International Women’s Day was celebrated at GITAM Deemed to be University, Hyderabad, on 7 March 2026 with the theme “Give to Gain.” The event was organized by the Women’s Empowerment Cell (WEC) to celebrate the spirit of strength, generosity, and empowerment among women.As part of the celebrations, a panel discussion on “Give to Gain” was conducted to inspire and engage students. The panel featured distinguished speakers including Sneha Singh from the Dundigal Air Force Unit, Saheena Khan from the Begumpet Air Force Unit, ParimalaAlamuri, and ChavaliSumana, a GITAM alumna.
During the discussion, Wing Commander Sneha Singh emphasized that women should see themselves as equals and pursue their aspirations with confidence. She noted that her decision to join the Air Force was a conscious choice driven by determination. ChavaliSumana shared that she had not experienced gender bias in her career and credited supportive mentors for helping her grow professionally.
Wing Commander Saheena Khan highlighted that success in the armed forces is built on teamwork and professionalism, where responsibilities are carried out beyond gender roles. ParimalaAlamuri stressed the importance of subject expertise, stating that mastery of knowledge earns respect and recognition. She also encouraged students to draw from India’s ancient knowledge systems and adapt them to modern contexts using emerging technologies.
Speaking about the evolving role of women in the Indian Air Force, Sneha Singh observed that while the force was once male-dominated, women are now making significant contributions acro-ss roles, including as fighter pilots and in senior leadership positions. She remarked that dedication, discipline, and resilience enable individuals to overcome challenges irrespective of gender.
Responding to questions from the audience, the panelists emphasized the importance of understanding people’s perspectives, promoting equality, and building confidence through self-initiative. They encouraged students to take responsibility for their goals and remain focused on delivering results, noting that competence and performance ultimately define success.
On the occasion, Prof. D. S. Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor of GITAM Hyderabad, highlighted the growing number of women in leadership roles at the university.The event was organized under the overall supervision of Prof.PriteeParwekar, Department of CSE, School of Computer Science and Engineering, and Chairperson WEC, who welcomed the gathering and set the tone for the programme.
During the celebration, the Women’s Empowerment Cell felicitated Ashritha Raju, a first-year B.Arch. student, for winning three gold medals in Pickleball—Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles—at the Telangana Chief Minister’s Cup.
The event concluded with a cultural programme followed by refreshments for the participants.
