On the occasion of International Women’s Day, 8th March 2026, the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), Pillai Institute of Management Studies and Research (PIMSR) encouraged participation of students and faculty members in an Expert Talk organised by Pillai University in association with Soroptimist International Bombay Chembur at Conclave 1, Pillai Campus, Panvel. A total of 67 womens staffs along with IIC faculty members of PIMSR attended the session to gain insights on women’s empowerment and gender equality.
The programme was organised to commemorate International Women’s Day under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” The event aimed to promote awareness about women’s rights, social justice, and the need to eliminate structural barriers that hinder equality for women and girls.
The highlight of the programme was an Expert Talk delivered by Dr. Nandita Shah, Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Akshara Centre, a well-known non-profit organisation based in Mumbai that works towards empowering women and promoting gender justice. During the event, Dr. Nandita Shah was honoured with the Soroptimist Excellence Award 2026 in recognition of her remarkable contribution to empowering young women and advocating for gender equality.
In her address, Dr. Shah shared valuable insights on the importance of creating safe spaces for women, promoting leadership among young girls, and building an inclusive society where equal opportunities are available for all. The session inspired students to understand the importance of gender sensitivity, ethical leadership, and social responsibility in shaping a progressive society.
The programme provided an excellent platform for students to interact with a renowned social leader and understand the significance of women’s empowerment, inclusive development, and community engagement, aligning with the vision of the Institution’s Innovation Council to promote socially responsible innovation and leadership among students.
