A three-day International Conference on “Women in the 21st Century: Environment and Sustainable Development” was inaugurated at the Central University of Odisha on December 7 at its Sunabeda campus. It is being organised by the Department of Sociology, CUO in collaboration with the World Centre for Women’s Studies (WCWS).

CUO Vice Chancellor Prof Chakradhar Tripathi wished the International Conference a grand success. Padmashree Awardee Prof Aditya Prasad Dash, eminent scientist of international repute and former Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Tamilnadu, attended as the chief guest.

The dignitaries present on the dais were Prof Narasingh Charan Panda, Registrar I/c, CUO; Dr Barbara Wejnert, President, World-CWS, University at Buffalo, New York, USA; Prof Bishnu Charan Barik, former Vice Chancellor, Sambalpur University; Prof Jashbir Singh, University of Jammu and Vice President WCWS; Dr Kapila Khemundu, Associate Professor and HoD, Department of Sociology and convenor of the conference.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Panda highlighted the importance of women in India since the Vedic period. Prof Barik briefed about the historical background of the World Centre for Women Studies and focused on the key areas of its work.

Prof Das praised the initiation of  Swachha Bharat Abhiyan and the participation of women in its successful journey. Prof Wejnert praised Indian culture and appreciated the status of women in Indian society.

Prof Jashbir Singh highlighted the significance of women in society.  Dr Khemundu gave the welcome address and spoke about the purpose of the conference and CUO’s participation. Dr Aditya Keshari Mishra, faculty member of Sociology, offered the vote of thanks and faculty member Nupur Patnaik coordinated the event.

Around 120 papers covering the various themes and sub-themes will be presented during the seminar. Around 70 participants from India and abroad will present papers in person, while the rest of the participants will join the conference online.