In a natural ambience of the Amphitheatre of the institute, ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Baramati, Pune celebrated the International Women’s Day on March 8, 2021. Mrs. Sunita Desai, Dragon fruit farmer, Baramati graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The special guests for the function were Doctor Vanita Kokare, Mrs. Sumita Pathak and Mrs. Vijaya Yadav, a successful entrepreneur in value addition & processing (joined online). The function was attended by about 150 participants including the NIASM staff, guests, farm women, students and young professionals following the COVID guidelines. The celebration was organized and conducted by women cell committee of the institute.

The celebration began with welcome of the guests by Director of ICAR-NIASM. All the dignitaries, director, head of schools and staff spoke on importance of women’s day celebration and role of women in various sectors. Mrs Sunita Desai, Chief Guest of the programme highlighted that the societies with greater gender equality and diversity are more productive and efficient. Accepting the challenges in your daily life to create opportunities, said by Mrs. Vijaya Yadav. Importance of caring women’s own health was emphasized by Dr Vanita Kokare. Mrs Sumita Pathak stressed the need of changing overall attitude of society towards women and their self-respect. Dr Himanshu Pathak, Director, ICAR-NIASM, highlighted about women’s respect and well-being as well as performing on one’s own field with dedication and determination. All the women working in the institute viz., farm, office, students and young professionals were felicitated on the occasion.