Alisha Foundation Champions Women’s Rights on International Women’s Day
Awareness Rally and Seminar Amplify Voices for Justice
By Chittaranjan Beura
Bhubaneswar, March 9: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Alisha Foundation organized an awareness rally and seminar in Bhubaneswar, advocating for women’s dignity, respect, and rights.
The event was inaugurated early this morning by former Odisha Women’s Commission Chief, Smt. Lokamudra Mohanty, and CEO of Argus TV, Shri Sanjay Jena. North Bhubaneswar MLA Shri Sushant Raut, renowned vocalist Abhinna Sundar Rautraya, social worker Baijayanti Jena, and activist Jayashree Dhal were also in attendance.
A large number of women and young men actively participated in the rally, which echoed the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day—”Rights, Equality, and Empowerment for All Women and Girls.” Led by Alisha Foundation’s Chairperson, Annada Prabha Roy, the rally underscored the need to uphold and protect the dignity of women in society.
Following the rally, a seminar titled “Voice for Justice” brought together distinguished speakers who addressed key issues such as gender inequality, judicial delays, and domestic violence. The panel included Dr. Subhash Chandra Mallick (LN Indtech Services Pvt. Ltd.), Prashant Kumar Nayak (Artist, Odia Film Industry), Professor Praful Kumar Dhal (Controller, Kalinga Hospital), Smt. Snehamayi Acharya (President, All India Consumer Welfare Council, Odisha), Vijaya Laxmi Tripathi (President, All Odisha Nari Suraksha Morcha), Miss Banasmita Pati (Young Writer, Entrepreneur & Social Media Influencer), Soumyakant Mohapatra (State Coordinator, NYP) and Smt. Vichitra Rath (Founder, Snigdha Cultural Academy)
The programme, moderated by Abhinandan Das with assistance from photojournalist Biswaranjan Mishra, provided a platform for thought-provoking discussions on women’s struggles and the urgent need for legal reforms.
During the event, the Alisha Foundation honored exceptional women leaders, young social workers, and individuals who have made significant contributions to society.
Speaking at the seminar, Chairperson Annada Prabha Roy emphasized that true justice for women—especially those abandoned, widowed, deceived, or abused—must be a priority for the government. She announced that the foundation will submit a formal appeal to the Honorable Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, urging action on these critical issues.
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