The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Deli, celebrated “International Women’s Day” 2025 on 7 March 2025 with great enthusiasm under the global theme ‘Accelerate Action.’ This theme calls for rapid strides toward gender equality and emphasises the need for immediate and sustained efforts to empower women in all spheres of life. Aligning with this vision, CSIR-NIScPR dedicated the event to the theme “Stronger Her, Healthier Future” and conducted a “Self-Defense and Martial Arts Training Programme” in collaboration with the Delhi Police.

This year’s celebration was further enriched by the participation of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Fit India Initiative, highlighting the intersection of gender empowerment and physical well-being.

The event was hosted by Dr Kanika Malik, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR and Coordinator of the International Women’s Day Celebration Committee. Dr Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR facilitated the Trainer, Mr Shakti Singh and his team. The celebration reinforced CSIR-NIScPR’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where women are encouraged to take charge of their well-being and security.

In her welcome address, Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal emphasised that gender equality was deeply ingrained in Indian society during the Vedic period, where men and women worked together as complementary forces rather than in hierarchical structures. She further stated, “In the present era, women are achieving great heights based on their capabilities. No one in the world is as resilient and multifaceted as a woman.”

Weightlifter Ms Sonika, a Yellow belt holder and national powerlifting award winner in 2024 in the All India Police Games in powerlifting, shared her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges to achieve success. Despite becoming a mother through C-section delivery, Sonika’s determination and motivation propelled her to become a heavyweight lifter. She encouraged girls and women to find their strength and pursue their passions.

The highlight of the event was an interactive self-defence and martial arts training session conducted by Mr Shakti Singh and his team from the Delhi Police. The session aimed to equip women with essential self-defence skills to enhance their safety and confidence in challenging situations. The programme witnessed active participation from CSIR-NIScPR staff including scientists, researchers, and others, who engaged enthusiastically in the training.

As the event concluded, participants expressed appreciation for the practical knowledge imparted during the self-defence training. The initiative served as a significant step towards empowering women with skills that promote their physical and mental well-being, aligning with the broader mission of International Women’s Day 2025 — accelerating action towards a more equitable future.