Mangaluru: “Let us have big dreams and strive relentlessly to achieve them,” said Athmika Amin, Director of the Mangaluru-based J. V. Group of Companies, while inaugurating the ‘Shakthi’ Women Empowerment Seminar held at the Swami Vivekananda Hall of Ramakrishna Math, Mangaluru.
The seminar was organised as part of the centenary celebrations of the Mangaluru Ramakrishna Mission and witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 600 students, making it one of the largest women-centric academic and motivational events held in the city in recent times.
Encouraging entrepreneurship and self-confidence
Addressing the gathering, Athmika Amin emphasised that young women encounter numerous opportunities in life and must learn to utilise them wisely. She urged students, especially after completing their education, to seriously consider entrepreneurship as a career path.
“Women possess inherent skills within them. What is important is recognising these skills and using them effectively. Entrepreneurship means accepting challenges and moving forward despite difficulties,” she said. Highlighting the role of digital platforms, she added that social media today offers access to vast information and opportunities, which must be harnessed responsibly.
She noted that women are excelling in diverse fields and stressed that strong self-confidence is essential for those aspiring to leadership positions. Her address received an enthusiastic response from the students, many of whom described it as inspiring and practical.
Women’s empowerment key to national development
Participating as the chief guest, Anita G. Bhat, Vice-Chancellor of the Mangala Group of Institutions, underscored the vital role of women in nation-building.
“Women constitute nearly 50 per cent of the country’s population. Without empowering women, empowerment of the nation itself is not possible,” she said. Dr Bhat observed that women today are making remarkable progress across all sectors of society and that the present generation of youth has a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future.
She stressed that along with professional skills, young women must also imbibe strong values, ethics, and a sense of social responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society.
Spiritual and academic guidance
The programme was graced by Swami Jnaneshanandaji, Associate Editor of Prabuddha Bharata magazine from the Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati, Uttarakhand, whose presence added spiritual depth to the seminar. Swami Jitakamanandaji, Secretary of the Mangaluru Ramakrishna Mission, delivered the introductory address.
Ganapati Bhat, President of the Mangala Group of Institutions, was also present on the occasion.
Insightful sessions and panel discussion
The seminar featured multiple academic and interactive sessions. In the first session, Swami Jnaneshanandaji spoke on “Education that Empowers – The Vivekananda Vision for Women,” highlighting Swami Vivekananda’s emphasis on education as a tool for inner strength and social transformation.
In the second session, Greeshma Vivek Alva, Executive Director of Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri, delivered a talk on “Leading with Shakthi: Redefining Women’s Leadership in the 21st Century.” She spoke about contemporary leadership challenges and the evolving role of women in decision-making positions.
This was followed by a panel discussion on “The Power to Care: Redefining Strength and Service in Today’s Women.” The panelists included Divya Rai, Founder and CEO of Rai’s Spices, Mangaluru; Anupama V. Prabhu from Anirveda Foundation; and Shushrusha Priscilla Rodrigues, recipient of the President’s Award. The discussion was moderated by Vijaya Saraswathi B..
Massive student participation
More than 600 students from the Mangala Group of Institutions, Neermarga Road, Mangaluru, and Tejaswini College of Nursing, Kudpudi, actively participated in the programme. The overwhelming turnout reflected the growing interest among young women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development.
The programme was welcomed by Ranjan Bellippady, volunteer of the Mangaluru Ramakrishna Mission. Prof Pratijna Suhasini, Principal of Mangaluru College of Allied Health Sciences, proposed the vote of thanks. The event was compered by Sri Sharanya U. R., Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, Vivekananda Institute of Technology, Puttur.
Inspiring a generation of women leaders
The ‘Shakthi’ Women Empowerment Seminar concluded on an inspiring note, leaving participants motivated to pursue their ambitions with confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Organisers said the seminar successfully aligned spiritual values, academic insight, and practical guidance, reaffirming the Mission’s commitment to empowering young women as future leaders of society.
