Date/Time
Date(s) - 13/03/2024
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Categories
Sona College of Technology, a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and leadership, marked the International Women’s Day with an uplifiting event titled “Build Your She-Empire” on March 13, 2024. The day, filled with profound insights and inspirational stories, unfolded with a vibrant welcome by the Sona choir, setting the stage for a celebration of women’s inherent strength and dignity.
Dr. S. Padma, Head of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, kicked off the proceedings with an enlivening welcome address, highlighting the importance of empowerment in today’s society. The event was graced by esteemed guests of honour such as Mrs. Lakshmi Jagannathan, CEO of IIT Bangalore, and Mrs. Lavanya Pradeep, Director of SKS Automobile Salem.
In a stirring address by Mr. Thyagu Valliappa, the vice chairman of Sona Institutions emphasized the enormous potential of women in propelling economic and societal advancement. Mr. Valliappa re-assured to encourage and provide opportunities for women in the institution going forward, stressing responsibility and appreciation.
Connecting online, Chocko Valliappa, Sona Institutions Vice Chairman, encouraged girl students to believe in the potential of change right at Salem. He compared Leena Nair, featured by Time Magazine among 12 Women of the Year, hailing from Kolapur reaching to the position of the top women leaders in the beauty industry, highlighting the potential for women from rural India to succeed. “More women entrepreneurs from rural India would emerge in the next five years. It is not the communication skills but courage and confidence are the ways forward,” said Mr Chocko Valliappa.
In her address, Mrs. Jagannathan posed a poignant question to the audience: “Who will empower women?” Her answer resonated deeply: “Women have to empower themselves.” She emphasized the importance of continuous learning and self-motivation, encapsulating the mantra as DEN: Dream, Explore, and Network.
Mrs. Lavanya Pradeep, in her narrative of a bird in solitude transformed by gratitude, stressed the life sustaining power of appreciation in our lives. “Gratitude,” she proclaimed, “is the catalyst for abundance.”
The event further featured insightful discussions, including panel conversations on defining sustainable growth in the context of a successful career. Mrs. Jagannathan differentiated between sustaining a business through revenue and expanding sustainably to conserve the planet.
The panel delved into the challenges women face in integrating work and personal life. K.J Monica Parvathi , a Diploma in IT alumna from Thiagarajar Polytechnic shared her experience as a dedicated IT professional and mother, emphasizing the importance of focus and balance.
Tracy, a single mother and CEO of Bridal Hub, echoed the sentiment, stressing the necessity of self-care and proper scheduling in navigating life’s competing commitments.
The Q&A session illuminated the path forward from failure, with speakers emphasizing acceptance, resilience, and personal responsibility. Each response echoed the overarching theme of empowerment and self-reliance.
In conclusion, the “Build Your She-Empire” event at Sona College of Technology served as an inspiration and empowerment for women, urging them to dream boldly, explore relentlessly, and network fiercely on their journey to success. 
