Bhubaneswar, 8th March 2025: The Bhubaneswar Branch of the Eastern India Regional Council (EIRC) of ICAI Bhubaneswar branch proudly hosted its International Women’s Day celebration under the theme “Aspire, Adapt, Achieve – Pioneering Change, Setting Trends.” The event, organized by the Women and Young Members Excellence Committee (WYMEC) of ICAI, was held at ICAI Bhawan in Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar.
The celebration successfully highlighted the invaluable contributions of women in the accounting profession and beyond, while encouraging meaningful discussions on professional growth and personal empowerment.
The program was inaugurated by Smt. Surama Padhy, Hon’ble Speaker of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, who served as the Chief Guest. The event was further enhanced by the presence of esteemed individuals including:
- Padma Shri Smt. Ileana Citaristi, a celebrated Odissi and Chhau dancer, as the Guest of Honour
- Dr Shalini Kothakonda, CMD of Shree Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, as a Special Guest
- CA. Reema Diddee, Independent Director of LIC Mutual Fund AMC, also as a Special Guest
Additionally, it was an honour to have CA. Mahendra Sahoo, Chairman of the Bhubaneswar Branch, and CA. (Dr.) Prithvi Ranjan Parhi, Secretary of the Bhubaneswar Branch, was in attendance.
The program included a variety of insightful sessions aimed at empowering participants, such as:
- Self-Defense Techniques for Women, conducted by CA. Janhabi Deo, Past Chairperson of the ICAI Bhubaneswar Branch.
- Professional Opportunities for Women Chartered Accountants, led by CA. Sarita Sahoo, Chief Financial Officer of Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.
Speaking during the event, CA. Mahendra Sahoo remarked, “International Women’s Day serves as an opportunity not only to celebrate the accomplishments of women professionals but also to inspire the next generation. This event marks an important step towards creating an inclusive and empowering environment for women in the accounting sector.”
The program concluded with networking sessions that fostered valuable interactions among women professionals, industry leaders, and aspiring Chartered Accountants. CA. (Dr.) Prithvi Ranjan Parhi delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks to the distinguished guests.
The successful coordination of the event was a testament to the dedicated efforts of a committed team, including CA. (Dr.) Goutam Lenka, Vice Chairman; CA. Soumya Sunil Sahoo, Treasurer and EICASA Chairman; CA. Gagan Bihari Das, MC Member; CA. Pranab Kishore Das, MC Member; and CA. Saswat Tripathy, MC Member. Their collaborative work played a crucial role in the event’s success and the positive impact it created.
