By V. Shourabh

Pics by M.N. Lakshminarayana Yadav

While Mysuru launched ‘Pink Raksha’ teams on the International Day for Women on March 8 to protect the interests of rural women and children who are abused and tormented, people across the globe celebrated the Day with the theme ‘Push for Progress’. The message “We need power to make equality a reality” was conveyed loud and clear.

This Weekend Star Supplement features Women from different walks of life in Mysuru to celebrate womanhood.

Not all heroes wear crowns; some wear sarees

A mother, wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a teacher… Womanhood comes in various forms. March 8th was celebrated as International Women’s Day where people all around the globe thanked them for being women. Well, this celebration should not be a mockery of valuing them only on this day and ignoring their presence on the rest of the days. The amount of sacrifices, work and their contribution in various fields is immense. And one must not forget that without women, evolution and existence of life is simply impossible. India has been striving hard and making gradual progress in bringing equality for women, but the question here is how we bring down the stereotype of the male-dominated society that still seems prevalent. The thinking and attitude of people is under transition and in the near soon future, equality for women will definitely be gained. This International Women’s Day 2018 campaign theme is ‘Push for Progress’ motivating women to make big strides in their lives and be the ‘Wonder Woman’ they want to be.

Bharati, Registrar, University of Mysore (UoM)

Senior Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) Officer D.Bharati is the first woman Registrar of the century-old University of Mysore. She was earlier serving as the Additional Regional Commissioner in Mysuru.

She is of the opinion that women should not feel inferior and must not fully depend on law to protect them. Instead, they should know to protect and empower themselves.

Star of Mysore (SOM): You pursued your education in this University and now you are the Registrar of the same University. How do you feel?

Bharati: I actually studied at a Hunsur College which was under University of Mysore. I was a student back then but now occupying this post at the very same University makes me happy and I look forward to deliver my best.

SOM: From KAS to Academics, how has the transition been?

Bharati:  Yeah it has been a transition. But I don’t find much difference in my job over here from there. There I was into administration and here also I am given the same role here. The process is similar and I don’t find any difficulty.

SOM:  Being the First Lady Officer to hold this post in the 100-year-old University. How does it feel?

Bharati:  I got here because of a Government transfer. But in the 100-year-old university, I being the first lady to hold this office clearly shows that options for ladies are limited. Women should be empowered and given opportunities. If you look back at the Vice Chancellor’s post also, I guess there was only one lady to hold that post till date.

SOM: How have you been gaining acceptance of the staff?

Bharati: I’m enjoying my job and have no pressure at all. I’m happy to be here and they are happy to be working with me. We are gelling well.

SOM: What steps are being taken to take the University towards Centre of Excellence?

Bharati:  We are working towards the appointment of permanent teaching faculties and non-teaching faculties. This is expected to be completed in about 6 months. We have sent our 15-year project to the Central Government for recognising the Institute as Institute of Eminence. Once the Government sanctions the funds, we will work towards our goals.

SOM: UoM is mostly male dominated. Do you find it difficult to have a final say?

Bharati: The entire society is male dominated. But here at this post, I don’t think that I’m a woman or a lady. We are humans and we need to do our job. I’m the registrar and I’m here to do my duties. So with that mindset I work. To give you statistics, about 70% of the students here are ladies.

SOM: Being a woman, what conveniences have you brought to girl students?

Bharati: The warden system and hostels have been improved. Good facilities have been provided for their care. Ladies-oriented issues are being addressed regularly. We have regular meetings to address their problems and concerns too.