CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, a lecture series on the theme “Contribution of Leading Women Scientists in Indian Medical Science” was organized by the ACSIIR Science Club at Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC) in Bhopal.
The program was inaugurated by the institute’s Acting Director, Manisha Srivastava. She informed that the Science Club at BMHRC was established for PhD scholars and emphasized that women’s active participation in the field of science is essential for the progress of society. Srivastava said that women often possess courage and determination equal to, and sometimes greater than, men, and therefore they must be provided with greater opportunities to move forward.
During the program, Shaina Beg, a research scholar from the Department of Microbiology, presented a video presentation highlighting the contributions and courage of 20 leading women scientists in India’s medical field. She explained how these scientists broke barriers within laboratories and played a crucial role in advancing cancer research and biotechnology.
A panel discussion on women’s mental health was also organized as part of the workshop. The panel included Jyotsna Jain, Aji Koshy, Nehal Shah, and Usri Sengupta, while the session was moderated by Sonam.
The discussion focused on issues related to mental health, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Nehal Shah emphasized the importance of maintaining balance among physical, mental, and social health, while Aji Koshy highlighted women’s social roles and the significance of mental well-being. Usri Sengupta drew attention to the impact of family-related challenges and the need to understand their effects on mental health.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Kanika Suhag, Co-Professor and Chairperson of the Science Club Committee. The event proved to be an informative and enriching opportunity for students and staff to learn about the contributions of women scientists and to understand the importance of women’s mental and physical health.
