School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Celebrates International Women’s Day, Honors Dr. Rita Noronha’s Contributions to Societal Empowerment
Mangalore: The School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangalore, observed International Women’s Day with a profound and impactful celebration held under the theme “Accelerate Action.” Organized jointly by the Women’s Cell and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), the event underscored the urgent need for amplified and concerted efforts towards achieving gender equality and celebrated the remarkable achievements of Dr. Rita Noronha, a distinguished figure in social work and recipient of the prestigious Suvarna Mahotsava Prashasthi Award 2024.
The proceedings commenced with a solemn prayer service led by Timothy and his team, setting a tone of reflection and purpose. This was followed by a compelling video presentation chronicling the illustrious journey of Dr. Rita Noronha, highlighting her decades-long dedication to social work, community service, and unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized communities. The video served as a powerful testament to her tireless efforts and inspiring leadership.
Asst. Prof. Veena B K, Head of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Department, delivered a warm and welcoming address, setting the stage for the day’s events and emphasizing the importance of recognizing the contributions of women to society.
A symbolic lighting of the lamp ceremony followed, representing the enlightenment and empowerment of women and signifying the dispelling of ignorance and prejudice. Esteemed speakers Dr. Jacinta D’Souza and Mr. Kishore Attavar then addressed the gathering, delivering insightful speeches that underscored the necessity of collective action in building an inclusive and equitable society, free from gender bias and discrimination. They stressed the role of every individual in promoting gender equality and fostering an environment where women can thrive and reach their full potential.
Asst. Prof. Anusuya Kamath, Chairperson of the Women’s Cell, then delivered a comprehensive citation detailing the exceptional contributions of Dr. Rita Noronha to various social causes. The citation highlighted her unwavering dedication to vulnerable populations, her innovative approaches to community development, and her persistent advocacy for social justice.
Following the citation, a grand felicitation ceremony was held to formally honor Dr. Rita Noronha for her relentless and impactful work in the field of social work. Dignitaries lauded her extraordinary contributions and presented her with tokens of appreciation in recognition of her unwavering commitment to social welfare.
In her acceptance address, Dr. Rita Noronha expressed her sincere gratitude for the recognition and shared her vision of a more just, equitable, and empowered society. She urged the audience to be proactive agents of change, emphasizing the importance of individual and collective efforts in creating a world where women can live with dignity, security, and equal opportunities. Her inspiring words served as a powerful call to action, motivating attendees to commit to advancing gender equality in their respective spheres of influence.
A particularly captivating element of the event was a thought-provoking dance drama performed by second-year BSW students. The performance vividly portrayed the multifaceted struggles and inspiring triumphs of women in society, resonating powerfully with the event’s overarching theme of “Accelerate Action.” Through expressive movements and impactful storytelling, the students depicted the challenges faced by women and celebrated their resilience and determination in overcoming adversity.
In keeping with the commitment to empower women with knowledge and skills, a special guest lecture on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act was delivered by Dr. Sapna, Professor in the Department of Social Work at Alva’s College, Moodabidri. The session provided invaluable insights into the legal framework designed to ensure the safety and dignity of women in workplaces. Dr. Sapna elucidated the key provisions of the POSH Act, empowering participants to understand their rights and responsibilities in creating a harassment-free environment. Asst. Prof. Ramya B introduced the esteemed resource person.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Saritha D’Souza, IQAC Coordinator, expressing gratitude to all participants, organizers, and supporters for their contributions to the success of the International Women’s Day celebration.
Ms. Brinelle Deyola Fernandes, a second-year BSW student, served as the Master of Ceremony, expertly guiding the event through its various segments and ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for all attendees.
The International Women’s Day celebration at the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to accelerate action towards gender equality and a fitting tribute to the extraordinary contributions of women like Dr. Rita Noronha who are tirelessly working to create a more just and equitable world for all. The event reaffirmed the School’s commitment to empowering women, promoting gender equality, and fostering a society where every individual can thrive and reach their full potential.
