In a befitting tribute to its Founder Principal and her resilient spirit, Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, Chandigarh organised Mrs. Shakuntala Roy Memorial Oration Lecture (3rd in Series) on 'Survival and Resilience Among Women: A Global Perspective'.

Prof. Allen Furr, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, Auburn University, USA was the keynote speaker for this invigorating lecture. Prof. Arun K. Grover, Professor Emeritus, PEC, Chandigarh, Mrs. Neera Grover, Former Head, Music Department, SNDT University, Mumbai, Dr. Gurdip Sharma, Secretary, GGDSD College Managing Committee, Hariana, Punjab and Former PU Senior Senate and Syndicate Member, and Mrs. Manju Gosain, Daughter of Mrs. Shakuntala Roy were Special Guests on this occasion. Mrs. Madhu Raka, the topper of the college's first batch was also present during the lecture.

Inaugurating the lecture, Principal Dr. Nisha Bhargava asserted that institutions become immortal and glorious due to the untiring work done by their founders and mentors, and the fact that MCM is a flourishing institution today with an illustrious history of 54 years is a testament to this. She said that Mrs. Roy showed extreme resilience in the face of adversities, laying a strong foundation of this glorious institution, and a true tribute to her would be to take the institution to pinnacle of glory. In the introduction to the lecture's theme,

Prof. Arun K. Grover said that 2023 being the birth centenary year of Mrs. Roy, this year's lecture holds special significance. Tracing the journey of women achievers from across the globe, Prof. Grover highlighted the indomitable spirit of women and motivated the students to get inspiration from the lives of such achievers. In his engrossing lecture, Prof. Allen Furr called upon everyone to overcome the prejudices of the past as 21st century is the beginning of the age of women.

Prof. Arun K. Grover said that 2023 being the birth centenary year of Mrs. Roy, this year's lecture holds special significance. Tracing the journey of women achievers from across the globe, Prof. Grover highlighted the indomitable spirit of women and motivated the students to get inspiration from the lives of such achievers. In his engrossing lecture, Prof. Allen Furr called upon everyone to overcome the prejudices of the past as 21st century is the beginning of the age of women.

Highlighting the fact that women are placed in a position of social disadvantage, Prof. Furr emphasised that the problem is in the context we live and this, there is a dire need to rewrite the narrative among the society and reconstruct the gender narrative.

He added that resilience is within every human being, the need is to invoke it by practicing mindfulness, avoiding negativity, staying strong, finding a purpose in life and seeking help when in need. Sharing examples of extraordinary Indian women who lived beyond stereotypes, Prof. Furr impressed upon the fact that for social resurgence, women themselves need to realise their innate abilities like devotion to sharing and nurturing. The lecture was well received by the audience who felt motivated to nurture resilience in themselves. In an emotional eulogy to her mother, Mrs. Manju Gosain recollected the memories of Mrs. Roy's life that was laden with inspiring stories of resilience, grit, determination, dedication, selflessness, acumen as an academician and administrator, and willpower.