| Event | International Women’s Day |
| Year | 2024-25 |
| Event Date | 7th March, 2024 |
| Time | 12:00 p.m. |
| Venue | Conclave 1, Pillai Campus |
| Faculty Co-ordinator | Prof. Sayalee Kulkarni |
| Guest Speaker | Ms. Sumaira Abdulali |
On the 7th March, 2024, the Pillai Group of Institutions joyously celebrated International Women’s Day. The event, orchestrated by the Women Development cell across all departments in collaboration with Soroptimist International Bombay Chembur, was a testament to empowerment and recognition.
The highlight of the day was the presence of esteemed guests, notably Ms. Sumaira Abdulali, a renowned philanthropist and the founder of the “Awaz Foundation.” Ms. Abdulali was not only invited as a guest speaker but was also honored with the prestigious Soroptimist Excellence Award for the year 2024.
Ms. Sumaira Abdulali, born on 22nd May, 1961, is an eminent environmentalist hailing from Mumbai, India. She is the force behind the NGO Awaaz Foundation and is the convenor of the Movement against intimidation, threat, and revenge against activists (MITRA). Her dedication to environmental causes is reflected in her role as the co-chairman of the conservation subcommittee and honorary secretary of Asia’s oldest and largest environmental NGO, the Bombay Natural History Society.
Throughout her illustrious career, Ms. Abdulali has championed environmental awareness through legal interventions, advocacy, public campaigns, and contributions to documentary films, television debates, and press articles. She has brought attention to previously overlooked environmental hazards, notably noise pollution and sand mining, earning national and international accolades for her impactful work. Her resilience is further highlighted by her establishment of the first network for the protection of activists in India following an attack by the sand mafia in 2004. She is rightfully hailed as “one of India’s foremost environmental activists.”
The event also welcomed Ms. Lyudmyla Herasymenko, Director of Europe, Central Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean at Paris World Games. Besides her distinguished roles at The American Business School of Paris and All-in-Global as Head of Sports and E-Sports, she is a Director and Partner of Match Day 2018.
The program commenced with warm welcomes extended to the dignitaries and attendees from various departments, including faculty and students. Ms. Abdulali took center stage, sharing insightful experiences from her journey as an activist and environmentalist. She shed light on the critical issue of noise pollution and emphasized collective efforts in mitigating its impact.
The culmination of the event was the presentation of the Soroptimist Excellence Award to Ms. Abdulali by Ms. Daphnie Pillai, Chairperson of the Pillai Group of Institutions. This gesture not only honored Ms. Abdulali’s contributions but also inspired all present to strive for positive change and environmental stewardship.
The celebration of International Women’s Day at the Pillai Group of Institutions was not just an event but a reaffirmation of the enduring spirit and impact of women leaders in shaping a sustainable and equitable future
