Patna: More than 1,000 participants gathered in Patna on March 8 for the fifth edition of the Gargi Narishakti Sammelan 2026, an event organised by the Gargi Chapter of the Let’s Inspire Bihar campaign to mark International Women’s Day.
The gathering brought together educators, artists, social workers and women leaders from across Bihar to celebrate women’s empowerment and discuss the role of women in shaping the state’s development.
The programme began with dignitaries visiting exhibition stalls showcasing social and educational initiatives led by members of the Gargi Chapter. The event was formally inaugurated with a lamp-lighting ceremony attended by IPS officer Vikas Vaibhav, the patron of the campaign, along with several prominent guests.
Among those present were Padma Shri awardee and gynaecologist Dr Shanti Roy, former Women’s Commission member Sushma Sahu, former MLA Usha Vidyarthi, folk singer Neetu Kumari Nutan, Rahul Kumar Singh, chief coordinator of Let’s Inspire Bihar, and Dr Preeti Bala, chief coordinator of the Gargi Chapter.
In his keynote address, Vikas Vaibhav spoke about the broader mission of the Let’s Inspire Bihar movement, which was launched in March 2021 with the aim of encouraging citizens to work collectively for the development of Bihar beyond divisions of caste, religion and community.
He said the campaign is built on the principles of education, equality and entrepreneurship and currently has more than 350,000 volunteers associated with different chapters across the state.
Vaibhav also highlighted educational initiatives run by the Gargi Chapter, noting that 30 free education centres are currently operating in 16 districts, providing education to more than 2,000 underprivileged children. Of these centres, 25 are managed by women across 12 districts.
He said the name “Gargi” draws inspiration from the ancient philosopher Gargi Vachaknavi, who symbolised intellectual courage and inquiry in Indian philosophical traditions.
The event also featured discussions on entrepreneurship and youth engagement through the campaign’s start-up mission, which currently connects nearly 600 start-ups and aims to promote local enterprise across Bihar.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Preeti Bala said the Gargi Chapter aims to create a platform where women can work collectively for social change through education, awareness and community engagement.
Other speakers emphasised the need for women’s active participation in leadership, governance and entrepreneurship to drive long-term development in the state.
The event also included the launch of a book titled IPS Vikas Vaibhav: The Man Beyond the Barriers, written by Kishlay Kishor, which highlights the public service journey of Vikas Vaibhav.
Several women were honoured during the programme, including recipients of the Gargi Inspirational Awards, Gargi Utkristhata Samman 2026 and Gargi Prashasti Samman. Fifty-one women received the Gargi Nari Shakti Samman for their contribution to society, while more than 300 participants were felicitated for their work in social initiatives.
The Dr Usha Kiran Khan Memorial Award 2026 was also presented to Prof Shanti Sharma for her contributions to education and social development.
Organisers also announced the launch of the “Gargi Ladli Vivah Pahal”, an initiative that will provide financial support each year for the marriage of girls from economically weaker families.
The programme concluded with cultural performances including classical dance, thematic group presentations and performances by students of Gargi Pathshala highlighting the importance of girls’ education. Organisers said the event underscored the growing role of women-led civic initiatives in Bihar’s social and developmental landscape.
