A life in and outside Politics: An interactive session with Smt. Mridula Pradhan & Dr. Prachee Javadekar

In keeping with our theme for the year,‘Realising Potential’, we began withan interaction with two strong women – with their own distinct identities and achievements – who have achieved great things in their lives, while supporting their powerful husbands in their careers, managing families and the household.

The talk had many spirited insights from Dr. Javadekar interspersed with the candour of Ms. Pradhan. They shared their rich experiences and especially how they resonated with the ABVP ideology. They talked about their lives constantly being in the public eye and how they have made myriad sacrifices in the service of the nation.
Dr. Javadekar shared her journey of being a working mother and a wife of someone who devoted himself to serving the nation. She also talked about her academic works which coalesced the elements of our rich heritage with contemporary topics. Though she remarked that this journey had “No regrets but [only] progress”, these lived experiences exemplify how she was able to turn around all the obstacles into opportunities for growth and progress.

Mrs. Pradhan, as the first woman president of ABVP, shared her experience of contesting elections at a time when there was the hegemony of Left politics on campus. She spoke about her life as an activist in the ABVP and how different is the microcosm of politics from the macrocosm of politics in real life.She has been working on women empowerment in Orissa, emphasizing upon skill development for the upliftment of women from the region.

The event left a trail of invigorating insights for the audience. A glimpse into the lives of these esteemed guests was both enlightening and vivifying. The incredible journey of both Dr. Prachee Javadekar and Mrs. Mridula Pradhan has been an inspiration for all; they showed us the true meaning of sacrifice and support.