Shimla, March 8 2026:
Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice Chancellor, celebrated International Women’s Day today through a collaborative initiative of the Women Cell, the Centre for Criminology and Forensic Studies, the Centre for Environmental Studies, and the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property Rights. The event brought together distinguished dignitaries from the judiciary, administration, and academia, i.e. Hon’ble Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua, Judge, High Court of Himachal Pradesh, as the Chief Guest, along with Guests of Honour Ms. Poonam Thakur, Assistant Commissioner, State Taxes and Excise; Ms. Rani Bindu Sachdeva, IGP Crime, State CID; and Ms. Rupali Thakur, Director, Dr. Manmohan Singh Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (MS HIPA). The programme highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment, gender justice, and leadership in governance and law.
The event commenced with a brief introduction by Dr. Ruchi Sapahia, Chairperson, Women Cell, HPNLU, who highlighted the significance of International Women’s Day as a platform to reflect on the progress made toward gender equality and the challenges that continue to persist. She emphasized the role of academic institutions in fostering awareness, encouraging dialogue, and building inclusive spaces that support the growth and leadership of women in all fields.
In her welcome address, Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice Chancellor, HPNLU, underscored the vital role women play in shaping equitable societies and strong institutions. She noted that the observance of International Women’s Day at HPNLU reflects the University’s commitment to promoting gender sensitivity, empowerment, and equal opportunities in academia and beyond. She encouraged to draw inspiration from the achievements of women leaders and to contribute meaningfully toward building a more inclusive and just society.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua, Judge, High Court of Himachal Pradesh, reflected on the journey of women in the legal profession and judiciary. She emphasized the importance of perseverance, ethical commitment, and professional competence in the pursuit of justice. Her Lordship also highlighted the role of young legal professionals in promoting gender justice and strengthening constitutional values. She encouraged students to uphold the ideals of equality, dignity, and fairness in their legal careers.
Guest of Honour Ms. Poonam Thakur, Assistant Commissioner, State Taxes and Excise, shared her professional experiences and spoke about the evolving role of women in public administration. She highlighted the importance of resilience, dedication, and self-belief for young women aspiring to enter public service and leadership positions. She encouraged students to remain committed to integrity and excellence in their professional journeys.
Guest of Honour Ms. Rani Bindu Sachdeva, IGP Crime, State CID, addressed the gathering by focusing on the crucial role of women in law enforcement and the justice system. She discussed the increasing participation of women in policing and investigative roles and emphasized the need for sensitivity and awareness in dealing with issues concerning crimes against women. She also urged students to actively engage with legal and social mechanisms that strengthen the protection of women’s rights.
Guest of Honour Ms. Rupali Thakur, Director, MS HIPA, highlighted the significance of capacity building and leadership development among women. She stressed that empowering women through education, training, and opportunities is essential for achieving sustainable development and effective governance. She further encouraged students to actively participate in policy discourse and leadership initiatives.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Alok Kumar, Registrar, HPNLU, Shimla, who expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Guest, distinguished Guests of Honour, faculty members, and students for their presence and valuable insights. He also appreciated the efforts of the Women Cell and collaborating centres for organizing a meaningful event that reaffirmed the University’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The celebration served as an inspiring platform for dialogue, reflection, and recognition of the contributions of women in various spheres of society.
