Interdisciplinary International Seminar

The Departments of Education and History in collaboration with the IQAC organized an International Seminar on Women in Sports in India: Politics, Nationalism & Media on September 10, 2022. The seminar was sponsored by the National Commission for Women and was part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav- Celebrating 75 years of India’s independence. Loreto College was the only institution in West Bengal to be selected as organizers of the seminar. The seminar was conducted in the blended mode and had speakers from India and abroad ranging from activists, academicians, sportspersons and sports journalists. The Principal, Sr. Dr. Christine Coutinho set the tone of the seminar by emphasizing on the importance of equity that can help women scale great heights and can go a long way towards breaking gender barriers. The Chief Guest, World Billiards champion Mrs. Neeta Kothari talked about how she started playing the game in her early 40s and went on to win international championships in Billiards and Snooker. She emphasized on how concentration, determination and grit can pave the way towards success. This was followed by a short video presentation by the students of Loreto College on sports personalities. Athlete Rights activist Dr. Payoshini Mitra stated that resisting unnecessary and unsolicited physical examinations and scrutiny like sex testing policies in women’s sports is absolutely imperative. Prof. Supriya Chaudhuri, Prof. Souvik Naha, athlete Banani Saha and journalist Gautam Bhattacharya talked about various aspects like women boxers in Kidderpore, the game of Kabbadi getting recognition in the international arena, and women sport luminaries in India along with their trials and tribulations. Papers were presented by participants from Jesus and Mary College, New Delhi, Salesian College, Siliguri, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, Patna Women’s College and students from Loreto College.