UCCIL Ladies Forum Celebrates Foundation Day, Highlights Women’s Economic Empowerment

Bhubaneswar: “Economic empowerment is crucial for every woman to achieve self-reliance, fulfill their aspirations, and contribute to the holistic growth of society,” emphasized Aparajita Sarangi, Lok Sabha MP from Bhubaneswar, during the foundation day event of the UCCIL Ladies Forum.

The UCCIL Ladies Forum, the women’s wing of the Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited, hosted its annual event on Saturday, 3rd August, at the premises of the premier industry association. The guests lauded the forum’s efforts in supporting marginalized communities and promoting women in entrepreneurship.

“Feminism is not about competing with our counterparts; it’s about complementing each other. When we support one another, we create a stronger and better society,” Ms. Sarangi highlighted, appreciating the role of the forum’s women members.

Pranati Parida, President of the UCCIL Ladies Forum, welcomed the guests and members to the function. The event was graced by Priyadarshi Mishra, Ex-MLA of Bhubaneswar North; Tandra Ray, veteran actress; Dr. Namrata Misra, CEO of Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster (BCKIC); and Tarini Prasad Mohanty, President-in-Charge of UCCIL, as guests of honor.

“Odisha boasts a rich reserve of global skills, intellectual capacity, and a determined new generation. By blending our trade and business heritage from the maritime age with modern knowledge and entrepreneurial will, we can foster an environment to incubate future businesses. We should open this canvas for the women of the region who can paint their dreams and prove themselves as effective business leaders,” said Pranati Parida.

The forum felicitated prominent women figures from various fields, including Shailaja Kumari Aparajita Mohanty (writer and social leader), Mousumi Mohanty (senior TV journalist), Sushama Nanda (state-level volleyball coach), and Asha Bahadur Gurum (visually impaired singer). The board members of UCCIL were also honored on this occasion.

The forum’s annual souvenir, ‘Siddhi,’ was released at the event. Sweta Das, Vice President of the UCCIL Ladies Forum, and Sunshine Anand Swain hosted the program. Archana Malla, Secretary of the forum, presented the activity report, while Swetapadma Rath, Treasurer, delivered the vote of thanks.

The forum’s social initiatives include providing computers to schools to enhance digital learning, distributing blankets to senior citizens, and raincoats to sanitation workers. Additionally, the forum conducts free health check-ups for the underprivileged and plantation drives promoting environmental conservation.