The Indian National Sciences Academy in New Delhi became the centre of attention as the SAHIT National Conference 2024 unfolded, celebrating women who are breaking barriers and driving India’s growth. The event brought together a distinguished gathering of policymakers, industry leaders, and academics, all focused on enhancing women’s participation in the workforce.
The conference was inaugurated by Smt. Meeta Rajivlochan, Secretary of Youth Affairs, also unveiled the much-awaited SAHIT Women in Workforce Report 2023-24. This comprehensive report offers a detailed look at the current state of women’s involvement in various sectors and provides actionable recommendations to boost gender diversity. Rajivlochan, in her opening remarks, emphasized the crucial role women play in driving economic and social progress in India. She called for ongoing efforts to empower women, particularly in sectors where they’ve traditionally been underrepresented.
Dr. Subi Chaturvedi, the Chief Patron at SAHIT and Global SVP at InMobi, underscored the significance of the SAHIT platform. “SAHIT is more than just an initiative—it’s a movement towards a future where women aren’t just participants but leaders in every sphere,” she said. Chaturvedi urged everyone to break down barriers and make gender diversity a core part of India’s progress toward becoming a $6.69 trillion economy by 2030.
The conference was attended by several prominent figures, including Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President of the Indian National Science Academy, Prof. Bijayalaxmi Nanda, Principal Miranda House among other distinguished guests.
A key highlight of the conference was the prestigious awards ceremony, where outstanding contributions by women across various fields were recognized. Professor (Dr.) Mohammad Afshar Alam, Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard, was honoured for his Outstanding Contribution to Education, particularly his efforts to create a university environment where more than 50% of decision-making roles are held by women. Dr. Nirupam Madaan, Medical Superintendent at AIIMS, was celebrated for Excellence in Healthcare, acknowledging her leadership and significant contributions to the medical field.
One of the most inspiring moments was the recognition of Niyati Tewari, a 17-year-old innovator, as the Young Innovator of the Year. Niyati was celebrated for her pioneering work in developing “Niyati,” an AI-based platform that helps train students in artificial intelligence. In addition, her project Inaraa seamlessly blends traditional tribal art with modern fashion, bringing India’s rich cultural heritage into the mainstream and providing sustainable livelihoods for tribal artisans.
Among the other honorees were Prof. Charru Malhotra, recognized for Excellence in Public Administration Education, Komal Narang who received an award for Excellence in Women’s Well-being and Prof. Reshmi Kazi was facilitated for Excellence in Nuclear Security Studies. Supriya Paul, the co-founder of Josh Talks, was honoured for Excellence in Media, and Akanksha Gupta, Founder of Urvann, received recognition for Excellence in Ecopreneurship.
Other awards included recognition for Digital Shakti by CyberPeace Foundation for Excellence in Women Empowerment and Aashita Joshi and S Anas Ahmed from ISB for Excellence in Research. Organizations like Nikore Associates, Indus Action, IWWAGE, and Project Her & Now (GIZ) were also recognized for their contributions to research and women’s empowerment.
The SAHIT National Conference, organized by CyberPeace Foundation and Miranda House, in collaboration with the Indian National Sciences Academy, was not just an event—it was a powerful statement about the future of India. By celebrating the achievements of these remarkable women and launching initiatives like the SAHIT report, the conference underscored the importance of making gender diversity a central part of India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation—Viksit Bharat. As India strides toward a brighter and more prosperous future, the contributions of women will be crucial in building a truly inclusive and advanced society.
