‘Education has transformative power’

Education has a transformative role, it liberates us from ignorance and it is a continuous process, said Rama Devi Women’s University Vice-Chancellor Prof Padmaja Mishra at the 12th foundation day celebration of the Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University here on Tuesday.

Focusing on the depressing scenario of violence against women, she said while mothers generally advise their daughters to ensure their own protection from attacks, they never teach their sons as to how they should behave with the fair sex.

“We should be strong and truthful to admit that we have not taught our boys how they should behave with girls,” Prof Mishra said. Commenting on a play staged depicting sexual harassment of women by SOA’s drama club, Toneelstuk, she said, “We have not yet achieved gender equality and it was everyone’s responsibility.”

Prof Mishra, who was felicitated on the occasion, pointed out that there was much gender stereotype in education. As long as it is believe that there is women specific education, it would be nowhere.

SOA Vice-Chancellor Prof Amit Banerjee described the foundation day as an occasion of celebration and rejoicing.

On the occasion, 57 employees of SOA including professors, faculty members and other staffs, who had completed two decades of service, were felicitated.