In a powerful celebration of ideas, dialogue, and the enduring spirit of women, the Centre for Gender and Women Studies at Techno India University, organized its 1st National Conference titled “Intersecting Identities: Rethinking Gender Status in Contemporary Society” on 6–7 March 2026, marking the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026.
The two-day conference emerged as a vibrant academic platform where scholars, researchers, and students from across the country came together to examine gender through multiple perspectives. With over 150 abstracts received from institutions across India, the conference reflected an overwhelming academic response. After a rigorous double-blind peer review process, 78 papers were selected for presentation, representing universities from Delhi, Lucknow, Aligarh, Chennai, Uttarakhand, Assam, and several institutions across West Bengal, including central, private, and deemed universities.
The conference was inaugurated by Ms. Vinita Bajoria, Chairperson of Nicco Cables Pvt. Ltd., whose presence added immense inspiration to the gathering. The inaugural session was also graced by distinguished dignitaries of Techno India University including Prof. Manoshi Roy Chowdhury, Co-Chancellor; Prof. (Dr.) Samiran Chattopadhyay, Vice-Chancellor; Prof. (Dr.) Rina Paladhi, Director–Academics; Prof. (Dr.) Sujoy Biswas, Registrar; Mr. Atanu Raha, IFS (Retd.), Emeritus Professor; and Ms. Rupa Majumdar, Advisor.
The conference was convened by Dr. Debashree Chakraborty, Head of the Department of Legal Science, with the dedicated support of Ms. Sreya Chakraborty, Assistant Professor of Law. The event was a collaborative initiative involving multiple departments of the university, including Legal Science, BFA-BFX, English, Economics, and Psychology, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of gender discourse.
Paper presentation sessions were conducted in both offline and online modes, allowing wider participation from scholars across the country. Each session was chaired and evaluated by external experts, ensuring thoughtful academic engagement and meaningful discussions on contemporary gender issues. The conversations reflected the urgency of rethinking societal structures, questioning stereotypes, and recognizing the complex identities that shape gender experiences today.
The Valedictory Session celebrated the scholarly contributions of participants with awards for outstanding research:
- Best Paper (Offline): Ms. Roshmi Paul, Student, Brainware University, West Bengal
- Best Title (Offline): Mr. Suman Pal, Research Scholar, University of Calcutta, Alipore Campus
- Best Paper (Online): Dr. Swagata Chatterjee, Assistant Professor, Sankrail Anil Biswas Smriti Mahavidyalaya, Jhargram, West Bengal
- Best Title (Online): Ifra Khan, Student, Jamia Hamdard University, School of Law (HILSR)
More than an academic gathering, the conference stood as a reminder that gender equality is not merely a discussion—it is a commitment to justice, dignity, and opportunity. The deliberations echoed a powerful message: women are not just participants in society; they are leaders, thinkers, creators, and change makers shaping the future.
Through initiatives like this conference, Techno India University continues to champion inclusive dialogue and critical scholarship, encouraging voices that challenge inequality and inspire progress. As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, the conference reaffirmed a simple yet powerful truth—when women rise, societies evolve, and when their voices are heard, the future becomes stronger and more equitable for all.