Media Release
Udupi, Dec 8: The prestigious Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Awards recognised Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) for its outstanding contributions to empowering women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) on November 19.
The institution was honoured as one of the top academic institutions excelling in women in STEM 2024. This recognition reflects MAHE's commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment and advancing gender equity in STEM fields.
The award ceremony took place in New Delhi and featured notable attendees, including Brajesh Pandey, executive director of the Indian National Science Academy; Dr Akhilesh Gupta, adviser & distinguished visiting professor at IIT Roorkee; professor Ajay Sood, principal scientific adviser to the Government of India; Dr V K Saraswat, member of the NITI Aayog; Vaishali Nigam Sinha, chairperson of the CII awards one excellence for women in STEM and chairperson of sustainability and co-founder of ReNew; and Amita Sarkar, deputy director general of the CII.
Dr Ashita Uppoor, dean of the Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS) in Mangaluru and Dr Christopher Sudhakar, director of quality represented MAHE in this award ceremony and received the award from Dr V K Saraswat, member of the NITI Aayog
MAHE’s leadership and dedication to promoting women in STEM have been crucial in creating a platform that nurtures talent, encourages innovation, and supports female scholars in these traditionally male-dominated disciplines.
MAHE’s inclusion in the esteemed CII list underscores the university’s efforts to promote gender diversity and support women in pursuing careers and education in STEM fields.
The institution has implemented various programs, scholarships, and mentorship initiatives aimed at empowering female students and faculty, ensuring equal opportunities for women to excel in academia and research. This recognition highlights MAHE’s ongoing commitment to breaking barriers and fostering a supportive environment for women, not only as students but also as active contributors to scientific advancements and technological innovations.
With this prestigious award, the Manipal Academy of Higher Education continues to demonstrate its leadership in promoting gender diversity and advancing the role of women in science and technology, making significant strides in shaping the future of education and research in India.