Chandigarh,
Department of Sanskrit organised a SPECIAL LECTURE ON TOPIC “RIGHTS OF WOMEN” TO COMMEMORATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY today in the department library. Under the direction Prof. Renu Vig, acting VC of PU. Smt. Anupam Bhanot, advocate Punjab and Haryana High Court, was the speaker at the event. Prof. V. K. Alankar, academic incharge of the PU’s Sanskrit department, welcomed the speaker and told the audience about the changes in social status of women throughout ancient India’s history. “In the Vedic era, women were thought of as queens of the house and were given important social roles”, said Prof. Alankar.
Adv. Anupam Bhanot began her lecture by emphasising that both men and women should think about their bodies as temples or sacred spaces and that they should give due respect to them. “In this way, if we think of our own bodies as sacred and protect them, we will not only protect our own bodies but also will not harm others’ bodies”, said Adv. Bhanot. Making the audience aware about legal provisions and help, she told the audience that any woman who faces any physical or mental abuse anywhere, be it at home, at workplace or elsewhere, can dial 1091 helpline and get immediate attention. Adv. Bhanot said, “Women can also demand the presence of a female officer and also can get free legal aid for the redressal of their complaints.” Telling the audience about the various legal provisions which come to the rescue of women, Adv. Bhanot emphasised that such provisions must not be misused. She added, “the law stands firmly with women and with my experience I can say that in the courts of all levels, appeals of women are heard as a matter of priority.”
Prof. Alankar in his closing remarks thanked Adv. Bhanot for enlightening the audience about women’s rights. He said, “it is only when the women of our nation are empowered that our nation will be empowered.”
Along with the lecture, competitions of slogan writing, poster making and essay writing were organised. Vasundhra of MA Sanskrit 1st year, won the first prize in essay writing and poster making competitions. Abhishek Bhatt of MA Sanskrit first year, won the first prize in slogan writing.
Prof. Ashok Kumar, chairperson of the Kalidasa Chair, was present at the event. The students of Sanskrit and Hindi departments, members of the teaching and non-teaching staff of the Sanskrit department took part in the event.