Patna: Bihar witnessed a powerful celebration of women’s achievements at the Grand Gargi Nari Shakti Conference 2025, held at JD Women’s College Auditorium in Patna on Sunday. Organized by the Gargi Chapter under the ‘Let’s Inspire Bihar’ campaign, the event, themed ‘Accelerating Action,’ honored more than 250 women who have made significant contributions across various fields.
Recognizing Excellence Across Sectors
Women from diverse backgrounds, including education, entrepreneurship, arts, literature, social service, sports, medicine, and justice, were felicitated for their impact on society. Many of the awardees traveled from different states to attend the event, having been selected through a rigorous nomination process that saw thousands of entries.
Rahul Kumar Singh, chief coordinator of the campaign, presented the sacred Chunari of Mata Aranya Devi of Ara to nine young girls, symbolizing their empowerment. IPS officer Vikas Vaibhav, the founder of ‘Let’s Inspire Bihar,’ and Dr. Preeti Bala, chief coordinator of the Gargi Chapter, were also honored.
‘Let’s Inspire Bihar’ and the Vision for 2047
As the keynote speaker, senior IPS officer Vikas Vaibhav highlighted Bihar’s historical legacy of intellectual excellence, citing the ancient philosopher Gargi Vachaknavi as a beacon of knowledge. He emphasized that achieving a ‘Developed Bihar’ by 2047 would require significant economic transformation, given the state’s current per capita income of Rs 5,028—among the lowest in India.
Vaibhav underscored the need for an ‘entrepreneurial revolution’ in Bihar, calling for an inclusive approach beyond caste, community, and gender barriers. “Women’s empowerment is not just a goal but a necessity for Bihar’s transformation,” he said, drawing parallels to the rapid technological advancements seen in mobile communication over the past two decades.
The IPS officer also shared his experience of seeing a woman driving a truck in Singapore over a decade ago—a sight he had found remarkable at the time. “Today, we see women in Bihar driving autos and cabs, an incredible step towards empowerment,” he remarked, noting that such initiatives also enhance safety for women commuters.
The Growing Impact of the Gargi Chapter
Vaibhav lauded the Gargi Chapter’s initiatives, particularly the expansion of Gargi Pathshala, which began with three centers in Patna and now operates 24 centers across Bihar—19 of them led by women. He also highlighted the role of digital platforms in providing work-from-home opportunities and fostering women-led industries with access to global markets.
Currently, over 1,70,000 people are voluntarily engaged in the ‘Let’s Inspire Bihar’ movement. The Gargi Chapter has emerged as a pivotal platform for progressive women, promoting education and entrepreneurship through initiatives like Gargi Pathshala, Gargi Art & Skill Centers, and Gargi Kritya.
Honoring Women’s Achievements
A highlight of the event was the presentation of awards across multiple categories:
- 51 women received the Gargi Excellence Award.
- 180 women were honored with the Gargi Appreciation Award.
- 10 selected speakers delivered talks on women’s empowerment.
- Priya Mallik was conferred the Gargi Pride of Bihar Award.
- Four individuals received the Gargi Equality Award.
- Five awardees were recognized for Gargi Excellent Leadership.
- Radha Shailendra from Katihar was honored with the Dr. Usha Kiran Khan Memorial Award for excellence in literature.
Cultural Celebrations and Book Launch
The conference also showcased Bihar’s rich heritage through folk performances and traditional cuisine. Padma Shri awardee Nirmala, former National Commission for Women member Sushma Sahu, folk singer Neetu Kumari Nutan, and various scholars and professionals graced the occasion.
During the event, author Sudha Pandey’s book Jaane Kahan Gaye Wo Din was unveiled by Vikas Vaibhav, adding a literary touch to the grand celebration.
The event concluded with a call for continued efforts to uplift women in Bihar. Dr. Preeti Bala, welcoming the guests, emphasized the importance of sustained initiatives for gender equality and empowerment. The conference, meticulously coordinated by Neha Singh and Shayrin Iram, reinforced the role of women in shaping Bihar’s future.
