The AIU 2nd National Conference of Women Vice Chancellors, organized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) in collaboration with G100 – Universities & Thought Leadership Wing and Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, Delhi, was splendidly hosted by Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi, at the enchanting Country Inn Nature Resort in Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, from August 21–22, 2025. The overarching theme of this significant conference was “Promoting Women-Led Development for Viksit Bharat.”

This theme captures the essence of a vision for a developed India where women’s leadership and participation are pivotal. By focusing on women-led development, the conference sought to highlight the critical role that women play in every sphere of society, from education and governance to the economy and beyond. During the entire conference, the prime emphasis was on empowering women, which is not merely a matter of social justice but a necessary path to achieving holistic national development.

The notion of Viksit Bharat signifies a vision of a prosperous, inclusive, and equitable India, where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. Through this conference, the participants engaged in meaningful dialogue to explore strategies for fostering women’s leadership, sharing best practices, and addressing the systemic barriers that hinder women’s advancement. By promoting policies that support women’s education, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles, the conference aimed to inspire collective action that aligns with this national aspiration.

In dedicating two days to this transformative theme, the conference provided a platform for women Vice Chancellors and other leaders to exchange ideas, showcase initiatives, and commit to creating environments where women can lead effectively. This shared objective highlighted that the journey towards a Viksit Bharat is intricately linked to the empowerment of women, underscoring the belief that a nation’s progress is deeply rooted in the strength and potential of its women. Thus, the conference served as a clarion call for collaboration, innovation, and renewed commitment to unlocking the vast potential of women for the nation’s development.

The Inaugural Session of the conference commenced on Day 1, August 21, 2025, at 10:30 AM. The session unfolded with the esteemed presence of the Chief Guest, Shri Atul Kothari, National Secretary, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and the eternal quest for wisdom. The illustrious dignitaries on the dais included Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, President, AIU & VC, CSJMU, Kanpur; Dr. (Mrs.) Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, AIU; Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai, Founder, G100, ALL Ladies League, Women Economic Forum, Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI), SHEconomy; Ms. Marie-Paule Niat, Cameroonian entrepreneur & CEO, Vatis Travel Industry Services; Prof. (Dr.) Savita Sengar, G100 Global Chair, Universities & Thought Leadership Wing and Chancellor, Jharkhand Rai University; and Prof. (Dr.) Piyush Ranjan, Vice Chancellor, Jharkhand Rai University.

The Welcome Address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Savita Sengar, Chancellor, Jharkhand Rai University, who extended a heartfelt welcome to all distinguished guests, speakers, and delegates. She reflected upon the two-day conference as not merely an academic gathering but as a true retreat, a collective pause for introspection, dialogue, and the rejuvenation of ideas, emphasizing the profound significance of promoting women-led development for a Viksit Bharat.

Following this, Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai highlighted the transformative power of samadhan ki shakti, emphasizing the oneness of women and the inherent strength that lies within this unity. She articulated how this collective empowerment fosters resilience and innovation, urging participants to adopt a positive perspective on women-led development as a powerful catalyst for societal change and progress.

Dr. (Mrs.) Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, AIU, shared insights that underscored the favorable impact of a robust work culture fostered by women vice chancellors. She provided a compelling rationale for convening this conference, reiterating AIU’s unwavering commitment to nurturing women’s leadership within the higher education landscape, an endeavor that necessitates leadership development and astute measures to bridge the gender divide.

In his Presidential Address, Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak emphasized that inclusivity and coexistence are foundational to creating an empowered nation, envisioning a future where women’s contributions are central to national progress.

Ms. Marie-Paule Niat, G100 Global Chair, Mentoring & Motivation Wing and The Cameroonian entrepreneur & CEO of Vatis Travel Industry Services, as Guest of Honor, enriched the discourse with valuable international perspectives on women’s leadership and entrepreneurship, underscoring that solidarity simplifies the pursuit of solutions.

The Chief Guest, Shri Atul Kothari, delivered a pivotal address, accentuating the urgent necessity for gender-sensitive policies within educational institutions to cultivate a nurturing environment. He linked education to the vision of Viksit Bharat through women’s leadership, cultural upliftment, and the strengthening of family systems grounded in Indian values, while advocating for the self-reliance of women and the creation of safe, healthy environments.

The Inaugural Session concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Piyush Ranjan, Vice Chancellor, Jharkhand Rai University, who expressed profound gratitude to all participants and dignitaries for their esteemed presence and invaluable contributions. This session beautifully set an inspiring tone for the two-day deliberations, fostering dialogue and collaboration towards achieving the conference’s objectives. The session was masterfully orchestrated by Dr. Amrita Majumdar, Registrar, Jharkhand Rai University. A group photograph of the dignitaries and participants was taken shortly after the session, concluding the proceedings with a sense of purpose and unity.

Convenor:

Dr. Savita Sengar

Universities & Thought Leadership Wing