 The function began at 10.30 a.m. with an invocation. The welcome speech by Dr.Rosamma Stephen , President, Shakti was followed by presidential address by Dr. C.S.P Iyer, Professor, Emeritus, IIITMK, Thiruvananthapuram. In his address he stressed the need of an academy like Shakti Academy of Science, Technology and Research (SASTR) and the significance of Kalpana Chaula Learning Centre (KCLC) for girls. He expressed the hope that the centre may go a long way in bringing more and more girls into the field of science . Dr. C.P. Tara, President, SASTR gave a brief introduction about the vision and mission of SASTR . She also highlighted the scope of KCLC and the future plans of the centre. Mrs. Rama Devi, Former DD, VSSC, inaugurated the programme formally by lighting of the traditional lamp In the inaugural address she stressed the importance of women friendly technologies that could transform the lives of women at grass root level. . After the inaugural address, the prestigious Madame Curie Award , instituted by Shakti for a woman scientist for her life time contributions to science was presented to Dr.Indira Balachandran, Director, Aryavaidya Sala, Kottakal. In her acceptance speech she reiterated her commitment to science and the society. 
Smt. Lida Jacob IAS, in her key note speech urged scientists to usher in a social revolution by developing technologies that would help to minimise the drudgery of women. “Technology should seek women, it should not be the other way round’ she said. Science should have a human face,” she said..'She also opined that technology should be women friendly. She also stressed the need of value based education. . Development of indigenous craft items specific to each region if developed can generate employment avenues to many women as such items are in great demand among international tourists. She also cited the case of women artisans of East Asian countries. Touching up on the recent episodes of atrocities against women in Kerala she said that every women should always keep a high vigil and that she should develop the confidence to respond and react to any untoward situation. She also advocated the use of pepper spray for self defence among women.  In the panel discussion on the focal theme that followed , introducing the theme, , Dr.V. Shoba, Head, Dept.of Environmental Studies, Kerala University said that often men are neglecting a woman’ need , whether it is in house construction or in any other case for that matter. So she expressed her hope that if more and more women take up a career in science, technology will naturally become women friendly as a woman only can visualise and comprehend another woman’s need.
Dr. Thankamoney , Professor (Retd), Govt.Engineering College, Thiruvananthapuram, narrated her experiences in greening the campus of the Engineering college, Thiruvananthapuram , Her deep commitment in nurturing and protecting the biodiversity in her ancestral property , a process that has been going on for the past three decades, inspired the student community gathered there to do their bit in preserving the environment. She also mentioned about the danger of the unchecked practise of filling up all remaining paddy fields in Kerala and warned about the grim situation Kerala is going to face if the farmers in Andhra Pradesh cease to supply rice to Kerala. . She also gave an insight about virtual water, the quantum of water required to produce a kg of rice . She also discussed about water foot print . Also she narrated her bitter experience when she had to witness the axing of many big trees in the campus of the Engineering college, in the pretext of campus beautification . Dr.Indira Balachandran, Madame Curie awardee , mentioned about the various traditional ayurveda practises especially in the treatment of malnutrition and menstrual disorders in women. . She also said that cultivation of many of the medicinal plants which are in great demand can be taken up by women groups and can be a stepping stone to their empowerment. Dr.Sreedevi, Director, NATPAC, Sastra Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram summed up the discussion. Young women from diverse spheres of science contributed to the lively discussion that followed the presentations. Many of the young scholars could seek advice from the panelists on different aspects of a career in science. The panelists also were happy to find answers to many of the quires raised by aspiring young women in various aspects of environmental protection and medicinal plant cultivation. 
Vote of thanks was proposed by Ms.Suma Santhosh, Scientist, VSSC, Thiruvanathapuram, who was also the convenor of the programme. The programme was concluded with the National anthem. |
SHAKTI is an association of women for social empowerment. It has been formed with a great desire and determination of uniting the women force of India for a creative movement. Shakti is based on Indian culture and upholds the sanctity of Indian woman hood. This organization is heralded in re-awakening the creative potential of women without succum-bering to the western culture which are exported to us as modern thoughts. Shakti urges the women to come out of their shells for the realization of self. It asks the women to tackle her social challenges boldly, come forward and be a part of the new ‘era of women empowerment and nation building’. Yes, Shakti is the womb for the social, cultural, economical and intellectual empowerment of women. Shakti is head quartered at Kochi and has been promoted by Swadeshi Science Movement, which has made valuable contributions in empowering Indian Science, Culture and Philosophy.