Chandigarh University marks National Science Day with a call for women-led innovation for Viksit Bharat
‘Societal Constraints not Competence hold back Women in Science, Talent has no Gender, Opportunity must not Either’ says Prof Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER
Babushahi Bureau
Mohali (Punjab), March 1, 2026: “India today is changing rapidly. The startup culture is reshaping academia. Even if a small fraction of students starts thinking not merely as job seekers but as job creators, they can transform the nation. Today, infrastructure in Indian institutions rivals that of leading global universities. We must use it fully. Many top global technology companies were founded by students with strong ideas, sometimes even before completing their degrees. Today, India has the required infrastructure that can support similar dreams. You can live the American dream while staying in India build companies, do excellent science and flourish on your own ideas,” said Prof Dulal Panda, Director, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali during the National Science Day event organized on the theme ‘Women in Science: Catalyzing Viksit Bharat’ here at Chandigarh University campus in Mohali on Saturday.
The event was graced by Prof Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER Mohali as Chief Guest. The prominent among those who were present on the occasion were Prof Raviraja N Seetharam, Vice Chancellor, Chandigarh University and Devinder Singh, Pro Vice Chancellor & Executive Director Sciences, Chandigarh University. The celebration witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, researchers, scholars and students across multiple science and engineering disciplines.
Panda who was Chief Guest on the occasion added, “Women in science deserve particular attention. The real challenge is not capability but societal constraints, especially the two-body problem where couples struggle to find opportunities in the same location. Institutions must address such systemic issues to ensure equal opportunity. Talent has no gender, opportunity must not either. We must balance curiosity with responsibility. With one-fifth of the world’s population, our research must serve national needs, healthcare, agriculture, engineering and public welfare while contributing genuine knowledge to global science. Excellence is not an event, It is a daily habit. Science is not about memorization, it is about observation, curiosity and analysis.”
He added, “The meaningful work matters regardless of awards. AI cannot be meaningfully applied without mathematical understanding. Interdisciplinary competence is essential. Some argue that graduates are unemployed. Yet globally, many CEOs of major corporations are educated in India. If our education were fundamentally weak, this would not have happened. The issue is not capability, it is depth rigor and consistent practice. We must move beyond rote learning toward practical skill development and analytical thinking. Education is not only a tool for employment, it is a tool for nation-building, it reduces poverty, promotes justice and creates an even playing field. Science teaches rational thinking and encourages us to see others as equals. To all young students, especially women, you possess the same intelligence and capability as anyone else. Stay focused, work consistently and believe in your potential. Even if a small fraction of you becomes job creators instead of job seekers, you will transform the nation.”
As part of the celebrations, the dignitaries visited the project exhibition that showcased innovative student-led projects and prototypes spanning healthcare technologies, sustainable agricultural solutions, renewable energy models, AI-driven applications, biotechnology innovations, robotics demonstrations and socially relevant engineering solutions. Interactive stalls displayed working models, research posters and startup ideas reflecting practical problem-solving aligned with national priorities. The Nukkad Natak performances creatively highlighted the role of science in social transformation, gender equity and community awareness.
A special segment of the program included the felicitation of Women Achievers in the Science Cluster, followed by Prize Distribution to meritorious students and researchers for their outstanding contributions in research, innovation and academic excellence.
During the ceremony, as many as 20 women faculty members who delivered outstanding performances across five science domains including admissions, academics, research & innovation, co-curricular activities and placements were honored with the Women Achievers Award.
The awardees included Dr Navjot Sandhu, Dr Shilpi Jindal, Dr Archana Thakur, Dr Monica Verma, Dr Nishi Gupta, Jashanpreet Kaur, Dr Nishtha, Dr Anita Rana, Dr Swati Sharma, Dr Aditi, Prof (Dr) Jyoti Rani, Anamika Chakravarti, Priya Sharma, Alpana Kumari, Pallavi Sharma, Dr Charul Rathore, Dr Rajwant Kaur, Neelam Poonia, Neha Kumari and Dr Neeraj Bansal.
In the best projects category, Vijay Kumar secured the first position followed by Kasang Tamang in second place and Prince Sarkar secured third place. Similarly, in the quiz competition, Samayra won first place, Ritika secured second position and Akash achieved third place. In the poster-making competition, Himani Kachru secured the first position, Pooja stood second and Chetna Sharma secured third place. In the final static competitions, Ruhi Arisha won first place, Muskanpreet Kaur secured second position and Aarchi Gupta secured third place.