**Executive Summary**
This document reports on a special program organized by CSIR-NIScPR on March 6, 2026, to commemorate International Women's Day 2026. The event aimed to celebrate women's contributions to science, innovation, and well-being, and reinforce CSIR-NIScPR's commitment to gender equality in science.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Event Commemoration:**
* CSIR-NIScPR organized a special program on March 6, 2026, to commemorate International Women's Day 2026.
* The event was held to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in science.
* **Purpose and Objectives:**
* To recognize the significant role of women in scientific advancement and nation-building.
* To promote gender equality and empower women in scientific research and innovation.
* To reaffirm CSIR-NIScPR's commitment to promoting gender equality and supporting women's participation in science and research.
* **Presentations and Talks:**
* Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the need for gender equality and empowering women in science.
* Dr. Vibha Malhotra Sahwney, Scientist ‘H' and Head, TMD, CSIR Headquarters, spoke on "CSIR: Science, Technology & Innovation Development and Management," highlighting women's growing participation and leadership in science and technology.
* Dr. Minu Chandra presented on women's ability to excel in all fields and balance professional and personal lives, encouraging them to pursue ambitions with confidence.
* **Publication Release:**
* A special issue of "Vigyan Pragati" magazine, focusing on women scientists, was released during the event.
* This issue includes interviews of prominent women in science, such as astronaut Sunita Williams and "Missile Woman of India" Tessy Thomas.
**Impact Analysis**
**Scientists, Researchers, and Staff Members**
* **Impact:** The event provided a platform to recognize their contributions, celebrate achievements, and be inspired by talks on leadership, innovation, and well-being. It also reinforced a supportive environment for women in science.
* **Action Required:** No specific action is detailed in the document; participation in the event was the primary interaction.
**CSIR-NIScPR**
* **Impact:** The event reaffirmed CSIR-NIScPR's commitment to gender equality and supporting women in science. It showcased their role in fostering an inclusive environment.
* **Action Required:** No specific action is detailed in the document, but the event itself represents an action taken by CSIR-NIScPR.
Key Entities Referenced
CSIR-NISCPR: The organizer of the International Women's Day event, responsible for promoting gender equality and supporting women in science and research.
Ministry of Science & Technology: The overarching ministry under which CSIR-NISCPR operates.
Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam: Director of CSIR-NIScPR, who delivered the welcome address highlighting the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment in science.
Dr. Vibha Malhotra Sahwney: Scientist ‘H' and Head, TMD, CSIR Headquarters, who addressed the role of CSIR in advancing scientific research and innovation and the growing participation of women.
Vigyan Pragati: A popular science magazine published by CSIR-NISCPR, which released a special issue focused on women scientists.
Ministry of Science & Technology
CSIR-NIScPR Organised the International
Women’s Day 2026 with Inspiring Talks on
Women’s Role in Leadership, Innovation and
Well-being
Posted On: 07 MAR 2026 5:06PM by PIB Delhi
To commemorate the International Women’s Day 2026, CSIR–National Institute of Science
Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi organized a special programme
celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in science. The event was held on 6 March 2026
at NIScPR bringing together scientists, researchers, and staff members to recognize the important role of
women in scientific advancement and nation building.
In the welcome address, Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, highlighted the significance
of International Women’s Day and emphasized the need to promote gender equality and empower women
in scientific research and innovation. She underscored that women scientists are making significant
contributions across various scientific disciplines and endeavouring continuously to create an inclusive
and supportive environment for women in science.The Chief Guest, Dr. Vibha Malhotra Sahwney, Scientist ‘H’ and Head, TMD, CSIR Headquarters,
delivered an insightful address on “CSIR: Science, Technology & Innovation Development and
Management.” She highlighted the important role of CSIR in advancing scientific research and innovation
in India and emphasized the growing participation and leadership of women in different sectors of science
and technology.
An engaging and inspiring presentation was delivered by Dr. Minu Chandra, HoD, Psychiatry OPD,
Centre of Excellence in Mental Health at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram
Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi. In her talk titled “Give to Gain,” she emphasized that women have
the ability to excel in every field and are not limited only to family responsibilities. She highlighted that
women are successfully balancing family and professional life while making remarkable contributions in
science and other sectors. Her address encouraged women to recognize their strengths and pursue their
ambitions with confidence.
On the occasion, women scientist centric special issue of "Vigyan Pragati" (NIScPR popular science
magazine) was also released. This special issue features interview of famous astronaut Sunita Williams,
Missile woman of India – Tessy Thomas, DG CSIR N. Kalaiselvi and significant articles on RohiniGodbole, Gaura Devi and women science communicators.
The programme concluded with a note of appreciation for the contributions of women scientists and
professionals. The event served as a meaningful platform to celebrate the spirit, achievements, and
resilience of women, reaffirming CSIR-NIScPR’s commitment to promoting gender equality and
supporting women’s participation in science and research.
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