Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 9: International Women’s Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm by various institutions and other organizations across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) hosted a grand convention on International Women’s Day, emphasizing women’s empowerment and active participation in societal development. Dr. Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister and party president, called for women’s rights assertion and greater inclusion across sectors. He recalled implementing a 50% reservation for women in medical colleges and highlighted the role of Madr-e-Meharban in advancing women’s rights. Cabinet Minister Sakina Ittoo and Senior leader Bimla Luthra spoke about challenges faced by women and welfare initiatives.
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu (SKUAST-J) celebrated International Women’s Day at Aghar Jitto village, Reasi, with a large turnout of rural women. The event, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. B.N. Tripathi and organized under Director Extension Prof. Amrish Vaid, focused on gender equality and women’s rights. Prof. Tripathi emphasized women’s contributions to society and the need for equality in all sectors. Dr. Shubhra Sharma, Mission Director of JKRLM, spoke on female literacy, while Prem Lata highlighted agricultural entrepreneurship.
Fortis Hospital, Gurugram, in collaboration with Sparkle Women Club, celebrated International Women’s Day at the Starmeds Multispeciality Clinic, Channi Himmat, Jammu. The event honored five exceptional women for their remarkable contributions to healthcare and society. The honorees included Dr. Palki Sharma for her groundbreaking research in dermatology, Ruchika Gupta for empowering women through entrepreneurship, RJ Shwetima for her dedication to service, Kritika Khanna, India’s first para rower and Sarika Sethi, a cancer survivor recognized for her work in women’s health initiatives in rural J&K.
On International Women’s Day, the Indian Army organized a self-defence training session for girl students at Government Senior Secondary School, Bajabain, Sundarbani. The event aimed to empower young girls by teaching essential self-defence skills, building confidence and promoting resilience. Principal BN Sharma expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting its role in ensuring safety and independence for girls.
GDC Marh organized a two-day workshop to celebrate International Women’s Day, focusing on women’s achievements, resilience, and contributions to women-led development. The event, aligned with this year’s theme “Accelerate Action,” included renowned speakers like Surinder Neer, writer and Roohi Khajuria. On the second day, fitness experts Arti Mahajan and Sonakshi conducted a Zumba session, promoting mental and physical well-being. The event concluded with insights from Prof. Dr. Sangita Nagari and Vijay Kumari.
The Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, celebrated International Women’s Day by hosting a ‘Common Interest Conversations’ session focused on digital addiction, titled “The Kashmir Recuperation.” The event, led by Tanveer Jehan and other distinguished women speakers, addressed the harmful effects of excessive screen time on children’s development. Nasir Hamid Khan, Secretary of the Club, emphasized the need for healthy digital habits to protect young minds and empower future generations to face life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
On International Women’s Day, Sant Hare Ram Das Public School, in collaboration with the ‘Nari Shakti Sangathan’ of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, honored the legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar, a visionary ruler and warrior. Principal Prof. Aekta Gupta highlighted her contributions, while the Chairman, Maharaj Sant Hare Ram Das, spoke about her leadership.Mamta Singh of Nari Shakti Sangathan shared Ahilyabai’s inspiring journey. Certificates and tokens of appreciation were given to participants, with a vote of thanks by Secretary Bhawna Slathia.
Tanishq celebrated Women’s Day at its Jammu store by honoring three remarkable women. Sarika Sethi, who battled cancer with strength, Kritika Khanna, India’s first female Para Rower and Ruchika Gupta, a social entrepreneur, were felicitated for their resilience and contributions. Each received a gold coin as a token of appreciation. Faizan Ahmed, Area Business Manager, Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized the brand’s commitment to empowering women and highlighted the importance of supporting women every day, not just on Women’s Day.
Skoda Auto India, in partnership with Embarq Motorworld, has launched The Bold Route Series – a women-only, self-drive expedition from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The event, celebrating Women’s Day, will bring together over 50 women to drive 3,700 km across 11 cities in 25 Skoda vehicles. Petr Janeba, Brand Director, emphasized the drive’s focus on empowerment, road safety and responsible driving.