Two-Day “WARM-WISHES 2026” Conference Begins at Amity University
Lucknow – For a woman, every task can be challenging, irrespective of the field she chooses. I myself have reached this stage only after facing numerous challenges in life. My message to all of you is that we should not fear challenges. Instead, we must confront them and continue moving forward while contributing to the empowerment of our nation. There are three aspects that we must always take care of—health, security, and environment. If our environment is healthy, our health will improve; if we remain healthy, we will be able to ensure our safety; and if we remain healthy and secure, we will be able to contribute towards making India a global leader.
These views were expressed by Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister for Women Welfare and Child Development & Nutrition Baby Rani Maurya, who addressed students as the Chief Guest at Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow campus.
Maurya was speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day conference titled “WARM-WISHES 2026 (Women in Academia, Research and Management for Work-life Initiatives for Sustainable Health & Empowering Safety)”, jointly organized by the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow, and the Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Lucknow campus.
Emphasizing women’s empowerment and their contribution to national progress, Mrs. Maurya congratulated CSIR-IITR and Amity University for organizing this important conference. She said that this platform, initiated by men for women, will not only help in addressing gender inequality but will also highlight the contributions of women in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and management. She added that ensuring women are economically empowered and healthy is a key objective of both the state and central governments. She expressed confidence that the deliberations during the two-day conference would generate new ideas on these important issues.
Encouraging environmental conservation, Maurya suggested that whenever there is a birthday or any auspicious occasion in the family, people should plant a tree. Trees should also be planted in memory of departed family members, and fruit-bearing trees should be encouraged. She also urged that women in rural areas be made aware of the importance of plantation. Trees are our valuable heritage, which contribute not only to environmental protection but also to better health.
Earlier, the conference was formally inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest Mrs. Baby Rani Maurya; Guest of Honor and noted “Water Woman” and CEO of PanchTatva Foundation, Ms. Shipra Pathak; Director of Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Prof. (Dr.) Bhaskar Narayan; Pro-Vice Chancellor of Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Prof. (Dr.) Anil Vashisht; Senior Scientist and Dean Research Amity Lucknow Campus, Prof. (Dr.) Qamar Rahman; Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor (Retd. Wing Commander) Dr. Anil Kumar; and Director of Amity Institute of Biotechnology and Dean Academics, Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Tiwari. On this occasion, the Book of Abstracts of the conference was also released. During the program, Prof. (Dr.) Bhaskar Narayan and Prof. (Dr.) Anil Vashisht honoured the dignitaries by presenting them with shawls and mementoes.
Welcoming the guests, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Anil Vashisht expressed gratitude to the Founder President of Amity University, Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, and Chairman Dr. Aseem Chauhan. He said that under their visionary leadership, Amity University has emerged as one of the leading universities in the country. He also thanked CSIR-IITR for providing the opportunity to organize this significant conference. He added that the theme “WARM-WISHES 2026” reflects the importance of creating supportive systems and environments where women can thrive and take pride in their achievements in academic and professional fields. Today, women are making remarkable contributions in research, innovation, and leadership. He noted that the two-day conference would witness meaningful discussions on various issues including women’s health and empowerment.
Guest of Honor Shipra Pathak, widely known as the “Water Woman,” said in her address that women who struggle and overcome challenges appear more beautiful than those who merely adorn themselves. She stated that with a harmonious blend of civilization, culture, and modernity, new definitions of empowerment must be written. If we begin to consider the anklets on our feet as shackles, then the cultural ornaments of India may be lost. She remarked that India did not become a global leader in the past because people were engaged in chasing ninety percent marks adorned with fashionable ornaments; rather, it happened because warriors like Rani Lakshmibai fought bravely against the British while carrying their child on their back. Ms. Pathak added that with Indian culture in our hearts, holding bangles in one hand and a pen in the other, we must work towards empowering India.
Prof. (Dr.) Bhaskar Narayan stated that when we talk about safety, it is not just about physical safety; it also involves mental safety and financial security, and ensuring that people feel valued and protected by society. He said that there is a Vedic thought: “Yatra Naryastu Pujyante, Ramante Tatra Devata,” which means that where women are respected, the gods reside. This proves that long before the West even thought of celebrating Women’s Day or placing women’s issues on the agenda, our country had already been respecting women and giving them priority. He further said that this conference is not merely about saying that women are important, but about conveying and acknowledging that women are truly important.
Prof. (Dr.) Qamar Rahman said that women have always been ahead in every era. The world’s first university was established by a woman, Fatima al-Fihri, and about 200 years later University of Oxford was founded. On the occasion, She also recited lines from the famous poem “Aurat” by Kaifi Azmi: “Uth meri jaan, mere saath hi chalna hai tujhe.”
At the end of the inaugural session, while delivering the vote of thanks, Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Tiwari said that at present, 50 percent of the students at Amity University Lucknow are girls and nearly 60 percent of the faculty members are women, and working with them is empowering for everyone at the institution.
The inaugural session was conducted by Wing Commander (Dr.) Anil Kumar.
The conference was attended by heads of departments, faculty members from various departments of the university, scientists from CSIR-IITR, and a large number of students.
