Panchkula, December 9
The concluding day of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 turned into a powerful celebration of women in science, with young girl students turning up in remarkable numbers for a special session dedicated to Nari Shakti. The day’s highlight was a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Women’s Development to Women-led Development in S&T – Nari Shakti.”
The session brought together leading voices from science and academia, beginning with keynote addresses by Lt Gen Madhuri Kanitkar, Vice-Chancellor of MUHS, Nashik, and Prof. Vibha Tandon, Director, CSIR-IICB. Their remarks set the tone for a deeper conversation on the role of women in shaping India’s scientific landscape.
Speaking to the young audience, Lt Gen Madhuri Kanitkar reminded them of their crucial role in the nation’s future. She noted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has consistently emphasised that India’s progress is incomplete without women leading the way, adding that only when women rise, the nation rises with them. She encouraged students to embrace discipline, teamwork and courage, urging them to convert challenges into opportunities. “Any woman who grows becomes a source of inspiration for many others,” she said, calling for collective effort and spirited participation across fields.
Prof. Vibha Tandon underlined the importance of mutual support, pointing out that both men and women contribute to a balanced ecosystem in science. She highlighted several factors that shape career choices for young women — from schools and employers to social perceptions and family dynamics. Addressing barriers like lack of recognition, unfriendly work systems, and societal expectations, she stressed the need for a mindset shift.
From the panel, Prof. Bineesha Payattati, Executive Director, IIWM, spoke about the comfort and confidence women gain when they see women in leadership roles. She highlighted how mobility and fieldwork often become hurdles for women, not because of lack of ability but due to external restrictions. “When women lead, many more feel empowered to step forward,” she said. Encouraging scientific curiosity, she advised students to connect with nature and draw inspiration from it. “Start exploring, start questioning, start building ideas from the very first day,” she urged, emphasising the role of teachers in nurturing research-oriented thinking.
Tanushree Bhowmik from the World Bank highlighted the growing gap between boys’ and girls’ participation in STEM beyond middle school, attributing it to deep-rooted social barriers. She noted that while India has high female enrolment in STEM education, this doesn’t always translate into job opportunities or leadership roles. “Girls don’t just need access to science; they need to see women succeeding in it,” she said, calling for early exposure to women role models, structured internships and committed mentorship.
Representing the field of Ayurveda, Prof. Manjusha Rajagopal of Delhi University pointed out that despite a high number of women graduating in Ayurveda, far fewer enter active practice. She attributed this to family pressures and societal expectations. “We must work with parents as much as with students,” she said. “Families need to understand that daughters and sons stand on equal footing.”
As the discussion drew to a close, the panel unanimously agreed that the journey toward women-led development must begin at home and in schools. Teachers, mentors and families hold the key to identifying young talent and nurturing confidence early on. Encouragement at the right age, they said, can shape future leaders in science and technology. The final day of IISF 2025 thus concluded with a strong message — India’s scientific aspirations will reach their full potential only when young girls are encouraged, recognised and empowered to lead from the front.
