Smt. Smriti Irani presides over the International Women’s Day celebrations at Manav Rachna Educational Institutions

• This is the First Pvt. University that I have visited as an HRD Minister: Smriti Irani
• 11 women achievers from MREI (alumnus and students) were felicitated for their outstanding achievements on this occasion
• A 36 ft X 24 ft flag atop a pole of 108 ft. was hoisted by Smt. Smriti Irani at the MREI campus.

Faridabad was witness to a historical moment in time when the world’s Tallest Tiranga was hoisted at the HUDA Town Park in Sector 12 by Shri Amit Shah, National President, Bharatiya Janta Party in March 2015. Manav Rachna Educational Institutions have been caring for this National Pride under the visionary guidance of Dr. O P Bhalla Foundation. The Tri-colour hoisting also became a re-affirmation of the fact that patriotism is well and truly alive, teaching us lessons in love, culture, respect and discipline.  Extending this spirit of patriotism, a 36 ft X 24 ft flag atop a pole of 108 ft. was hoisted by Smt. Smriti Irani, Hon’ble Union Minister for HRD, GoI at the MREI campus today. Smt. Smriti Irani was the Chief Guest at the culmination ceremony of the month-long “Swayam Siddha- celebrating being a woman” series being organized at the Manav Rachna International University in association with Sindhu Srijan, an NGO working on Women and Youth Empowerment. Also present on this occasion were Smt. Satya Bhalla, Chief Patron, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI); Sh. Vipul Goel, MLA; Dr Upasana Agarwal, President, Sindhu Srijan; Dr. Prashant Bhalla, President, MREI; Dr. Amit Bhalla, VP-MREI; Sh. Bhartender Singh, MP, UP among a host of senior dignitaries and women achievers from various walks of life.

“The Tiranga is an augury of all good things to come and has imbued everyone present with a deep sense of commitment towards the nation. I feel proud to be an Indian all over again and bow my head in gratitude”, said Dr. Prashant Bhalla at today’s flag hoisting ceremony.

To mark the International Women’s day, women achievers (alumnus and students) from Manav Rachna Educational Institutions were also felicitated in the presence of Smt. Smriti Irani. These included Ms. Shrishti Rana (Miss Asia Pacific 2013), Ms. Mahima Bakshi (Miss Stunning 2008 in Miss India Worldwide pageant), Ms. Nitika Pawar (IAS), Ms. Simran Khattar (CS Executive topper), Ms. Natasha Sharma (Founder of Celebrating Freedom), Ms. Jyoti Kapoor (world inline hockey player) and Ace Shooters Ms. Shweta Chaudhary, Ms. Shreyasi Singh, Ms. Riya Kumari, Ms. Ankita Das, and Ms. Shagun Chowdhary.

While addressing the audience, Smt. Satya Bhalla said: “Women in today’s world are in no way inferior to men as they continue to fulfill multiple roles in society. At Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI), we completely believe in this and have been dedicatedly working in the fields of education, sustainable development and environmental protection, gender equality, skill development, health and well-being to create a massive transformation”.

Under the aegis of the Women Empowerment series ‘Swayamsiddha: Celebrating being a Woman’ being observed at Manav Rachna International University, the All India Council for Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice had earlier launched the campaign ‘Main Tulsi Teri Aangan ki’ under the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Pado’ initiative of the Haryana Government. The poster for the campaign was launched at the national level in Manav Rachna International University. Smt. Maneka Gandhi, Hon’ble Union Minister for Women and Child Development; Ms Lalitha Kumarmangalam, Chairperson of NCW were some of the speakers who enlightened the students under the month-long Leadership series of ‘Swayam Siddha”.

Smt. Smriti Irani delivered a soul-stirring talk on Women’s Empowerment. She said: “A woman’s day is filled with challenges which she overcomes with a great deal of equanimity and strength. In my opinion, every day is woman’s day”. While congratulating all the women achievers, she said: “When your students come and say ‘thank you’ it is a reflection of the culture and heritage that you have inculcated among your pupils so as to inspire them to achieve great heights of excellence.” She expressed deep admiration for Smt Satya Bhalla, Chief Patron, MREI, and her role as an educator in guiding the students of MREI. Smt Smriti Irani also said, “It was rare to see a Private University hoisting the National Flag so proudly and boldly. The cheering of the students during the flag hoisting reaffirmed the strength and spirit that is truly Indian, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. As HRD Minister, it is the students that I truly serve.” Smt Irani also informed that this was her first visit to a Private University as an HRD Minister and it was heartening for her to note that 60 per cent students in this institution are girls.

While speaking about ‘Swayamsiddha: Celebrating being a Woman’, Dr. Upasana Agarwal, President, Sindhu Srijan said, “The programme has lauded women for their extraordinary strength and courage against tremendous odds. It has celebrated their gentleness and strength and her primordial energy known as Shakti which is the life force on earth. Given the wealth that is inherent in them, it is very important for women all over the world to see what they can do to make this world more stress and violence free. Given their diverse roles, it is women who can instill love, compassion, spirituality in the world around them.”