Kumar Bahukhandi
Guest lecturer Dr. Swati Srivastava (Principal, Sandipani Academy, Achoti (Murmunda), District-Durg )
The Education Department of Pragati College Chaubey Colony Raipur organised a “Guest Lecture” on Thursday April 3, 2025 . Dr. Swati Srivastava, Principal, Sandipani Academy, Achoti (Murmunda), District-Durg was present as the chief guest of this program. The topic of the program was “Gender Sensitivity”.
First of all, this program was started by performing Saraswati Puja and lighting the lamp before the Goddess of Knowledge ” Saraswati ” .
The program started with the thoughts of the Principal of the college, Dr. Saumya Nayyar in which she spoke about giving equal respect to men and women and also said that how important gender equality is for the development of the country, society and family.
After this, the chief guest Dr. Swati Srivastava first asked the students whether they have seen gender discrimination at home or school or not? After that, this thing was explained in detail like, having boys to play sports and cheer girls at the same place. Blue colour for boys and pink colour for girls.
Expressing his views on “Gender Equality”, she explained the meaning of what Nelson Mandela said – “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.” Gender discrimination is also seen in subject choice, jobs, colours. Even gender stereotypes persist such as boys don’t cry and girls are weak in maths. Girls have been kept away from formal education for many years.
Dr. Swati explained the situation of Chhattisgarh in the context of gender inclusive education in the 2020-21 National Education Policy where emphasis has been laid on tribal education. In the ASER 2022 report, the literacy rate is 74% in India and 76% in Chhattisgarh.
She further explained the importance of teacher education, safe environment in school, availability of toilets, gender neutral facilities (such as rest room, uniform, sports team), etc. Also, the programs run by UNESCO, government schemes and Vigyan Jyoti Yojana in Chhattisgarh and their impact and conclusions were discussed in detail.
Dr. Swati Srivastava told about the challenges, conclusions and solutions related to “gender sensitivity”. In the end, Dr. Swati Srivastava quoted what Paulo Freire said that “education is freedom”.
The Principal of Pragati College Dr. Soumya Nayyar , Administrator Ms. Jyoti Thakur, Head of Education Department Dr. K. N. Gajpal and all the professors and students played a commendable role in making the program successful. The stage was conducted by Ms. Chinmayi Das and the vote of thanks was given by Mrs. Gunjan Sharma expressing her sincere gratitude for Dr. Swati Srivastava ‘s valuable insights and time , and concluded with her contribution .
