Patna: A women-focused programme titled “Jagriti” was organised at Chandragupta Management Institute, Patna (CIMP) on Sunday to mark International Women’s Day, highlighting the progress made in women’s empowerment in Bihar. The event was jointly organised by CIMP and Advantage Support as part of the dialogue series “Main Hoon Bihar” Episode 10, bringing together educators, legal experts, doctors and social leaders to discuss women’s rights and social change.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Ratna Amrit, principal of B.D. College, Patna, said Bihar has made remarkable progress in the field of women’s empowerment in recent years. She noted that policies such as reservations for women in government jobs and local bodies have played a key role in bringing social change in the state. Amrit also stressed the need to raise boys with values of respect and urged the police to remain vigilant and sensitive to prevent crimes against women.
Earlier, in the inaugural session, Prof. Dr. Rana Singh, director of CIMP, said women have long been given a revered place in Indian culture and must be treated with equal dignity in society. Khurshid Ahmed, founder and secretary of Advantage Support, said the world is incomplete without women, adding that they continue to prove their capabilities in every sphere, from running families to leading institutions and governments. He also said the “Main Hoon Bihar” series will continue to organise dialogue-based programmes focusing on themes such as sports and industry in the future.
During a panel discussion, Patna High Court advocate Nivedita Nirvikar said several laws exist to protect women from violence, but stronger implementation is needed. She added that increased access to education and employment has made women in Bihar more aware of their rights. Dr. Meena Samant, head of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Jayprabha Medanta Hospital in Patna, emphasised the need to focus more on women’s health, including nutrition and mental wellbeing.
Former Lions Club district governor Namrata Singh said education is a key foundation of empowerment and urged women to assert their identity while building economic independence. The programme also featured remarks from academics, doctors, journalists and poets, who highlighted the role of women in social development.
Several women who have made notable contributions in different fields were honoured with the “Inspiring Women Award” at the event. The awardees included pediatrician Dr. Umairah Naz Rashid, Urdu poet and social activist Heena Rizvi Haider, social reformer Namrata Singh, educator Shahina Raza Khan, journalist Sheejan Nezami, entrepreneur Dr. Sadhana Jha, and young table tennis player Nilanjana Sharma.
The programme also included poetry recitations by Heena Rizvi, Prerna Pratap and Dr. Tisya Sri, who highlighted the struggles, strength and achievements of women through their verses. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by CIMP faculty member Prof. Rajshree Pillai, while Jyoti Mishra anchored the programme and Prerna Pratap served as moderator. A large number of students, teachers and guests attended the event.
