Women should organise themselves and fight against crime,” said chief guest Padmashree Priyambada Mohanthy Hejmadi at the 3rd Foundation Day of the Rama Devi Women’s University and 118th birth anniversary of Maa Rama Devi here on Sunday.
Mohanty stressed on the security of women in day-to-day life and urged the women to fight against different crimes, keeping in mind the rising number of crimes against women.
Taking about her experience with freedom fighter Rama Devi, she said Rama Devi was a lady of a few words but was very true to those words when it came to translating them into action. She also compared the days of Rama Devi and the present time saying in the past the students used to have less time to spare for unnecessary activities and merrymaking.
The Padmashree awardee urged the university committee to devise new courses like medical engineering, industrial technology and art and culture, which would take the women to a new-level.
Central University of Orissa, Koraput, Vice-Chancellor Prof Sachidananda Mohanty said the Rama Devi Women’s University, Ravenshaw Girl’s High School and Sailabal College are like holy places and should be visited as there is something behind the names.
He also suggested the university committee to take some steps to take the university to a new level. He urged for better coordination among universities and not confining the students to just a few courses. He also stressed on research in science and other subjects.
University Vice-Chancellor Padmaja Mishra and University PG Council Chairman Sitanshu Kumar Das spoke, among others. Registrar Jayant Narayan presented the annual report.
On the occasion, a Sakuntala Panda Memorial reading room was inaugurated by the guests, followed by a cultural programme. Besides, a journal was also released. later on the day, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated 50-seated hostel ‘ASIMA’ for persons with disabilities of the university. Prizes were distributed among the winners of various competitions.