In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) organised a distinguished ceremony on March 23, centred around the theme Give to Gain. The event paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of women across the institution, recognising both teaching and non-teaching staff for their dedication and impact over the past year.
The celebrations extended beyond a single day, unfolding as a month-long series of activities throughout February across all SRMIST campuses. These engagements were thoughtfully structured into three broad categories: literary endeavours, performing arts, and artistic expressions. Participants actively engaged in competitions such as pencil sketching, soap carving, and Rangoli, with themes reflecting parenting, breaking stereotypes, and the multifaceted roles of women.
The literary segment featured poetry and elocution competitions, along with a four-day programme organised by the College of Law. This segment included impactful awareness sessions addressing critical issues such as domestic abuse, encouraging meaningful dialogue and social responsibility among participants.
The ceremony was graced by a distinguished panel of dignitaries: Tmt. Padmapriya Ravi, Managing Director, SIMS Hospital; Tmt. Manimangai Sathyanarayanan, Managing Director, SRM Global Hospitals; Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor, SRMIST; Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar, Pro Vice-Chancellor (MHS); Dr. S. Ponnusamy, Registrar, SRMIST; and Dr. T. Mythili, Additional Registrar (MSL), along with other Deans and Directors of SRMIST.
The highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Chief Guest Dr. Bharathi Bhaskar, noted author, speaker, and television personality. Her speech, marked by a compelling blend of wit and insight, encouraged women to pursue their aspirations with clarity and determination. She addressed the realities women face in everyday life and challenged the widely held “superwoman” stereotype, advocating instead for authenticity and self-defined success.
As part of the celebrations, SRMIST honoured excellence through the Women Tech Innovator Awards, recognising outstanding achievements in technology, patents, and entrepreneurship. Extending its social commitment beyond the campus, the institution, through the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) initiative, acknowledged women from rural communities and facilitated the distribution of sanitary supplies and incinerators to government schools.
In a special gesture of recognition, students who represented India at national and international levels were felicitated by the dignitaries, highlighting the institution’s encouragement of talent and achievement.
Through these initiatives and recognitions, SRMIST continues to reinforce its commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment where women can excel across leadership, academia, entrepreneurship, and research.
