The spirit of International Women’s Day soared to new heights as The Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University and Professor Gursewak Singh Government College of Physical Education, Patiala, came together to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of women, both locally and globally.
A special moment unfolded as Meenu Devi, a student of Saint Soldier College of Physical Education, Jalandhar, graced the event. Her recent triumphant ascent of Mount Everest echoed throughout the gathering, serving as a beacon of inspiration for all attendees. With fervor, she narrated her arduous journey, instilling in everyone the courage to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
The event was graced by distinguished personalities, with Amrit Gill, Special Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Secretary of Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board, leading as the chief guest. Dr. Simrat Kaur, former principal of Professor Gursewak Government College of Physical Education and Mohindra College Patiala, alongside IRS officer Taniya Bains, Deputy Commissioner (GST), Patiala, adorned the occasion as guests of honor.
Students from both the university and college orchestrated a compelling program, echoing the theme of International Women’s Day 2024, ‘Invest in women – accelerate progress.’ They shed light on the remarkable achievements of women in sports, with a particular focus on the luminaries hailing from Punjab. The narratives of trailblazers like Harmanpreet Kaur in cricket, Gurjit Kaur in hockey, and Sift Kaur Samra in shooting resonated profoundly, underscoring the indomitable spirit of Punjab’s daughters.
Moreover, the spotlight extended beyond the realm of sports, honoring the legacies of prominent women figures such as Amrita Pritam, Surinder Kaur, and Prakash Kaur, among others, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Punjab’s cultural landscape.
Lt. Gen JS Cheema, the Vice-Chancellor, delivered a stirring discourse on the evolution of women empowerment and the imperative of fostering an environment conducive to gender equality. He underscored the pivotal role of inclusivity in acknowledging and uplifting women’s contributions across all spheres of life. The event culminated with a collective pledge towards building a society that champions equity and inclusivity, paving the way for a brighter and more empowered future for women.
In commemorating the achievements of women and championing their aspirations, the celebration echoed a resounding message: when women are empowered, societies flourish. As we reflect on this momentous occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where every woman’s potential is nurtured and celebrated, today and every day.
