THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, MARCH 17, 2026

 “There is no template or blueprint for life — you evolve as a person as you go along,” said Prof. Madhavi Latha Gali, as she captivated audiences at the International Women’s Day celebration hosted by Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar. Her powerful message of resilience, courage, and self-discovery set the tone for an inspiring programme dedicated to empowering women in STEM.

Held on March 15, 2026, as part of week-long celebrations that began on March 8, the event brought together faculty, students, staff, and their families in a vibrant tribute to women’s achievements and leadership. The keynote address by Prof. Gali, a distinguished faculty member at the Indian Institute of Science, stood out as a highlight, offering a rare glimpse into the journey behind one of the world’s most ambitious engineering feats — the Chenab Railway Bridge.

Tracing her path from a small village in Andhra Pradesh to becoming a leading geotechnical engineer, Prof. Gali recounted the immense challenges involved in constructing the Chenab Bridge, towering 359 metres above the river in a highly seismic Himalayan zone. She explained how the project demanded rigorous geotechnical investigations, slope stabilization, and rock anchoring, alongside a dynamic “design-as-you-go” approach to adapt to complex geological conditions. Her narrative underscored not just engineering excellence but also the importance of persistence and adaptability in overcoming real-world challenges.

Earlier, in his address, Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director of IIT Bhubaneswar, emphasized the significance of women’s health and well-being in enabling their full participation in academic and professional life. Highlighting progressive measures adopted by the Institute, he noted provisions such as allowing women students engaged in research to avail two days of work-from-home during menstrual cycles. He also stressed the importance of proper nutrition and maintaining adequate haemoglobin levels, encouraging women to prioritize their health as a foundation for a strong and responsible society.

The celebrations extended beyond lectures to hands-on empowerment initiatives. On March 8, the Women Welfare Committee, in collaboration with Souls for Solace, organized a self-defence camp aimed at equipping female members with essential safety skills and boosting their confidence. Dr. Anasuya Roychowdhury highlighted the committee’s ongoing efforts to ensure the well-being of women across the institute, while Dr. Prama Bhattacharya delivered the vote of thanks.

The event also celebrated creativity and talent, with prizes distributed to winners of various competitions held earlier in the month. Cultural performances by students and residents added vibrancy to the occasion, reflecting the spirit of inclusivity and community. With active participation from the Women Welfare Committee’s student team, the programme emerged as a fitting tribute to the power of education, determination, and collective support in shaping the next generation of women leaders.