International Men’s Day Celebration

Date: November 19, 2024

Time: 2.30 PM onwards

Venue: Aditya Bangalore Institute of Pharmacy Education and Research (ABIPER) Seminar Hall

Women Empowerment Committee of Aditya Bangalore Institute of Pharmacy Education and Research (ABIPER) celebrated its first-ever International Men’s Day on November 19, 2024, marking a significant occasion to acknowledge the contributions and challenges faced by men in society. The event was organized with the goal of promoting gender equality, raising awareness about men’s health, and challenging stereotypes around masculinity.

The event was hosted by Ms. Parina Mathema from the Department of Pharmaceutics, ABIPER, who warmly welcomed all the Gent’s staff who were the guest for the event, faculty members and participants. In her opening remarks, she emphasized the Importance of creating a balanced conversation around gender, noting that the observance of International Men’s Day is a step toward recognizing the diverse roles men play in society and promoting mental health awareness.

The day’s program began with an inspiring speech by Dr. Shobha Rani, Director of ABIPER, who highlighted the significance of the event in raising awareness about men’s well-being and the importance of breaking stereotypes related to masculinity. The Director also spoke about the need to focus on men’s mental health, a topic often underrepresented in mainstream discussions.

The event also featured speeches by the Dr. Amit Kumar Das, Principal of ABIPER, who expressed strong support for the observance of International Men’s Day, highlighting that gender equality benefits everyone in society. The principal noted that by focusing on men’s well-being, the institute hoped to contribute to a more holistic approach to societal development.

Additionally, the Dr. Paul Richard, Head of the Department of Analysis at ABIPER shared his views on the importance of discussing men’s mental health, particularly in academic and professional environments.  The HOD also spoke about how creating a safe space for men to express themselves is essential in reducing stigma and improving overall well-being.

A key feature of the event was a series of cultural activities as well as fun activities for the Gents staff. Students of ABIPER actively participated in various cultural activities, including dance, singing, instrumental and short skits which centered around themes of masculinity, mental health, and breaking gender stereotypes. The cultural performances, such as dance and music, added a creative touch to the event, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding.

The event concluded with a token of love which was presented by Dr. Shobha Rani, Director, ABIPER and cake cutting. Dr. Sowjanya Battu, HOD, Department of Pharmaceutics, ABIPER delivered a closing speech, reiterating the need for continued dialogue on issues affecting both men and women, and expressing hope that the event would encourage further discussions on gender equality in the future. This initiative is expected to become an annual tradition at ABIPER, contributing to the overall goal of fostering an environment of equality, respect, and understanding for all genders.