Bhubaneswar : Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Regional Office, and the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Bhubaneswar, under the aegis of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India today organized a Seminar on “Women in Gandhian Philosophy” as a prelude to Gandhi Jayanti.
The event reflected on Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of women as equal partners in building a just and progressive society.
The programme was presided by Shri Akhil Kumar Mishra, Additional Director General, PIB & CBC. Dr. Hrushikesh Mallick, renowned writer attended as Distinguished Guest, while Shri Sambit Tripathy, former Income Tax Commissioner, was the Guest of Honour. Eminent speaker Dr. Himadri Tanaya Mishra, along with senior government officials, employees, and media representatives also participated in the program.
In his presidential address, Shri Akhil Kumar Mishra said that Mahatma Gandhi regarded women as a powerful moral force whose resilience, courage, and faith in truth shaped the nation’s destiny. He emphasized that Gandhi’s inclusion of women in the freedom struggle was simply not symbolic, but also a conscious recognition of their vital role. “Restricting women only to domestic boundaries weakens society,” he remarked, stressing that education, empowerment, and awareness among women are essential for establishing truth, non-violence, and justice.
Drawing parallel from mythological characters, he highlighted the competency and decision making ability of women in bringing out social transformation. He also called upon government institutions, academic bodies, and social organizations to work collectively towards realizing Gandhi’s vision of equality, respect, and empowerment.
Dr. Hrushikesh Mallick said that Gandhi’s uncompromising stand against superstition, child marriage, and the plight of widows was a boon to the society. He said many women during Gandhi’s time were deprived of dignity and education due to child widowhood which Gandhi strongly opposed. Gandhi firmly believed that neglecting half of society made progress impossible, and therefore advocated education, independence, and social respect for women.
For him, women were not only participants in the freedom struggle, but also the guiding moral compass of the society. Dr. Himadri Tanaya Mishra said that Gandhi’s life and his principles rooted in truth, non-violence, and simplicity had a profound impact worldwide. She highlighted his principles of swadeshi, self-reliance, and discipline noting that for Gandhi wearing khadi symbolized national self-respect. She added that Gandhi envisioned women as the foundation of society and believed that equal opportunities in education, culture, and social service would naturally resolve many social challenges.
In his address Shri Sambit Tripathy said that Gandhi’s decision to place women at the heart of his movements was a bold step in an era when they were largely confined to domestic and social boundaries. “For Gandhi, women were not just supporters but the moral strength of the society. Without their participation, the freedom struggle would not have had the same determination,” he said, adding that Gandhi’s vision remains a guiding light in efforts to ensure equal opportunities for women today.
The workshop concluded with a cultural performance by CBC Bhubaneswar artists hilighting the importance of Gandhiji’s vision of Women empowerment, Untouchability, Swadeshi movement and Swachh Bharat. All the officials and staffs took the swachhata pledge on this occasion. Shri Manoj Kumar Jali, Deputy Director, PIB offered the vote of thanks.