Shakthi to Success: Celebrating Women’s Power and Progress
28.08.26 | CTTE Research Cell
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Women’s Power and Progress: Conference Highlights Empowerment and Adaptability
A conference titled “Shakthi to Success: Celebrating Women’s Power and Progress” was held at Chevalier T. Thomas Elizabeth College for Women, Perambur, bringing together speakers from diverse fields to inspire young women towards personal and professional growth. Twenty-seven research papers were also presented by students from six colleges in the city, providing a platform for young researchers to share their ideas and perspectives.
The conference began with an address by Principal Dr. S. Sridevi, who quoted Dr. P. Sivakami’s Kurukku Vettu – Cross Section: “During nights, when we are asleep, the frozen reality of thousands of years will surface in forms hardly visible, and imprison us.” She emphasised the importance of freedom and liberation, urging women to stand firm in their decisions while communicating with confidence, courtesy and sensitivity. Referring to Bharathiar’s Puthumai Pen, she highlighted confidence, adaptability like the Tamil letter ‘ங’, teamwork and humility as essential qualities for success.
The keynote address by Dr. P. Sivakami, I.A.S. (Retd.), on “Power and Progress”, covered governance, public policy, agriculture, entrepreneurship, employment and women’s empowerment. She encouraged young women to explore entrepreneurship, skill development and emerging career opportunities, while stressing greater participation in STEM, leadership and decision-making. She urged students to combine knowledge with humility, hard work, perseverance and adaptability.
Ms. Lakshmi Subramaniyan, Executive Director, Global Adjustments Foundation, conducted an engaging session on “Executing Excellence: Aspiration to Achievement”. Through interactive activities and personal experiences, she encouraged students to focus on self-improvement rather than comparison, with the message, “I am better than yesterday.” She stressed consistency, discipline, confidence and focused effort.
Mr. Sandhiyan Thilagavathy, in his session “Learn. Unlearn. Evolve”, highlighted digital literacy, evidence-based practice, peer learning and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in social work.
Ms. Sharon Waddington, Digital Entrepreneur, Manchester, UK, shared her journey from policing to digital entrepreneurship. She encouraged students to embrace self-learning, technology, adaptability and perseverance, and to view change and new career pathways as opportunities for growth.
