals. Vice Chancellor, B. K. Tulasimala, Syndicate and Academic Council members, professors and staff were present.
