Chandigarh, 23 September: Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women organised the Founder Principal Shakuntala Roy Memorial Oration Lecture (6th in Series) under the aegis of its Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC). Held on the theme “When Women Rise, Nations Rise: The Road to Viksit Bharat”, the oration reflected on the enduring legacy of the college’s Founder Principal and explored the pivotal role of women in building a developed and progressive India.
Prof. Bhavneet Bharti, Head, Social Pediatrics, PGIMER, Chandigarh and an alumna of MCM graced the event as the Chief Guest. Prof. Arun K. Grover, Professor Emeritus, Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, was the Guest of Honour. The occasion was further enriched by the presence of Maj. Gen. Prem Gosain, son-in-law of Mrs. Shakuntala Roy, and Mr. Pradeep Roy, son of Mrs. Roy, who made the occasion particularly poignant for the Roy family as well as the MCM fraternity.
In his address, Prof. Arun K. Grover apprised the audience of the background and evolution of the Founder Principal Shakuntala Roy Memorial Oration Lecture, recalling the vision and values associated with Mrs. Roy and the significance of keeping her legacy alive through such academic engagements. Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Bhavneet Bharti shared distinct memories of Mrs. Roy, fondly recalling her first address to the students during her own days of study at MCM. Reflecting on the values that young people need to uphold, she emphasised the importance of understanding what truly matters in life. Referring to Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s vision of women’s education, she highlighted the multiplier effect of educating women, observing that the benefits extend to families, communities and society at large. Prof. Bharti noted that while women have nearly bridged the education gap, their representation in employment continues to lag behind. She stressed that women leaders can expand their power and influence by supporting and lifting other women as well. Outlining key imperatives for women in the journey towards Viksit Bharat, she called upon young women to develop future-ready skills, become financially independent, seek mentors and actively exercise their voting rights. Mr. Pradeep Roy remembered his mother as a fearless woman and spoke about her deep association with the college and her contribution to its formative years. Retired faculty members who had worked during Mrs. Roy’s tenure also shared anecdotes from their interactions with her, bringing alive her inspiring personality, leadership and commitment to education. A book titled ‘Understanding the Ethos, Roots and Culture of Light Music with the Basic Elements of Classical Music’ was unveiled by the dignitaries at the event. Exploring the deep connection between Indian light music and the foundational principles of classical music, this publication brings together scholarly articles and research papers presented during the seminar organised by the Department of Music, Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, in collaboration with Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Lieutenant Dr. Manjot Kaur was also honoured on this occasion for successfully completing her Pre-Commissioned Training at the Officers Training Academy, Gwalior, securing an ‘A’ grade.
Officiating Principal Ms. Neena Sharma said that Mrs. Shakuntala Roy’s expansive vision had laid a strong foundation for what the institution is today. She emphasised that her enduring contribution continues to live on through the institution’s ethos, achievements and generations of women students who have passed through its portals.