Latest news with #JGU
India Gazette
26-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Women Can Achieve Autonomy Through Financial Empowerment: Rekha Gupta, CM, Delhi at Women Leadership Series
OP Jindal University New Delhi [India], May 26: 'It is essential for women to be financially empowered. It is possible for women to achieve autonomy, financial access and become leaders by enhancing and increasing their own potential to reach a position which enables them to make their own decisions.' said Rekha Gupta, the Chief Minister of Delhi, at the inaugural lecture of the Women's Leadership Series titled 'From Access to Autonomy - The Impact of Financial Independence on Women Leadership'. The event also included Georgia Varisco, Chief of YuWaah at UNICEF, as a distinguished speaker and Vaishnavi Jain, Global Woman Foundation (GWF). The lecture was organised as part of the Women's Leadership Series by the Global Woman Foundation in partnership with O.P. Jindal Global University and the Centre for Advancing Research in Management & Law (CARML). 'We have seen in the past that 'power' was often associated with the primary earner in the family, as it was often men who had that role and women were dependent on them. This discussion is meant to show that path to women. As a leader, I need to assist women in our state towards that goal and strengthen their resolve. India has been enriched with social reformers who have supported the cause of women empowerment. We have overcome barriers like female infanticide and resistance towards widow remarriage or even access to education for women. We have supported the cause of promoting girls towards growth, progress and development. Today, women are rising in every field and this has not been achieved without a struggle and it has taken time to alter the social and cultural mindset. To make the goal of the Leadership Series a success, we need to collectively work towards removing impediments that curb the progress and advancement of women,' the distinguished Chief Minister said as part of the address. O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) and the Global Women Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing academic collaboration, research, and leadership opportunities for women. This strategic partnership is designed to foster the exchange of research personnel, facilitate live projects, provide student internships, and organize joint conferences, symposiums, and workshops. By combining JGU's global academic reach with the Global Women Foundation's commitment to women's empowerment, the collaboration seeks to create a dynamic platform for innovation, leadership training, and cross-sectoral dialogue. The partnership will also see the organization of high-impact conferences and symposiums, bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss pressing issues and share best practices. Workshops and leadership series events, such as this inaugural lecture, will provide ongoing opportunities for capacity building and mentorship, focusing on nurturing the next generation of women leaders. Lauding the pioneering initiative, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, the Founding Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University, said, 'As we discuss the impact of financial independence on women's leadership, our Chief Guest, Smt. Rekha Gupta, epitomizes the vision of women's empowerment by holding positions of responsibility and leadership. At the heart of a pluralistic, egalitarian, and inclusive society lies the issue of women's rights and how we contribute to their empowerment. We have witnessed extraordinary developments in the framework of legislative interventions, including the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976; the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act of 2005, which advocated for equal inheritance rights for daughters; the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act of 2017; and, of course, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act of 2013. Public policy plays a catalytic role in advancing women's financial empowerment, and the Government of India has undertaken significant efforts to advance the rights of women, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana; loans for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs; Mahila e-Haat, an online platform for women-led enterprises; the Mudra Yojana for women's micro-enterprises; and one-stop centres focused on providing legal, psychological, and economic support for survivors of violence. This event underscores the need to build a society where women are empowered to engage in meaningful employment and have a strong foundation in education. We must envisage a future where every woman can start her own business, own land or a home, and lead in politics, law, medicine, and technology--making decisions in courts, companies, and communities--not as exceptions, but as equals. Autonomy is not just about personal freedom; it is about shared power, structural change, and social justice.' In her introductory remarks, Professor Dipika Jain, Executive Dean of Jindal Global Law School, said: 'A woman who lacks control over her finances remains subject to the decisions of others--whether within her family, community, or workplace. Financial independence is not merely about having money; it is about the autonomy to make choices, the dignity to chart one's path, and the strength to walk away from violence, exploitation, or neglect. At Jindal Global Law School, we view the law not only as an instrument of justice but also as a powerful agent of transformation. Over the years, we have made a deliberate effort to foreground women's leadership--not just in our discourse but in our research, pedagogy, and institutional framework. We take pride in our numerous research centres led by women scholars, and 70% of our leadership positions are held by women'. Vaishnavi Jain, Global Woman Foundation (GWF) said, 'We are here to celebrate the strength, resilience and potential of women worldwide and it is our mission to turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality. At GWF, we are leaders, collaborators and decision makers. Our mission is to grow and learn together: be it mastering financial literacy, launching new ventures, climbing the leadership ladder or advancing careers. Our capacity building programme is here to support every aspiration. At GWF, we help women by fostering a sense of community through our various projects. GWF provides a platform for members to connect, inspire and work towards collective success and join our mission to create a safe, inclusive environment where every voice matters.' Giorgia Varisco, Chief of Yuwaah (Youth & Adolescent), UNICEF gave the keynote address and said, 'The effort in convening such a diverse and influential group of leaders, activists and thinkers reflect your unwavering commitment to gender equality and social transformation. It's a gathering where ideas, experience, and purpose intersect to remind us what is possible when we act collectively. Financial independence is not just about earning money, it's about the power to choose, influence and stand on your own feet and to lead. With financial independence comes a new role within the families and community. The shift from being invisible to becoming agents of influence is what true empowerment looks like. While progress is undeniable, there is still work to be done to ensure that every woman has a fair chance to lead. Women, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, continue to face barriers from limited access to formal financial systems, gender norms, or limited mobility.' Prof. (Dr.) Manmeet Kaur, Associate Professor at Jindal Global Law School, highlighted that the theme 'From Access to Autonomy: The Impact of Financial Independence on Women's Leadership' underscores financial independence as a powerful catalyst for women's empowerment, enhancing confidence, decision-making, leadership, and unlocking their full potential. