On 7th March 2025, the Women’s Studies Programme of Goa University in collaboration D.D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies, Goa University, organized an inter-collegiate festival of competitions titled “MEAR: Making Equality a Reality” to commemorate International Women’s Day. The event held from 9.30 AM to 5.15 PM in Seminar Hall, Faculty Block B, Goa University, served as a platform for students to express and advocate for gender equality through various creative and performance-based competitions.
The event commenced at 10:00 AM with an inaugural function graced by Mrs. Naman Dhauskar, a distinguished social worker, as chief guest. Ms. Vithai Zaraunker introduced Mrs. Dhauskar to the audience. In her address, Mrs. Dhauskar highlighted various laws enacted to protect and empower women and emphasized the importance of financial independence for women. During this session, reels created by participating colleges were screened, showcasing creative expressions related to women’s empowerment.
The inaugural ceremony began at 10:00 AM with Mrs. Naman Dhauskar, a renowned social worker, as the Chief Guest. She was introduced by Ms. Vithai Zaraunker. In her address, Mrs. Dhauskar emphasized the importance various laws enacted to protect and empower women and emphasized the importance of financial independence for women. The session also featured the screening of thematic reels created by participants from various colleges, focusing on women’s empowerment.
Competitions and Participation:
1) MEAR Artist & MEAR Orator (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM):
These competitions were held concurrently, offering students an opportunity to showcase their artistic and public speaking talents on themes related to gender equality.
Participants from our college:
- Miss Riya Shinde (SY BCA B) awarded as the MEAR Artist
- Dhruv Naik (SY BCA B) awarded as the MEAR Orator
2) Street Play (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM):
Ten teams performed street plays addressing women’s rights and social equity. Our college team delivered a compelling performance and secured Third Place.
Participants from our college:
- Miss Aishwarya Nayak (FY BCA, Div B)
- Miss Arya Naik (FY BCA, Div B)
- Miss Ankita Mishra (FY BCA, Div B)
- Daksh Lotlikar (SY BCA, Div B)
- Miss Anushree Shirodkar (SY BCA, Div B)
- Shlok Kunkallikar (FY BCA, Div A)
- Devang Naik (FY BCA, Div B)
- Miss Shaina Kamat (SY BVoc.(ST))
- Seval Naik (FY BCA, Div A)
- Vismay Raikar (FY BCA, Div B)
3) MEAR Reelers (Pre-Event):
Students submitted short reels on gender equality prior to the main event.
Participants from our college:
- Vismay Raikar (FY BCA, Div B)
- Miss Astha Tiwari (SY BCA, Div A)
- Miss Riya Shinde (SY BCA, Div B)
- Manthan Namshikar (FY BCOM, Div A)
- Miss Sanjana Naik (FY BCA, Div B)
The valedictory session began at 4:30 PM, where prizes and participation certificates were distributed. The event concluded at 5:15 PM. The intercollegiate festival served as an engaging and enriching experience for the students, promoting creativity, advocacy, and collaboration in the pursuit of gender equality. Assistant Professor Ms. Yugandhara Joshi accompanied 15 students (08 males, 07 females) for the event.
