BITS Pilani Hyderabad, renowned for innovation, embarked on an empowering week dedicated to celebrating women ahead of International Women’s Day. The campus hosted various activities aimed at uplifting its female members, with pivotal involvement and contribution from women across faculty, students, staff, and community helpers. The success of these initiatives is credited to the leadership of Prof. P. Yogeeswari, Dean of Administration, and her team.
Women’s Week kicked off with a unique (W/T)alk-athon that invited faculty and staff families of all ages to walk, chat, interact and compete for exciting prizes. This was followed by a DJ night exclusively for staff and community members that fostered camaraderie and fun among attendees.
BITS Pilani Hyderabad Women’s Week offered a vibrant celebration of empowerment and solidarity involving 1050 female students, 112 staff and 143 external staff. A special highlight of the celebrations was the visit of the honorable Smt. Dr. Tamilisai Soundarajan,Governor of Telangana and Lt. Governor of Puducherry (surcharge) to the campus. During the women’s week, dignitaries from various fields including Mrs. Saina Nehwal (Indian badminton player), Smt. Tanaz Irani (Bollywood Actress and Motivational Speaker), Smt. Shilpa Reddy (Fashion Designer), Ms. P Anvitha (Mount Everest Climber), Abhilasha Bisht (Director Telangana State IPS Police Academy) and Dr. Tarun Joshi (IPS), Commissioner of Police, Rachakonda Security Council. Their presence enriched the event with their observations and experiences.
In keeping with commitment to education and empowerment, two keynote lectures were presented as part of Women’s Week. “Through the Gender Lens for a Balanced World” addressed the students, while the PoSH (Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment) information session aimed to raise awareness and create a safer environment for all external workers. Both sessions, led by Dr. Sowjanya Tamalapakulou in collaboration with the Internal Complaints Committee, was well received.
As part of the celebration of Women’s Week, an exclusive event was organized in the presence of Dr. Sunithy Sekhar Reddy, MBBS, MD, highly respected dermatologist/cosmetologist from Hyderabad. This event has been specially designed for all faculty and staff. Dr. Reddy brought extensive expertise in various fields including hair treatment, acne treatment, skin care and skin treatment.
Another aspect of the event was the “Kickbox Self Defense Workshop!” led by Mr. Shaik Kalid, Coach of Team India from MMA India. This workshop, in collaboration with NSS, allowed participants to learn invaluable self-defense techniques. In addition, renowned dermatologist/cosmetologist Dr. Sunitha Sekhar Reddy graced our campus to share her hair and skin care expertise exclusively for faculty and staff.
A panel discussion of women from the US Embassy addressed the enlightening discussion about the cultural differences between Indian and American women. Other fun activities were organized for female employees to promote an environment of laughter and camaraderie. The climax of the week was an inspiring lecture by renowned gynecologist Padmashree Dr. Manjuly Anaganiova.