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by OP Jindal University. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Hans India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
JGU Dean first Indian academic appointed to Cambridge SHEAC
Sonipat: In an unprecedented educational honour for Indian academics, Prof (Dr) Upasana Mahanta, Dean of Admissions and Outreach at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), has been appointed as the First Indian to the Strategic Higher Education Advisory Council (SHEAC) formed by Cambridge International. This is the first time India is being represented at this global platform. SHEAC brings together senior leaders in admissions and student recruitment from some of the world's most distinguished academic institutions -- including the University of Oxford, MIT, University of Cambridge, University of Toronto, and Monash University. The Council plays a vital role in shaping the recognition, relevance, and future direction of Cambridge qualifications globally, ensuring they remain responsive to the changing dynamics of higher education worldwide. Prof Mahanta's appointment is a significant recognition of the growing leadership of India in global academic forums. An Indian voice at SHEAC brings much-needed representation and perspective from the Global South to critical conversations impacting higher education. Her experience and leadership will make India's role even more influential on international platforms like Cambridge. This appointment, a first for an Indian academic, will help in getting global recognition for the country's achievements in the field of education. Reflecting on her appointment, Prof Mahanta shared: 'It's an incredible honour to join this global group of educators and policy leaders. I see this as an opportunity to represent not just JGU but also the aspirations of students and educators across India and the Global South. The world of education is transforming, and it's vital that this transformation is guided by voices that are diverse, grounded, and globally minded.' Commenting on the news, Prof (Dr) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, said, 'This is a proud moment for JGU and for India. Prof Upasana Mahanta's appointment shows that the work we are doing here -- our values, our vision, our commitment to inclusive education -- resonates globally. As a university from the Global South, we believe in building bridges, not walls. We are honoured that our voice will now help shape the future of education at an international level.'
India Gazette
19-05-2025
- General
- India Gazette
JGU Dean is First Indian Academic Appointed to Cambridge International's Strategic Higher Education Advisory Council
OP Jindal University Sonipat (Haryana) [India], May 19: In an unprecedented educational honour for Indian academics, Prof. (Dr.) Upasana Mahanta, Dean of Admissions and Outreach at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), has been appointed as the First Indian to the Strategic Higher Education Advisory Council (SHEAC) formed by Cambridge International. This is the first time India is being represented at this global platform. SHEAC brings together senior leaders in admissions and student recruitment from some of the world's most distinguished academic institutions--including the University of Oxford, MIT, University of Cambridge, University of Toronto, and Monash University. The Council plays a vital role in shaping the recognition, relevance, and future direction of Cambridge qualifications globally, ensuring they remain responsive to the changing dynamics of higher education worldwide. Prof. Mahanta's appointment is a significant recognition of the growing leadership of India in global academic forums. An Indian voice at SHEAC brings much-needed representation and perspective from the Global South to critical conversations impacting higher education. Her experience and leadership will make India's role even more influential on international platforms like Cambridge. This appointment, a first for an Indian academic, will help in getting global recognition for the country's achievements in the field of education. Reflecting on her appointment, Prof. Mahanta shared: 'It's an incredible honour to join this global group of educators and policy leaders. I see this as an opportunity to represent not just JGU, but also the aspirations of students and educators across India and the Global South. The world of education is transforming, and it's vital that this transformation is guided by voices that are diverse, grounded, and globally minded.' Commenting on the news, Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, said, 'This is a proud moment for JGU and for India. Prof. Upasana Mahanta's appointment shows that the work we are doing here -- our values, our vision, our commitment to inclusive education --resonates globally. As a university from the Global South, we believe in building bridges, not walls. We are honoured that our voice will now help shape the future of education at an international level.' In a time of rapid change--when higher education is being reshaped by technology, global migration, climate challenges, and shifting ideas of what learning should look like--representation matters more than ever. This appointment is a reminder that some of the most important ideas, innovations, and leadership in education are coming from places like India. Dr Mahanta's selection to the SHEAC Council is a big step for India as it will increase the country's ability to raise a strong voice globally in the education sector. O.P. Jindal Global University has been playing a pioneering role in India in making admission processes more accessible, inclusive, and student-focused. Founded in 2009, JGU has grown into one of India's top private universities, with a strong international outlook. Recognised as an Institution of Eminence by the Government of India, JGU is home to twelve schools, over 500 academic partnerships worldwide, and a stellar reputation for excellence in law, liberal arts, international affairs, and the social sciences. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by OP Jindal University. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
