@ Vikash Sharma | Sr Journalist
NewDelhi : Leher Sethi (Secretary – ICUNR & Founder – Something Creative) & Neeraj Kumar (Founder – Le Magnifique Group) hosted an afternoon to celebrate International Women’s Day on *Sunday, 3rd March 2023* at Le Meridien, New Delhi in the presence of *Chief Guest, Hon’ble Minister, Raaj Kumar Anand, GNCTD (Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi) and Guests of Honour, Dr. Arun Gupta (President – Delhi Medical Council), Seema Gupta (Chairperson – Delhi Social Welfare Development Board) and the Ambassador of Nepal, H.E. Dr. Shankar P. Sharma.*
The panelists *Dr. Arun Gupta, Dr. Deepika Krishna, Manoj K. Chandra, Sarvesh Mishra and Yogita Bhayana* discussed “Women and the Mental Health Crisis Understanding the crisis in context of the Indian Society”, moderated by *Sarvapriya Sangwan, YouTube Head, India – BBC*. The need for a collective effort from civil society and government agencies in recognizing mental health needs of women, while dispelling the stigma associated with seeking help was discussed in the context of both rural and urban Indian society.
The event was commemorated in the presence of UN delegates, Embassy Heads, Select Diplomats and guests. International Women’s Day was celebrated by awarding women achievers from different genres for their exceptional contribution in their respective fields.
The event was organized in partnership with *Aryan Infraheight Developers.* The *Associate Partners* were *Cancer Healer Center & Immunosciences.* The event was supported by *Le Meridien Hotel,* that hosted the event. The awardees were gifted products by *Pink Knots* and *The Woman’s Company.*
The guests were welcomed with a note by *Leher Sethi* and the UN General Secreatry General’s address by *Mr. K.L. Malhotra,* which was followed by the panel discussion and awards ceremony. The evening witnessed some power packed acceptance speeches along with encouraging and inspiring words from the Chief Guest, Mr. Raaj Kumar Anand, who spoke about the role of his grandmother in shaping his life, and encouraging him to come out of poverty with sheer determination and hard work.
*Aruna Abhey Oswal was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution towards Women and Child Development, Philanthropy and Social Work.* The other awardees of the ICUNR International Women’s Day Awards were:
1. Aartika Bhayana for Sports.
2. Aditi Swain for Fashion Design
3. Alka Kapur for Philanthropy and Education.
4. Anushree Mahajan for Education & Skill Training
5. Aparna Challu for Social Entrepreneurship
6. Devika Jeet for Tourism
7. Isheeta Ganguly for Music
8. Minakshi Goil for Social Activism
9. Mona Munjal for Brand & Marketing Strategy
10. Monica Sharma for Hospitality.
11. Peggy Bhohi for Corporate Relations
12. Rachna Kalra for Environment Activism
13. Rashme Oberoi for Writing
14. Shreepriya Bindal for Social Work
15. Sonali Chaudhari for Art
On this occasion, *Mrs Leher Sethi, Secretary – ICUNR* said, “We need to keep talking about the need for equality while celebrating the accomplishments of the amazing and empowered women all around us, because while it is important to celebrate the distance we have covered, it is also important to remind ourselves of how far we still need to go.
*”Mr Neeraj Kumar of Le Magnifique Group* said, “Women are the strongest and most beautiful souls on earth, juggling their responsibilities immaculately at home and at work. Here’s wishing all a very Happy Women’s Day 2023!”
