Through the initiative of the Women in Science Committee of IISER Pune, women employees of the institute came togther to meet and greet each other over lunch on the occasion of the 2026 International Women's Day. Here is a message from Prof. Sudha Rajamani, Chairperson of the Women in Science Committee on this occasion.
Celebrating the Heart of Our Campus: ‘Give to Gain’
IISER Pune is marking International Women’s Day 2026 with events centred on this year’s theme, "Give to Gain". In the pursuit of knowledge, we often focus on what we "get". These include grants, citations, degrees, etc., which are crucial for putting the institute on the domestic/world map. Nonetheless, the true strength of any institution lies in what our women colleagues give every single day. From the lecture halls to the administrative offices, from research labs to the maintenance of campus per se, the spirit of "Give to Gain" is our silent engine. While the teaching and research staff contribute their knowledge and patience to gain a legacy of inspired minds, the non-teaching staff provide the vital structure and care that hold our institution together, gaining a community that can reach its highest potential.
In order to celebrate all women who work to make IISER Pune a special place, the Women in Science Committee (2.0) facilitated a lunch gathering that provided a rare platform for all of them to come together, spend a few hours networking over some amazing food and build camaraderie.
"Give to Gain" reminds us that when we invest in one woman's success, the whole institute profits. To every woman on IISER Pune campus—whether you are grading papers, managing labs, facilitating administration, maintaining our spaces, or leading research—we see the immense value you pour into this setup. We celebrate you not just for what you do, but for the generous spirit you bring to our halls.
- by Sudha Rajamani, Chairperson of the Women in Science Committee, IISER Pune
