Staff Reporter –
Celebrating Shakti 3.0 is back this year to explore a whole new subject of Women Empowerment where some of the most eminent personalities of the city were present to share their views on ‘Financial Independence is the key to Women’s Empowerment’
The event that took place on 29th April 2023 at The Park Hotel had Dr. Shashi Panja, Cabinet Minister for Industries, Commerce & Enterprises and Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal as the Keynote Speaker and Mr. Debashis Sen, MD, WBHIDCO and Chairman, New Town as the Guest of Honour.
Dr. Tehnaz Dastoor opened the event by sharing her thoughts behind the event. “It is my pleasure to be presenting to you Shakti 3.0. – the signature event of Tericom which as an organization has always promoted women empowerment thus Ritu and I joined hands in this worthy venture.”
Ritusmita Biswas, the co-curator of this amazing initiative said, “We decided to collaborate and create innovative communication campaigns that not only created Brands but also gave voice to the marginalized and underprivileged and highlighted social issues which provided the base for establishing our Shakti property. “
Dr. Shashi Panja, the Keynote Speaker of the event shared, “Bengal as a state has always seen women in the forefront and women in Bengal are often referred to as ‘Protibadi’ but ensuring financial independence is something that often starts at home.” She cited the example of how people still spend more on the education of their sons rather than their daughters. She added “When you are a financially independent woman the attitude of society, relatives and even your family changes. They treat you with more respect”.
Mr. Debashis Sen, the Guest of Honour for the afternoon added ” There are coffee shops, happy pods in New Town run by women, not just to make them financially independent but they also ensure more and more women who travel around New Town feel safe on their way to or from office”. In a way this step has not only ensured financial security of the women from the nearby villages who run these coffee shops, but also promises safety and security of the women living in New Town and encourages them to work and be financially independent.
The panel discussion also had an illustrious list of Speakers which included names like Kiran Uttam Ghosh-an entrepreneur & eminent fashion designer, Dr. Moon Chattaraj, an experienced Prosthodontist & Director of A.M. Medical Centre Pvt. Ltd, Devika Majumder, Director Les Haute, Ritu Duggal, Corporate Interior Designer & Modular Furniture Manufacturer & Co-Founder Decorage & Associates, Ms. Sonia Laul, US Consul for Political and Economic Affairs, Aishwarya Biswas, the Founder & MD of Auli, Malika Dudeja Varma, a Social Entrepreneur & Director of Malika Kantha Collection and She Foundation.
While Kiran Uttam Ghosh spoke about how passion is important for anyone to be successful in their profession, Aishwarya Biswas added “Financial Independence starts at home and gives you the power to make a choice. Malika Dudeja on the other hand spoke with pride about her mother Shamlu Dudeja who has become synonymous with women empowerment and revival of Kantha embroidery. She beautifully narrated about how their projects allow women to work from the safety & security of the women while fulfilling their household responsibility. “Work needs to be relevant when you are planning to ensure financial security for rural women”
The discussion was moderated by one of the eminent RJ of the city Jimmy Tangree.
As we talk more about women working and women empowerment, we often forget the fact, even for a working woman, the control of their finances often lies in the hands of their male family members. This amazing session of Celebrating Shakti 3.0 addresses this topic and explores the views of multiple strong and independent women from different walks of life.
Praveen Shrivastava, Chief of Marketing & Sales, Branded Products & Retail, Tata Steel – “Tata Steel has always had people as their key strength; and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) is not a choice at Tata Steel but a way of life. Building an equitable culture in the ecosystem we operate is a responsibility we take seriously. Tata Shaktee, our brand for steel roofing segment, which is primarily sold in rural India stands for this theme and specially works with the rural women for their empowerment in the society. It is with this philosophy, that we have chosen to partner this event as sponsors.”
About Shakti:
Celebrating Shakti, an initiative that aims to celebrate the power within every woman, was curated by Dr. Tehnaz Dastoor & Ritusmita Biswas in the year 2018. The wonderful initiative aims to empower every woman by helping them find the power that lies within.
