Mumbai, 28th August, 2024:NMIMS took a pivotal step towards enhancing the safety and well-being of women. The aim of the Women Safety Awareness Program was to understand the environment concerning the tragic incidents against women. It was a significant move to introduce female students, faculty members and dignitaries to the support and resources available for developing safer communities.
The important program was honoured by the presence of Shri Paramjit Singh Dahiya, Additional Commissioner of Police, West Region Mumbai; Shri Raj Tilak Roshan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bandra, Mumbai; and Sunil Jadhav, Senior Police Inspector, Juhu, Mumbai.
The program commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro Vice Chancellor, where she expressed her eagerness to learn about the well-being of women in Mumbai. Her words created a sense of energy and empowerment for students to openly raise their concerns in the discussion: “I am absolutely thrilled for the conversation, which shall empower us to be our best selves in the ever-changing dynamics of the external environment. We, as females, need to unlock our true potentials in unforeseen situations. We can only do that when we are fully aware of the right action, the right move and the right way to raise our genuine concerns. To build a safe city for females, there’s a crucial need to be responsible in a righteous manner. Safety of students is the first priority for all SVKM institutions. With hundreds of female students and my dear faculty members present today, I urge you to raise the most concerning questions, no matter their scale of significance. Today, let’s find solutions to whatever troubles your mind in the light of safety and risk prevention. Mumbai was, is and shall always be a safe city with the right measures.”The program then witnessed meaningful conversations between the Additional Commissioner of Police and female students of NMIMS. Students shared their concerns regarding public travel, walking on empty streets and taking the right action in varied situations. Students highlighted their personal experiences and received significant solutions during conversations. They even received an opportunity to confront their troubles, allowing them to seek legal support in cases of women’s safety. The discussion noticed active involvement of faculty members who resolved their queries on the matter of safety of a girl child, seeking help during midnight and so on.
The discussion sparkled with a sense of assurance and understanding from the Mumbai Police. Representatives from the Mumbai department ensured the safety of female students by explaining laws and regulations. Shri Paramjit Singh Dahiya also laid immense importance on reporting any crime or injustice to the police through social media or at a police station.
After thoroughly understanding opinions and feedback from the students, Shri Paramjit Singh Dahiya shared his remarkable thoughts: “It is indeed a fabulous opportunity to address the students of NMIMS regarding the concerns on women’s safety. Juhu is a unique location as it has one of the largest communities of students along with multiple institutions, colleges and schools functioning here. It is an important spot for students residing in Mumbai as well as individuals from outstation. We take pride in stating that Mumbai is a safe city for people from different walks of life. To increase interaction and protection of citizens, especially the young crowds, we are also active on most social media platforms.”
As audiences looked forward to solutions and the kind of support available for females, they raised questions for the same. With utmost respect and a strong sense of responsibility, he stated, “I would further like to state that the cyber world and the physical environment differ to a certain extent. If you ever come across any inconvenient situation, reach out to us through a call, a visit to the police station or by tweeting. It is of great significance to take a step towards reporting the issue; click pictures whenever possible and we’ll have the criminal in custody at the earliest. Do not settle in the fear of visiting a police station and feeling fearful. Tell us and we shall visit your location to collect the statement and facts. If you ever get a gut feeling that something isn’t right, call us and a police officer shall drop you. It may be anything under the sun; Mumbai police stand by every woman in times of need for security. Only when you take the responsibility of voicing injustice can we build a confident and fearless community of powerful women.”
An impressive woman-oriented program enriched the minds of students with fresh information about safety and security in the city. As it witnessed the variability of women’s safety, it can be stated that students felt a sense of confidence as citizens of Mumbai. The program concluded with a vote of thanks and fearless faces of females.
