On the auspicious occasion of Women’s Day, the remarkable achievements of three budding scientists were celebrated as Ms. Simaran Barve, Diksha Domde, and Ms. Laxmi Madiye, students of Microbiology at Seth Kesarimal Porwal College, Kamptee, were bestowed with the prestigious ‘WEnyan Research Fellow Award’ for their groundbreaking contributions to research.
The recognition ceremony, held on 6th March 2024 at the esteemed Chandrashekhar Auditorium, IUCAA, Pune, was organized by PKC Pune and BASF India Ltd. The event witnessed the gracious presence of distinguished guests including Dr. Parvinder Maini, Secretary of the Office of the Chief Scientific Advisor of the country, Mr. Alexander Gerding, Managing Director of BASF India, Dr. Priya Nagarajan, CEO of ‘PKC’, Senior Scientist Prof. Ajit Kembavi, along with Sunita Sule, Karthik Vaidyanathan, and other notable personalities.
Additionally, Ms. Simaran Barve and Diksha Domde were awarded the ‘WEnyan Scholarship,’ receiving Rs. 10,000 per month for 3 months, while Ms. Laxmi Madiye received Rs. 15,000 per month for 6 months. This scholarship, tailored to empower women from underprivileged or marginalized communities, aims to facilitate their involvement in scientific projects within research institutions.
The recipients of the ‘WEnyan Research Fellow Award,’ Ms. Simaran Barve, Diksha Domde, and Ms. Laxmi Madiye, were also acknowledged for their remarkable academic prowess and dedication to the field of Microbiology. Their outstanding contributions have not only earned them recognition but have also inspired countless others to pursue careers in science. This commendable initiative, aimed at fostering scientific innovation among women, was made possible through BASF’s Corporate Social Responsibility Fund and with the support of AYUCA and IIT Madras.
Expressing their gratitude, the awardees extended heartfelt thanks to the leadership of Seth Kesarimal Porwal College, including Dr. V. N. Chavan (Principal), Dr. Alok R. Rai (Head of the Department of Microbiology), Mr. Suraj V. Kombe (Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and mentor to the students), as well as Dr. Sachin Yerpude, Dr. Neha Deshattiwar, Dr. Deepti Bhabra, Ms. Tarkeswari Madavi, and the entire teaching staff, along with their parents, for their unwavering support and encouragement.
This momentous occasion not only celebrates the achievements of these outstanding women but also highlights the importance of fostering a conducive environment for women in STEM fields, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future in scientific research and innovation.