World Trade Center (WTC) Bhubaneswar hosted a remarkable and empowering celebration of International Women's Day. The event, organized by the WTC Bhubaneswar Women Forum, was designed to honour and celebrate the achievements of women across various fields. This year’s celebration centered around an Art and Craft Carnival, along with an Art and Craft competition, showcasing the creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and resilience of local women artisans and entrepreneurs.

The highlight of the event was the Art and Craft Carnival, a vibrant marketplace where talented women from the community displayed their handcrafted products. The variety of items on display was a testament to the skill and imagination of the women participants. From intricately designed home décor pieces to personalized souvenirs, traditional art, and innovative crafts, the carnival offered a diverse range of products that reflected the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The carnival not only provided a platform for these artisans to showcase their work but also served as an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to connect with the community and potential customers. It was a celebration of women’s entrepreneurial drive and creative prowess, underscoring the importance of supporting local businesses led by women.

In addition to the carnival, the event featured an Art and Craft Competition, where participants showcased their artistic talents in various categories, including painting, sculpture, and traditional handicrafts. The competition was an exciting platform for creative expression, allowing women to highlight their unique artistic skills and gain recognition for their work. The vibrant and diverse artworks created by the participants captivated the audience, further emphasizing the immense talent present in the local community.

The competition not only celebrated artistic talent but also provided an opportunity for the women to engage with one another, share techniques, and learn from each other’s creative processes. It was a true testament to the artistic spirit and determination of women in Bhubaneswar.

As part of the celebration, two outstanding women entrepreneurs were awarded for their remarkable contributions to the field of entrepreneurship. These awards recognized their dedication, innovation, and perseverance in building successful businesses and creating opportunities for others. The recognition highlighted the vital role that women entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth and fostering a culture of innovation in the community.

The recipients of the awards shared their inspiring journeys, offering valuable insights into the challenges they faced and the strategies they used to overcome them. Their stories of resilience and determination served as an inspiration to other women in the audience, motivating them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and make a meaningful impact in their respective fields.

A key highlight of the event was the Financial Literacy session led by Mrs. Alpa Shah, a renowned author and Chartered Wealth Manager. She focused on empowering women to take control of their financial futures, covering topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and long-term financial planning. Her insights provided actionable advice to help women make informed financial decisions, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy in building confidence, security, and future preparedness.

Another key moment of the celebration was the inspiring address delivered by the Chief Guest, Mrs. Sagarika Nath, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Khurda. Mrs. Nath, a prominent leader in law enforcement, spoke passionately about the importance of women in leadership roles and the need for their voices in decision-making processes.

Her address resonated deeply with the audience, as she shared her personal experiences and spoke about overcoming challenges as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. She emphasized the significance of resilience, determination, and the ability to break through barriers in the pursuit of one’s goals. Mrs. Nath's words served as a powerful reminder to the attendees that women, regardless of the obstacles they face, have the strength and capability to lead, inspire, and drive change.

Mrs. Rina Routray, Advisor to the WTC Bhubaneswar Women Forum, delivered a powerful speech on empowering women from the grassroots level. She stressed the importance of creating opportunities for women, especially in rural areas, where such empowerment can drive transformative community change.

Mrs. Choudhury Jyoshna Das, Honorary Convenor of the WTC Bhubaneswar Women Forum, passionately discussed the forum's initiatives to uplift women in entrepreneurship. She highlighted various programs, including networking, mentorship, and skill-building workshops, emphasizing the forum’s commitment to supporting women in business.

The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks from Ms. Mousumee Sanjay Patnaik, Honorary Co-Convenor of the WTC Bhubaneswar Women Forum. She expressed gratitude to all attendees, speakers, and participants, acknowledging the forum's collaborative efforts in empowering women and its continued commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s rights.

Earlier in the session, Mrs. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, WTC Bhubaneswar welcomed all the dignitaries to commence the program.

The Women’s Day celebration at WTC Bhubaneswar was a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality and women’s empowerment. Through initiatives like the Art and Craft Carnival, Competition, and Financial Literacy session, the event emphasized the need to support women in entrepreneurship, education, and leadership.

The celebration showcased women’s strength and resilience, offering a platform for connection, learning, and growth. WTC Bhubaneswar’s continued commitment to empowering women in the region highlights the importance of ongoing support and recognition of women’s achievements.

The event was held on Friday, 7^th March 2025 at Auditorium, Buddha Temple, Bhubaneswar.