Dilip Guha, New Delhi: Public Diplomacy Forum (PDF) orchestrated a vibrant celebration in honour of Women Achievers at the 17th edition of International Women’s Day. Embracing the theme of “Count Her In: Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress” for this year, women from diverse sectors were lauded for their outstanding contributions.
The Forum in association with Dr. Aruna Abhey Oswal hosted a special event at Le Meridien Hotel, Windsor Place, in New Delhi to celebrate women achievers. The distinguished Guests of Honour were K.J. Alphons, Former MOS Electronics & IT and Tourism & Culture, Smt. Lakshmi Puri, an Author, former Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women, Dr Sachchadinand MS IGNCA.
Among others the esteemed personalities honoured were Yuvrani Ritu Singh of Jammu and Kashmir, Arunima Kukreja, Anurradha Prasad, Manjari Mishra, Varuna Anand, Radhika Bharatram, Tulsi Kumar, Aditi Maheshwari, Pratima Pandey and Richa Anirudh. Speaking on occasion Lakshmi Puri said “I always say that every day should be not only an International Women’s Day but a National Women’s Day but you still need one day in the year to remind everybody that not only that women exist but that they play marvellous and even more important role then we have been granted so far and that she has their place is everywhere”
Today, we celebrate Women’s International Day by focusing on investing in women. It means giving them priority, space, and a place in society. India is setting an example with women-led development. We need to invest in women’s leadership. The rise of women-led businesses shows that women are capable and deserving of investment. The recent passage of the women’s reservation bill is a global benchmark we can be proud of. She also spoke about her recently released debut book “Swallowing the Sun” which resonates with the theme of International Women’s Day.
One of the awardees Pratima Pandey, desigener, is a NIFT (New Delhi ) alumni and winner of the Grazia Young Awards in 2011 in the category of eco-friendly fashion. Her label Prama emphasizes natural fabrics and indigenous embroidery techniques thereby encouraging craftsmanship and sustainability wish to give all credit to her parents. She said “It feels great to be acknowledged for the work I so love. Extremely humbled and encouraged to better my craft. And work sustainably. I give entire credit to my parents for this achievement although my college shaped me in proficiency”.
The Public diplomacy forum has positioned itself as a major influencer in shaping ongoing debates across various issues, from global governance reforms and climate change to world peace. Ratan Kaul, Founder President of the Public Diplomacy Forum, Festival Director of the Inkpot India Conclave, and Senior Advisor to the Indo-American Friendship Association, expressed, “The event aimed to inspire, motivate, and empower women by acknowledging their accomplishments. Over the years, distinguished international icons in visual arts, performing arts, international diplomacy, media, and political leadership have graced this event as special guests.”
Notably, as a civil society organization, the Public Diplomacy Forum has a tradition of hosting meaningful and socially and politically relevant projects, programs, and seminars. In our increasingly globalized world, civil society organizations like the Public Diplomacy Forum are indispensable partners for international efforts at the country level.