BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 12th March 2026: In a significant step towards fostering critical dialogue on gender equality and holistic wellness, a two-day National Seminar on “Pressing Women’s Issues, Mental Well-Being and Empowerment: The Way Forward” commenced today at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) College. The inaugural ceremony, held this morning, was a vibrant confluence of academic thought, administrative vision, and youthful energy, graced by the presence of the Governor of Tripura, Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, as the Chief Guest and Inaugurator.
The atmosphere on the college campus was one of solemn dignity and intellectual fervour as the clock struck 10 AM. The programme commenced with the arrival of the Governor, who was warmly received by the college’s faculty and staff. The session was set in motion with the soul-stirring rendition of the National Song, formally welcoming the dignitaries to the dais.
The formal proceedings began with a welcome address by Dr. Deepa Ghosh, the Organizing Secretary and Convenor of the Women’s Cell at MBB College. Her speech laid the foundational context for the seminar, emphasizing the urgent need for academic spaces to address the multifaceted challenges faced by women today. This was followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp, a symbolic invocation of knowledge and positivity, and the felicitation of the guests, who were honored with saplings and traditional Risa, reflecting the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Adding a touch of artistic brilliance to the morning, the students of MBB College presented an inaugural song that resonated with themes of strength, resilience, and hope, capturing the spirit of the seminar’s theme.
Distinguished voices then shaped the discourse. Animesh Debbarma, Director of Higher Education, Government of Tripura, addressed the gathering, underscoring the government’s commitment to creating educational ecosystems that support women’s advancement and mental well-being.
A particularly moving segment of the programme was the inclusion of student voices. Shagri Jamatia and Tanmoy Debnath, both final-semester students, delivered poignant speeches, offering fresh, youthful perspectives on the challenges and opportunities they perceive in the journey towards gender empowerment. Their articulation was a powerful reminder that the youth are not just the beneficiaries of such discussions but are active participants and agents of change.
The ceremony also celebrated academic excellence with the prize distribution for a poster competition, which saw enthusiastic participation from students who creatively interpreted the seminar’s core themes.
The highlight of the inaugural session was the address by the Chief Guest, Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, Governor of Tripura. In his inspiring address, the Governor lauded the initiative of MBB College for choosing a topic of such critical contemporary relevance. He spoke eloquently about the indispensable role of women in building a progressive society and stressed that true empowerment is intrinsically linked to mental and emotional well-being. He called upon the academic community to move beyond theoretical discussions and work towards tangible, on-ground solutions. He expressed the necessity of inclusion of the topic of The session concluded on a note of patriotic fervour with the rendition of the National Anthem.
The seminar then transitioned into its second part, dedicated to academic deliberation. Dr. Bibhas Deb, Vice-Chancellor of MBB University, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. His address highlighted the pivotal role of higher education institutions in shaping a more equitable and sensitive society.
The intellectual depth of the seminar was further enriched by Hon’ble Prof. Sibnath Deb, Dean from Pondicherry University. As the Special Guest, his speech wove together the psychological dimensions of women’s issues, drawing from his vast expertise. The keynote address was delivered by the eminent Prof. Rekha Pande, former Head of the Centre for Women’s Studies at the University of Hyderabad. Prof. Pande’s address was a masterful exposition of the historical context and future trajectories of the women’s movement in India, setting a high benchmark for the discussions to follow in the seminar.
The formal proceedings of the inaugural function were brought to a graceful close with a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Arjun Gope, Principal of MBB College. He expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries, guests, faculty, staff, and students for their collective effort in making the event a resounding success. With this, the first day of the national seminar concluded, paving the way for two days of intensive paper presentations and panel discussions that promise to chart a way forward for women’s empowerment and mental well-being in the country.
About the Seminar: This two-day national seminar aims to provide a platform for scholars, activists, and students to deliberate on the intersectionality of women’s issues, mental health, and empowerment, seeking a holistic and actionable path forward.
