Lucknow: On March 8th, 2025, in celebration of International Women’s Day, Avadh Girls’ Degree College and the Institute for Career Studies (ICS) co-hosted the Tehrim Dass Memorial Dialogue on the theme, “Life Lessons: Unlocking One’s True Potential.”
The event began with a warm welcome from Ms. Zarine Viccajee, President, Managing Committee, Avadh Girls’ Degree College, who highlighted the enduring legacy of Mrs. Tehrim Dass. Ms. Kavita Dass, Director of ICS, followed with a tribute to Mrs. Dass’ inspiring life and work.
Facilitated by Dr. Amrita Dass, Founder Director of ICS, the dialogue featured four exceptional women, each a leader in her field, sharing their personal and professional journeys. Their insights were deeply grounded in the legacy of Tehrim Dass, particularly her belief that, “No society rises above the level of its women. Equality is not a women’s issue, it’s a human issue. Women’s Rights are Human Rights!”
The distinguished speakers included:
– *Dr. Meenakshi Pahwa*, who spoke about her journey from civil services aspirant to a passionate educator.
– *Dr. Prerna Kapoor*, who shared how her father’s refugee experience inspired her to pursue a career in medicine.
– *Dr. Urvashi Sahni*, who, despite early obstacles, became a pioneering advocate for women’s education and founder of Suraksha and SHEF.
– * Zohra Chatterji*, who rose through the ranks of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) while balancing creativity and a commitment to excellence.
The dialogue highlighted several key themes:
– Aligning passion with a higher purpose.
– The importance of mentors in personal and professional growth.
– The value of life skills, including cooking, for all individuals.
– The need for gender equality in all spheres of life, especially in governance.
– Embracing challenges with resilience and striving for a world where every woman lives with dignity and respect.
The session concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Prof. Bina Rai, Principal of Avadh Girls’ Degree College, and Kavita Dass.
This enriching dialogue underscored the transformative power of women unlocking their true potential, while reaffirming the collective commitment to advancing gender equality.
