Women Development Cell was inaugurated in Bhagubai Changu Thakur College of Law, New Panvel on 8/9/2018 in Seminar Hall at the august hands of Hon’ble Justice Smt. Revati Mohite – Dere, Judge, Bombay High Court.

As per University Grants Commission and the University of Mumbai directives, it is mandatory for every college to have Women Development Cell with an objective of women empowerment and redressal of complainants of Sexual Harassment at the workplace of women employees and students and therefore Principal, Dr. Shitala Gavand, took initiative for formation of women development cell.

Hon’ble Justice Smt. Revati Mohite – Dere, Judge, Bombay High Court was the Chief Guest of the event and Mrs. Archana Paresh Thakur and Shri. Y. T. Deshmukh, Vice Chairman, Janardan Bhagat Shikshan Prasarak Sanstha were the Guests of Honour.

The Chief Guest Hon’ble Justice Smt. Revati Mohite – Dere garlanded the photo frames of goddess Saraswati, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Late Smt. Bhagubai Changu Thakur and Late Shri. Janardan Bhagat and the Women Development Cell was inaugurated with the lightening of the lamp.

After felicitation of the guests and dignitaries, Dr. Mrs. Shitala Gavand explained the significance of women development cell and introduced the dignitaries of the event. She said that in order to achieve the goal of women empowerment in letter and spirit, it is necessary that a woman must come forward to help other women.

Mrs. Archana Thakur in her speech said that in the journey of BCT college of Law for the first time, sitting Judge of Bombay High Court has visited our college and it is indeed a proud moment. She narrated the importance of women empowerment and its necessity in the current scenario.  He appreciated the efforts taken by Principal Dr. Shitala Gavand and gave best wishes for the further development of the law college.

The Chief Guest Hon’ble Justice Smt. Revati Mohite – Dere in her speech explained the stipulated procedure to be followed by Women Development Cell with reference to the cases of sexual harassment of students and women employee at the workplace. She further pointed out that presently there are strict penal provisions for the protection of women. After Nirbhaya’s case the criminal law was amended by incorporating stringent penal provisions for offenses against women, however, there is no reduction in the rate of crime against women.

Hence for achieving the goal of women empowerment in the true sense, there is absolute need for change in the mindset of people, particularly men. She further pointed out that unfortunately today we start the debate on the topic whether women should be allowed to join the army and we conveniently ignore the fact that Rani of Jhansi, Ahilaybai Holkar, and so many fought by actually holding swords in their hands. The women must take efforts to make herself, proficient in all respect. The financial competency is possible only with help of proper education.

With reference to the history of our struggle for Independence, she pointed out that many of our freedom fighters were legal professionals and therefore the lawyers today have a special responsibility to safeguard the society by fighting against the wicked mentality. She advised students to work hard for completing the law curriculum and carry on legal profession with honesty and sincerity. She lastly gave her best wishes for the further journey of BCT College of Law.

Asst. Prof. Sandhya Balakrishnan, Asst. Prof. Sarita Samel and Asst. Prof. Dipali Babar, Librarian Pranali Korlekar, other teaching as well as non-teaching staff attended the event. So also the many students and members of the alumni association were present for the event.

After the question-answer session, the vote of thanks was proposed by Adv. Shreekant Gavand, Addl. Public Prosecutor, Bombay High Court, and the program was concluded by National Anthem