Mrs. Helena Kaushik Women’s P.G. and B.Ed. Colleges organized, sponsored and hosted a National Seminar on Micro Finance and Women’s Empowerment which was co-sponsored by the National Commission for Women, Government of India. The seminar was assisted by Prof. Dr. V. Rengarajan, an expert in Micro Finance in Chennai, from January 11 to January 15, 2009.

Dr. Girija Vyas, Chairperson, National Commission for Women, took personal interest in promoting economic interests of women through micro-financing of economic activity and entrepreneurship by women, especially in rural areas. The College thanks the NCW and its staff for their encouragement and support.

The economic and social empowerment through micro finance is necessary for women’s well-being and sustainable progress in their livelihoods. Several scholarly papers were presented on the above theme highlighting the values of micro finance and the significance of innovative institutional mechanism known as ‘Self Help Group’ (SHG) at the grassroots level.

The seminar opened with a dinner for presenters on January 11. The following papers were presented at the seminar on January 12 and 13:

1. Empowerment of Rural Women through self-help groups (SHGs) and Micro Credit- Dr. Anita Modi
2. Micro finance and empowerment of women – Gajanlal Meena and Vinod Meena
3. Micro finance in India: finding a model that is successful – Dr. (Mrs.) Devaki Chandra
4. Micro financing women-Quo vadis- Sharma & Sharma
5. Impact of Micro Finance on Women Empowerment and Poverty Reduction- A Study in UT of Puducherry – Mr. S. Santhanam
6. Empowerment of women – Niranjanbabu
7. Micro finance syndrome: Is it for empowerment or disempowerment? - Dr. V. Rengarajan
8. Micro finance: A tool for women empowerment – Prof. Yogesh Kumar Sharma
9. Women Empowerment through Micro Finance and Self Help Groups - Mrs. Pragya Sharma
10. The role of women in micro finance – Dr. Deepa Kaushik
11. Micro Finance – Dr. Jayaseelan
12. Micro Enterprises Development and Women’s Empowerment- Dr.Dilip Pipara and Sharwan Kumar Verma

Related Festivities:

• Mrs. Radha Mohan, an internationally renowned dancer and founder of Abhinaya Institute of Dance in Andheri, Mumbai entertained the seminar attendees, faculty, staff and students with presentation of three famous Kucchipuddi dance numbers for almost one hour.
• The dance presentation was followed by a musical evening of Bhajans, Ghazals and Ragas by Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan of the Delhi Gharana who was accompanied by Ustad Kadar Khan on tabla, Afzal Zahoor on violin, and Rafiq Khan on harmonium on January 12, 2009.
• Students and lecturers presented Lodi festival with the traditional dance around a bonfire on the evening of January 13.
• Students and lecturers were recognized for their academic, sports and service achievements on January 13.
• The seminar concluded with a musical presentation by Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan and dance presentations by students.
• Mr. Mark Sadan, a photographer from Ossining, New York presented an exhibit of some of his photographs of Norway on January 12 and 13. He also conducted a photo workshop for students and faculty. He photographed all events from January 11 to 14.
• A kite flying festival celebrated the holiday of Makr Sakranti on January 14 and 15.

Photos of the related events