Panjab University Centre for Public Health Marks International Women’s Day with Inspiring Address by Kamla Sisodiya

Chandigarh, March 9, 2026: The Centre for Public Health, Panjab University, Chandigarh, celebrated International Women’s Day bringing together students, faculty members, and distinguished guests to honour women’s contributions to public health and society. The event was organised under the Institution’s Innovation Council and adopted the theme “Give to Gain,” emphasising selfless service, empowerment, and the reciprocal benefits of community engagement in advancing gender equity and improved health outcomes.
Kamla Sisodiya, Commandant, CRPF 13 Battalion, graced the occasion as the Guest Speaker. Having joined the CRPF as an Assistant Commandant, she is widely recognised as an international motivational speaker and social worker and has received numerous awards for her exemplary service and contributions in various fields.
Kamla Sisodiya began her address by invoking a strong sense of patriotism among students, reflecting on the sacrifice of the brave martyrs of the Pulwama attack, and encouraging young people to serve the nation with dedication and integrity. During her talk, she also highlighted critical social and health issues affecting women, particularly in small towns and rural areas where many women still lack awareness about menstrual cycles, sanitation, and menstrual hygiene practices. She shared her experiences of working at the grassroots level in Punjab and Chandigarh, where she has actively promoted awareness about menstrual hygiene and the use of sanitary pads among women and young girls.
Sisodiya further emphasised the importance of “Good Touch and Bad Touch” awareness, stressing the need to educate young girls about personal safety and self-protection. In a deeply moving segment of her address, she delivered a strong message about the challenges faced by Divyang (persons with disabilities). She conducted a brief meditation exercise, encouraging participants to reflect and empathise with the struggles faced by differently abled individuals, and urged society to develop compassion and supportive attitudes towards them.
Drawing from her rich experience in the Central Reserve Police Force, she also shared insights on women’s resilience, leadership in high-pressure environments, and balancing professional and personal responsibilities, inspiring students to adopt courage, discipline, and service-oriented values in their lives.
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, Chairperson, Centre for Public Health, felicitated the esteemed guest and appreciated her inspiring address. The programme included interactive discussions on women’s roles in public health innovation and community service, aligning with global efforts to build gender-inclusive health systems.
The event was attended by Dr. Bharat Bajaj and Amandeep Singh, along with faculty members Col. (Dr.) Bhumesh Singh Dhadwal, Dr. Paravreet Kaur, and Poonam Sharma, research scholars, and students of Panjab University. The gathering fostered a spirit of volunteerism, social responsibility, and collaborative learning among participants.