New Colombo Plan Mobility Programme on theme ‘Closing the Gap: Enhancing Women’s Wellbeing in India’ inaugurated

Chandigarh, November 16, 2023: The 10 days New Colombo Plan Mobility Programme of Western Sydney University Australia and Centre for Human Rights and Duties in collaboration with Dean International Students Office, Panjab University Chandigarh on the theme ‘Closing the Gap: Enhancing Women’s Wellbeing in India’ was inaugurated today at the Seminar Hall, Emerging Areas Building at Panjab University, Chandigarh.

The academic programme was inaugurated with the ceremonial welcome of Western Sydney University Students at Centre for Human Rights and Duties in the presence of Dean International Students Prof.S.K Kansal , Chairperson of the Centre for Human Rights and Duties Dr. Upneet Kaur Mangat , Prof. Namita Gupta, Director Public Relations, Dr. S.S Bhinder from UICET and students of the Centre.

The Chairperson of the Centre for Human Rights and Duties Dr. Upneet Kaur Mangat informed that the Australian students from Western Sydney University have been selected under the New Colombo Plan to participate in the programme in India. They will be at the Centre for Human Rights and Duties, Panjab University, Chandigarh the academic partner of this programme wherein they will engage in academic sessions, workshops and field trips on Women’s Wellbeing  related issues.

Dr. Renu Narchal, the Project Coordinator of the Academic Engagement Programme from WSU and also the Associate Dean, Engagement and International, WSU  delved upon how important it is to have dialogue on self-care since self-care is the biggest neglect in case of women.

Dr. Sushil K. Kansal, Dean International Students, introduced the theme of the programme and addressed that it is crucial to promote equality, health, and empowerment of women to fil the gaps. Professor Emeritus (Dr.)Pam Rajput  from the Deptt.-cum- Centre for Women’s Studies and Development, Panjab University presided over as the Chief Guest of the inaugural session. In her inaugural remarks she addressed that ‘a woman is also a human being’. There are two questions we keep on looking answers for. The questions are: is she from herself? And is she herself? She also addressed that society is lab for social sciences and to answer these questions we learn from society. Those learnings are used to create a policy. She has also given brief introduction to four major documents that talks about women rights. ‘Women led development’ is the new term has been coined in G20 declaration adopted by G20 nations. She also addressed that there is need to focus on ‘living reality of women’ and it is only possible if one has sensitivity and right approach. 

In the orientation session  ice breaking session was led by Dr. Sushil K. Kansal, Dean International Students , Dr. Upneet Kaur Mangat, Chairperson Centre for Human Rights and Duties, Prof. Namita Gupta, Dr. Surinder Singh Bhinder from UICET and Prof. Swarnjit Kaur, the founder Coordinator of the Centre for Human Rights and Duties.  A virtual tour of Panjab University campus was showcased through a video clip  to WSU students about the Panjab University and its lush green surroundings by Dr. Upneet Kaur Mangat. Dr. Sushil K. Kansal, Dean International Students introduced them with the brief history of Panjab University. Prof. Swarnjit Kaur, the founder Coordinator of the Centre for Human Rights and Duties and Prof. Namita Gupta provided a brief history of the Centre and highlighted that the Centre for Human Rights and Duties is one of the few centres over India offering courses in Human Rights and Duties. Dr. Surinder Singh Bhinder from UICET provided the brief introduction to the history of City Beautiful. The session was ended with the brief introduction of students of WSU and CHRD .

The post lunch session was followed by the visit to Vice-Chancellor’s office. The  Dean International Students, Chairperson Centre for Human Rights and Duties as well as faculty and students from WSU and Student Buddies from Centre for Human Rights and Duties interacted with the Hon’bl Vice-Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig and Prof. Harsh Nayyar Director, Research and Development Cell. Thereafter, the day ended with a guided campus tour with visit to Gandhi Bhawan and Fine Arts Museum.