Kurukshetra:Internal Complaints Committee, Kurukshetra University organised a one-day workshop on "Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education Institutes (HEIs)" on March 18, 2025. In his presidential address, Vice Chancellor, Kurukshetra University, Prof. Som Nath Sachdeva, emphasized the university's unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and respectful academic environment for all and highlighted the crucial role of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in preventing and addressing sexual harassment, ensuring strict adherence to legal frameworks and institutional policies.
Prof. Deepti Dharmani, Vice Chancellor, Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Prof. Dharmani commended Kurukshetra University for organising such an impactful awareness initiative. Highlighting the various challenges faced by both men and women in the present era, she emphasized the importance of understanding and balancing our rights, duties, and responsibilities.
The keynote speaker of the workshop, Prof. Vageshwari Deswal from University of Delhi, emphasized the legal framework for preventing and addressing sexual harassment in higher education institutes and discussed key provisions of various laws such as the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, , highlighting the roles and responsibilities of institutions in ensuring a safe academic environment.
Prof. Sunita Siroha, Chairperson, Internal Complaints Committee, warmly welcomed all the guests and provided an overview of the workshop. Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Department of Chemistry moderated the event. Prof. Rajshree Khare, member ICC and Principal Maharana Pratap National College, Mullana presented the vote of thanks. Deputy Director, Public Relations, Dr Jimmy Sharma informed that the inaugural session was followed by two technical sessions. 1st Technical session was chaired by Prof. Ashima Gakhar, Principal, Dayal Singh College, Prof. Neelam Rani, Department of Commerce KUK, Prof. Preeti Jain, Dean Faculty of Law & Director UGC-HRDC and Prof. Anita Dua, Director WSRC, KUK & member ICC. 2nd technical session was chaired by
Prof. Manjula Chaudhury, Director , Centre for Distance and Online Education, KUK, Dr. Sushma Sharma, Member ICC and Prof. Kusum Lata. Valedictory Session was graced by Prof. Loveleen Mohan, Registrar, Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University. Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry gave a formal vote of thanks.