BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 9th January 2026: A two-day workshop and training programme on Gender Equity and Inclusion under the PM-USHA initiative concluded successfully at Government Degree College (GDC), Khumulwng, West Tripura. Organized by the Department of History, the programme aimed to empower students particularly young women by enhancing awareness and practical skills related to self-defence, health, and hygiene.
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Dr. Bhupendra Debbarma, Principal-in-Charge of GDC Khumulwng. In his presidential address, he underscored the importance of life-saving skills such as swimming and self-defence, alongside everyday health and hygiene practices. He noted that physical preparedness and health consciousness are vital in building confidence and resilience among students.
The event was graced by Ganesh Debbarma, MDC, TTAADC, Khumulwng, who attended as Chief Guest. He emphasized the urgent need for self-defence training, particularly for girl students, observing that in modern times fear often stems not from spirits or the supernatural but from people themselves. He urged young women to equip themselves with self-defence techniques to ensure personal safety and independence.
The dignitaries were felicitated with traditional Risa, mementos, and floral bouquets, followed by the symbolic watering of a sapling—representing health, hygiene, environmental awareness, and sustainable living.
Programme Coordinator Dr. Jekap Halam, Assistant Professor and Head (i/c), Department of Philosophy, welcomed the guests and participants, stressing the importance of gender equity initiatives in higher education. He expressed hope that the workshop would inspire lasting behavioural change among students.
Tapati Bhattacharya, Senior Faculty and Joint T.C. Secretary, highlighted personal health and hygiene as the foundation of a disciplined and healthy life. She emphasized that hygiene practices are essential not only for physical well-being but also for mental and social health.
Daniel Debbarma, Assistant Professor, Department of Education, encouraged students to adopt healthy habits such as adequate sleep, clean nails, safe drinking water, and consistent hygiene practices.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Rupa Banik, Senior Faculty, Department of Philosophy, who expressed gratitude to dignitaries, faculty, and students for their cooperation in making the programme a success. The session was anchored smoothly by Rabindra Debbarma, Assistant Professor, Department of Kokborok.
The technical session was chaired by Dr. Archita Gupta, Assistant Professor, Department of English. Resource person Dr. Shanti Kumari Debbarma (MD, MS), Assistant Professor at Agartala Medical College & GB Pant Hospital, delivered an engaging lecture on Women’s Health and Hygiene. Her talk covered menstrual health education, nutritional awareness, personal hygiene, and other critical health issues affecting women.
