Dr. Abraham Mathai, Founder of the Harmony Foundation
The Harmony Foundation marked International Women's Day on the eve of this occasion with inspiring celebrations held at St. Andrew's College and also at the Kalina campus of the University of Mumbai. The event brought together students, faculty, and distinguished guests to reflect on women's empowerment and the urgent need to challenge gender inequalities.
The celebration was graced by the 3 following eminent advocates and champions of gender equality.
IPS Vinita Sahu, a trailblazer in law enforcement known for her exemplary leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice and public service. Ms. Vinita Sahu, a dedicated advocate for women's rights, captivated the audience with her personal story. She recalled a defining childhood moment when, at the age of four, she spotted a red beacon car from her balcony and asked her father if they could have one. Her father explained that such cars were reserved for IAS and IPS officers and that achieving such a position required immense hard work and dedication towards studies. Inspired by this, she set her sights on joining the civil services, earning the affectionate title of "Collector Sahiba" even as a young girl. Her journey stood as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and ambition.
Dr. Ganesh Rakh, a gynecologist from Pune and President of the Medicare Hospital Foundation, known for his inspiring and monumental initiative of delivering baby girls free of charge for the past decade and a half to combat female foeticide and promote dignity for the girl child.He started this initiative when he noticed that many parents looked disappointed or saddened when a baby girl was born, while celebrations happened when a boy was born.Troubled by this mindset and the wider problem of Mulgi Vachva Abhiyan, he decided to change the narrative.The staff would even celebrate the birth of a girl child with cake, music, and announcements.The idea was to make families feel proud and happy instead of disappointed and to encourage society to value daughters equally.The campaign gained widespread attention and inspired many people to rethink attitudes toward girl children. It became a powerful example of how small symbolic actions can change social mindsets.
Dr. Shweli Kumar senior professor at TISS and academician whose work focuses on gender, intersectional violence and discrimination spoke about feminist community mobilisation, and social policy.
The celebrations at both institutions served as a call to action for students and society at large: to question outdated beliefs, to speak up against injustice, and to commit to building a fair and compassionate future. The Harmony Foundation continues to support equality in society and believes that by carrying forward even a fraction of the dedication exemplified by those working for women's empowerment, lasting change becomes possible-creating a society where every girl is truly Manchahi: wanted, valued, and celebrated.
