International Women’s Day was celebrated at ICAR-CPCRI on 8th March 2023 with Ms. Oli Aman Jodha, the first woman farrier in India and young entrepreneur as the chief guest.

Oli is a 16-year-old girl, hailing from Thirunelli of Wayanad district of Kerala, and at the age of nine went to Nepal and learnt the art of fixing horse shoes and continues to be the only woman farrier in the country. In the chief guest’s remark, Ms Oli mentioned that the basic education on gender equality and gender neutrality is to be initiated at every home and emphasized that mutual respect is the basis of any kind of relationship. She summoned the students to be independent, self-sufficient and not to sacrifice their genuine desires for other’s sake. She stressed that children need to bridge the generation gap that exists among children and parents by educating the parent and should always ensure that their actions do not cause trouble to others. She shared her views on nature, honeybees, and role of honey bees in sustaining our ecosystem and biodiversity etc.

In the function four women entrepreneurs trained under Krishi Vigyan Kendra, CPCRI Kasaragod viz., Mrs. Ramya K V, Mrs. Rathi Mohan, Mrs. Usha Nair, Mrs. Suhrabi Fayaz were felicitated and the fortified coconut oil for pain relief as well as millet based healthy food products developed by them were launched on the occasion. Two female coconut climbers namely Mrs. Sharadha T. and Mrs. Krishnaveni K. who were trained at KVK Kasaragod under FoCT programme, and have bridged gender barriers and are continuing their profession as coconut harvester and coconut pollinator, respectively were also felicitated on the occasion.

Dr. K.B. Hebbar, Director CPCRI chaired the function Dr. V. Niral Principal Scientist and Chairperson of the Institute Women's Welfare Committee delivered introductory remarks on the activities undertaken in connection with the Women's Day Celebrations. Mr. Hareesh Nair, (CAO) Senior Grade, welcomed the gathering. Mrs. Sugatha Padmanabhan, Chief Technical Officer and Secretary of the Institute Women's Welfare Committee proposed vote of thanks.

Staff of CPCRI and students form Govt UP school Adkathabail attended the function.