Media Release

Mangaluru, Mar 31: In light of International Women's Day and to bring together the Agnesian community with an eye towards raising awareness on the need to elevate the status and dignity of women in society, St Agnes College organised a programme to celebrate womanhood on March 28. The eventful celebration was apt to welcome the students to the even semester. The programme began with a prayerful rendition on finding the divine in moments of stillness by the college choir. Rithusha, vice president-Commerce, then welcomed the gathering with delight and warmth.

The key element of the programme was an interesting and insightful talk by Dr Malini N Hebbar, associate professor, PG Department of English, St Agnes College. Her talk titled 'What's your Salt?' aimed to draw out student inspirations and passions of the students to become competent and confident women. The speaker emphasized the need to build gender equity and the importance of choice for true women empowerment.

Sr Carmel Rita, the administrator, spoke about the steadfast vision and progress of the institution in the past 101 years. She also brought to the gathering's awareness of the changes that are to take place in the next academic year, which added to the excitement of the staff and students.

A fairytale with a feminist twist was enacted by the students, conveying a powerful message to the women of this generation to become women who pursue self-exploration to achieve personal and professional fulfillment. The twist in the tale shed light on the need for women to understand themselves better and prioritize growth and wellbeing to become truly independent.

In a noble move to honor women who #brokethebarrier through their resilience and strife, the management and the Women’s Cell honoured the physically challenged students of the college. Sushryavya, Suzna and Chaitra along with their parents were the inspiring recipients of the Women's Day honour. The honouring ceremony was moving and motivating for the entire gathering.

A student, Shahla, presented a Stand Up comedy, breaking the stereotype by leaving the audience in splits with her act ironically titled 'Women are just not funny!' Another students, Mehek, gave an arousing speech on how it is education that can truly enhance the quality of life for women. She informed the audience of a pertinent observation, that- is how St Agnes College has been one among the few to provide the access to this privilege of education first to girls and women.

The principal, Sr Dr Venessa AC, rightly highlighted the significance of the day, by focusing on the way forward for any society, that is- gender equity. She appreciated the efforts of the student cabinet and students who participated in the programme. Adding jazz to the celebration, was the captivating dance by the cultural association that invited a thunderous applause from the audience.

The programme was brought to a conclusion with vibes of togetherness, aspiration and excitement among Agnesians. Truly a purposeful and powerful start to a brand new semester!