Sri Fatehgarh Sahib/3 Dec:
(Ravinder Singh Dhindsa)
Celebrating International Men’s Day, the Department of Sociology in collaboration with Internal Quality Assurance Cell of the University, organized a thought-provoking seminar themed “Understanding Barriers: Breaking Gender Stereotypes for a Healthier Society.” The event brought together scholars, students, and experts for a dynamic discussion on the evolving role of men in modern society and the need to dismantle gender stereotypes to foster equity and inclusivity.The seminar began with a warm welcome by Prof. Ramesh Arora, Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC). In his opening remarks, Prof. Arora emphasized the critical importance of addressing societal barriers and promoting collective action for gender equity. He highlighted the need for social advocacy to challenge entrenched norms and foster a supportive community. Prof. Sukhwinder Singh Billing, Dean of Academic Affairs, delivered an inspiring address, urging the audience to reflect on their preconceived notions and encouraging active contributions toward building an equitable society. The presidential address by Prof. Pritpal Singh, Vice-Chancellor, underscored the importance of collective efforts to ensure justice and equality across all genders. He called for creating an environment where everyone’s voices are heard and valued. The event's keynote speaker, Dr. Harvinder Singh Bhatti, presented a compelling lecture on “Gender Identity”. He explored the historical and cultural roots of gender biases and their impact on societal progress. His presentation shed light on the deep-seated stereotypes hindering social development. Prof. Jamshid Ali Khan led a technical session focusing on actionable strategies to challenge entrenched gender biases and foster inclusivity. Adding a unique dimension to the discussions, Dr. Ankdeep Kaur Atwal, IQAC Coordinator, delivered an engaging lecture on “Silent Masculinity: Unveiling the Layers of Male Voicelessness.” She discussed the financial and social challenges men face due to rigid gender norms and emphasized the need for open dialogue and support. Another enlightening session by Dr. Harneet Billing, Head of the Education Department, on “Youth and the Fight Against Gender Stereotypes”, highlighted the critical role young people play in challenging traditional expectations and promoting equality. The event was further enriched by the presence of Dr. Sikandar Singh, Dean of Student Welfare, and Dr. Hardev Singh, Head of the Department of Religion. The seminar concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. Nav Shagan Deep Kaur, Head of the Sociology Department, who expressed gratitude to all speakers, participants, and the organizing team for making the event a resounding success. Paramdeep Singh skillfully moderated the proceedings, ensuring a seamless flow of sessions. Faculty members, including Yashna Syal, Dr. Harmanpreet Kaur, and Ekroop Kaur, contributed to the success of the event with their active participation. This seminar served as an impactful platform to challenge stereotypes and promote meaningful dialogue, reaffirming the collective responsibility to build a fair and inclusive society.