ICUNR Celebrates International Women’s Day with Panel Discussion and Awards Ceremony

New Delhi: Leher Sethi (Secretary – ICUNR & Founder – Something Creative) & Neeraj Kumar (Founder – Le Magnifique Group) hosted an afternoon to celebrate International Women's Day on 3rd March 2019 at Le Meridien, New Delhi in the presence of Chief Guest, Dr.Udit Raj, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha - Northwest Delhi) and Guests of Honour, Major General Gagandeep Bakshi SM, VSM and Air Marshal Naresh Verma AVSM, VSM. The panelists Asha Devi, Deepika Krishna, Leher Sethi, Shabana Azmi, Yogita Bhayana and Dr.Udit Raj discussed various issues and challenges faced in India vis’a vis feminism and women empowerment. The collective mood of the rapt audience was pensive and somber while the discussion was going on, owing to the seriousness of the situation and the grave need for things to change, and the discussion got heated over certain issues related to women’s safety in India. The event was commemorated in the presence of UN delegates, Embassy Heads, Select Diplomats and celebrities. International Women’s Day was celebrated by awarding women achievers from different genres for their exceptional contribution in their respective fields. The guests were welcomed with a note by Leher Sethi, which was followed by the panel discussion and the ceremonious lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour. The evening witnessed some power packed acceptance speeches along with encouraging and inspiring words from Air Marshal Naresh Verma, Major General Gagandeep Bakshi, and Dr. Udit Raj. Mr K.L. Malhotra, Secretary General of ICUNR delivered the Vote of Thanks. Shabana Azmi (5 times National Award Winner & Social Activist) was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution towards Women Empowerment, Art and Social Activism. The other awardees of the ICUNR International Women’s Day Awards 2018-19 were: Many references were made about the entire country rejoicing in the valour and courage of the Indian armed forces, and the service of Maj Gen. Gagan Deep Bakshi (Indian Army) & Air Marshal Naresh Verma (Indian Air Force) to the nation. Real heroes gave away the awards to women who fought to get where they are. On this occasion, Mrs Leher Sethi, Secretary & Official Co-ordinator for ICUNR said, “I have been organizing this event for over 5 years now, and it gives me immense pleasure to do my small bit towards celebrating the accomplishments of the amazing and empowered women all around us.” Mr Neeraj Kumar of Le Magnifique Group said, “International Women’s day Awards are a platform to honour and acknowledge women for their unflinching support and contribution to the society. It is an occasion to celebrate the power of womanhood.” Mr K.L. Malhotra, Secretary General of ICUNR said, “Celebration of International Women’s Day by ICUNR was immaculately organized, and its impact was well observed by the audience."