Mysore/Mysuru: The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) in collaboration with MyAnatomy and CMR (Cyber Media Research) honoured Vanaja B. Pandit, Hon. Secretary, Geetha Shishu Shikshana Sangha (GSSS),  Mysuru, with ‘Inspirational Woman Academic Leaders Award’ at the National Conference “Shagun – The Auspicious,” with the theme ‘Generation Equality’ organised on International Women’s Day (Mar. 8), as part of ASSOCHAM’s centenary celebrations, at Hotel Grand Sheraton in Bengaluru.

 The event aimed at appreciating the women contributing towards social harmony and progress of the nation and empowering the girl child from childhood to livelihood through means to education and employment. 

 Vanaja B. Pandit is helming the GSSS Institute of Engineering and Technology for Women (GSSSIETW), KRS Road, Metagalli, which is offering engineering courses exclusively for girls, a first of its kind in the State. 

GSSSIETW was setup in 2003 by the visionary, late Prof. B.S. Pandit, who saw many of his talented students being deprived of opportunities for lack of a Girls’ College.  After his demise in 2008, the Institution is being headed by Vanaja Pandit, Founder-Member and wife of late Prof. B.S. Pandit. 

Her commitment and dedication to the vision, that only education can empower a woman has seen the Institution grow to greater heights. Though a septuagenarian, she is actively nurturing the Institution and ensuring women empowerment from the forefront, according to a press release from  Dr. M. Shivakumar, Principal, GSSSIETW.