International Women's Day 2019 celebrated

VIT Chennai organised International Women's Day on 2oth March 2019 at the campus. This grand event had Karin Christina Maria Stoll, Hon'ble Consul General, Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany, Chennai as the Chief Guest and Ms. Chitra Sampath, Senior Advocate, Madras High Court as Guest of Honour. Dr. G. Viswanathan, Founder and Chancellor of VIT presided over the function. Mr. G. V. Selvam, Vice President, VIT was also present.

The event started with the traditional invocation of Tamil Thai Vazthu, followed by welcome address. The felicitation address was given by Dr. N. Sambandam, the Pro-Vice Chancellor, VIT Chennai and Mr. G.V. Selvam, Vice President, VIT. Next there was a documentary on the women work force in VIT Chennai, highlighting the significance and uniqueness of the women, their contribution to the institution and to the society, which was highly appreciated by the audience.

The Chief Guest Ms. Karin Christina Maria Stoll, Hon'ble Consul General, The Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany, Chennai and Guest of Honour Ms. Chitra Sampath, Senior Advocate, Madras High Court were felicitated for their gracious presence.

Mr. G.V. Selvam, Vice President, VIT, in his felicitation address highlighted the point that today's event signifies how women are an inimitable force to reckon with. He also asserted that the purpose of celebrating this event is to sensitize the society at large to the significance of womanhood and admire them for their innate strengths and talents and their part of every human being's life and not limit this honouring to just one day but continue to strive to recognise and appreciate their contribution to our lives.

The Chief Guest Karin Christina Maria Stoll, Hon'ble Consul General, The Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany, Chennai in her speech appreciated VIT for its excellence in academics and research. She congratulated the institution for celebrating the International Women's Day in March and that the institution recognised and appreciated multitasking women which was a very positive sign.

The Guest of Honour Ms. Chitra Sampath, Senior Advocate, Madras High Court in her speech cited several legal Acts framed in favour of women. Women's emancipation gained ground with Rajaram Mohan Roy's protest against Sati and women suppression and child marriage in the 19th century India. She brought to light that from Vedic period women were on par with men. The demarcation started only from Manu Smriti which was later opposed by Swami Vivekananda and Tamil poet Subramaniya Bharathi.

Dr. G. Viswanathan, Founder and Chancellor of VIT, in his presidential address stated that celebrating International Women's Day was important. He highlighted the statistic detail of women being 48% of the population and out of that only 27% formed the workforce of India. If at least 50% of women were included in the working community there will be a growth of 9% in the economic arena.

In spite of this 50%, women are still not treated on par with men. The International Women's Day came to a grand conclusion after the thought-provoking speeches which were very inspiring and motivational to the students of VIT. The event was celebrated to highlight and spread the awareness of the value of honouring women in our society, where women are revered and worshipped.

The event concluded with prize distribution to the winners of various events conducted on the eve of Women's Day. VIT management also gifted a machine to produce Incense Sticks to the women self-help group.