The Department of Home Science at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
hosted a national seminar on “Inclusive Development and Gender
Mainstreaming for Viksit Bharat,” where speakers shed light on key
issues such as gender-responsive budgeting, policy formulation, and
resource allocation. The discussions focused on fostering an inclusive
development framework to achieve national growth through affirmative
measures.
A highlight of the event was the launch of the journal “Community
Outlook,” envisioned as a research platform dedicated to community-based
initiatives and gender inclusion.
Speaking at the inaugural session, AMU Registrar, Mr. Mohammad Imran,
IPS, emphasized the shared responsibility of students and institutions
in promoting gender mainstreaming. He encouraged students to engage in
community outreach, take on leadership roles, and contribute to research
that informs policymaking. He also discussed institutional measures
such as outreach to female students, campus safety audits, and fostering
an inclusive environment.
Mr. Imran further outlined government schemes under Viksit Bharat,
including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), National Rural Livelihood
Mission (NRLM), and Aatmanirbhar Bharat (ANB), which aim to drive
national progress through inclusive development.
Prof. Akram Ahmad Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences,
emphasized the role of universities in nurturing inclusive values,
underlining rationality, education, and logistics as key components of
development.
Prof. Saba Khan, Chairperson of the Department of Home Science,
provided a comprehensive analysis of gender inclusion strategies. She
highlighted government initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
(BBBP), Mahila Suraksha Kendra, and Ujjwala Yojana, reflecting the
country’s commitment to women’s empowerment. Stressing the need to
achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, she called for
holistic strategies to ensure inclusive progress.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Sarita Anand, Head of the
Department of Development Communication & Extension, Lady Irwin
College, University of Delhi, delved into the concepts of gender
equality, gender equity, gender mainstreaming, and gender responsive
budgeting. She shared inspiring examples of women breaking societal
barriers and championed slogans like ‘Lakhpati Didi’ and ‘Crorepati
Didi,’ underscoring economic empowerment as a critical factor in gender
inclusion.
Following the inaugural ceremony, 26 research papers were presented
across three thematic sessions. Topics ranged from nutrition,
healthcare, digital fashion sustainability, and economic empowerment to
gender-based violence, microplastics in food, and intersectional
barriers to education. Notable discussions included gestational diabetes
management, PCOS awareness, vocational education for economic
development, and social justice in gender mainstreaming.
The seminar’s sessions were chaired by Dr. Naghma Azhar, Dr.
QurratulAein Ali, and Dr. Yasmeen Ansari, with coordination led by Dr.
Zeba, Dr. Iram Aslam, and Dr. Naseem Us Sahar.
The event concluded with Prof. Saba Khan felicitating committee
members for their contributions, while Dr. Mariyam delivered a vote of
thanks.
Public Relations Office
Aligarh Muslim University
