Punjab Governor & Administrator Chandigarh Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria Calls for Holistic Women Empowerment at ‘Stree Samarthya Summit-2025’.
“A Woman, in Herself, is an Institution of Values and Ethics,” – Governor.
Empowering Women is Key to Realizing India’s Vision for 2047.
Chandigarh, March 28 Punjab Governor & Administrator Chandigarh Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria underscored the transformative power of women in shaping India’s future at the ‘Stree Samarthya Summit-2025’, a landmark event organized by Navjivan Health Service & National Unity and Security Council (NUSC) in collaboration with CII IWN (Indian Women Network) at CII Northern Region Headquarters, Chandigarh. In his Address the Administrator remarked, “Naari ek vyakti nahi sanskaar shaala hai—A woman, in herself, is an institution of values and ethics.”
Sh. Kataria emphasized that India’s dream of becoming a developed nation by 2047 is incomplete without the full participation of women. He called upon organizations to ensure that government schemes for women empowerment reach those in need, urging active collaboration in enabling economic, social, and educational progress for women across all sectors.
Marking a significant moment at the event, the Governor released a coffee table book on women empowerment, titled ‘Chitratma Stree Samarthya’, celebrating the resilience and contributions of women in different fields.
In his address, he highlighted how Indian tradition has always revered women, stating, “Jis ghar mein nari ka samman hota hai, us ghar mein devta ka nivas hota hai”—divinity resides in homes where women are respected.
Speaking on the virtues of Indian women, The Administrator drew inspiration from Maa Sita, Meera Bai, Mother Teresa, and Kalpana Chawla, calling them shining examples of grace, sacrifice, and resilience. He reiterated that education is the first and most critical step in empowering women, particularly in rural areas, where women are playing a pivotal role in community transformation.
The summit witnessed insightful discussions on the seven pillars of holistic women empowerment, including mental health and emotional well-being, financial literacy, female health and HPV awareness, legal rights, cyber safety, physical security, education, and entrepreneurship. Eminent experts from various fields engaged in thought-provoking panel discussions, moderated by veteran journalist Jaskiran Kapoor.
Sh. Kataria lauded government initiatives such as ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ and ‘Nari Shakti’, emphasizing that the recent 33% reservation for women in Parliament marks a historic milestone in India’s journey towards gender equality. He stated, “For a nation to progress, empowering women is not optional—it is essential. Women are the driving force in the wheel of development, and without their empowerment, a country remains ‘shaktiheen’—powerless.”
In recognition of their outstanding contributions to society, Punjab Governor and Administrator Chandigarh Sh Gulab Chand Kataria felicitated women achievers from diverse backgrounds, honoring them for their exemplary work in education, social service, entrepreneurship, healthcare, law enforcement, and the arts. The recipients included Manjit Kaur, Anu Kumar, Sister Shefali Parmar, Dr Asha Katoch, Meenu Prashar, Sheela Devi, Sakshi Bahl, Dr Shweta Goyal, Dr Shivani Satija, Krishna Bhatia, Prerna Kalra, Renu Saigal, and Nishima Wangu.
The summit also featured the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Sanjay Tandon, senior BJP leader; Rakhee Gupta Bhandari (IAS), Principal Secretary, Food Processing, Punjab; Sanjeev Goyal (IAAS), Director General Defence (Audit), Chandigarh; Dr Monica B. Sood, Chairperson, National Unity and Security Council & CEO, Navjivan Health Service; Ritika Singh, Chairperson, CII IWN, Chandigarh Region; Kavita Das, educationist; Geetanjali Khandelwal, SP, Crime, Women and Child Welfare, Chandigarh; Sandeep Sahni, financial strategist; Shabana Azam, psychologist; Pooja Nayar, legal expert; and Dr Preeti Jindal.
