Mysore/Mysuru: International Women’s Day was celebrated at CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru on Mar. 10.

Dr. D. Swaroopa Rani, Senior Scientist & President, CFTRI Women’s Association, welcomed and highlighted the importance of women’s day and the need to eliminate discrimination based on gender bias.

Dr. Villoo Morawala-Patell, Founder and Chairperson, Avesthagen Limited, Bengaluru, who was the chief guest, spoke on women’s role in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) citing the example of her journey.

She also stressed on the work life balance, perseverance and struggle of women to achieve the success.

A special invitee of the event was Marthamma Mary, a woman auto driver of Mysuru city. She described her struggle during her journey and stated that being intelligent, confident and strong made her successful and achieve the goals in her life.

Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, the first woman Director of CSIR-CFTRI,  presided.

CSIR-CFTRI Women’s Association also felicitated K. Kusuma, CFTRI staff, for her achievement at State-level Para Swimming Competition  wherein  she won one Gold and two silver medals.

Dr. Pooja Rao proposed a vote of thanks.