HPU Ignites Youth Action for Gender Equality
|#AcceleratingAction #HPUForChange
Shimla – Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) took a bold step in shaping a gender-equal society with its Gender Sensitization Campaign, organized at the Science Hall by the Department of Public Administration, Dean Students’ Welfare Office, and Student Central Association.
The event, aligned with the International Women’s Day 2025 theme – "Accelerating Action," saw 170+ students actively engaging in discussions and performances aimed at challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity.
Empowering Youth for a Gender-Equal Future
Welcoming the participants, Prof. Mamta Mokta, Dean Students' Welfare & Chairperson, Public Administration Department, emphasized that youth must challenge outdated gender roles and push for a more inclusive society.
"As future leaders, it is our responsibility to break biases and drive real change in how gender is perceived and practiced in daily life," she stated.
Thought-Provoking Competitions & Performances
The campaign featured three engaging events:
Declamation Competition on "Role of Youth in Ensuring Gender Equality"
Poetic Symposium on Women Empowerment
Skit Competition on "Sharing Responsibility for Gender Equality"
Prof. J.S. Dhiman: "Youth Are the Agents of Change"
In his valedictory address, Prof. J.S. Dhiman, Dean of Planning & Teaching Matters, urged students to be active changemakers and use their voices to reshape societal mindsets.
“Youth activism, social media, and real-life actions can break barriers and bring about a lasting shift in gender norms,” he remarked.
Judges & Guests: Strengthening the Message
A panel of esteemed academicians judged the contests:
Declamation: Dr. Shalini Kashmiria, Dr. Sandeep Sektu, Dr. Naresh, Dr. Suresh
Poetry: Prof. R.L. Zinta, Dr. Shobha Rani, Dr. Santosh
Skit: Prof. Reena Gupta, Dr. Deepali Dhaul, Dr. Anjali
The prize distribution was graced by Prof. J.S. Dhiman, along with Chief Warden Prof. R.L. Zinta, Additional Chief Warden Dr. Deepali Dhaul, and Officers’ Association President Mrs. Sudershana.

The campaign didn’t stop at the university gates—it went viral. Students and faculty leveraged tools, chatbots, Instagram reels, and Twitter threads to amplify the message on gender equality.
Trending hashtags:
#AcceleratingAction #YouthForEquality #HPUForChange #BreakTheBias #GenderEqualityNow
Recognizing the Champions of Change
The winners who made a mark with their powerful performances:
Declamation:
🏆 1st Place: Babita (Hindi)
🥈 2nd Place: Himanshi (Psychology)
🥉 3rd Place: Nazia Anjum (Law)
🎖️ Consolation: Aditi Gupta (Law)
Poetic Symposium:
🏆 1st Place: Lakshit Sharma (Hindi)
🥈 2nd Place: Saroj Chauhan
🥉 3rd Place: Rishika (MBA)
🎖️ Consolation: Sanidhy Sharma (Law)
Skit Competition:
🏆 1st Place: Hindi Department
🥈 2nd Place: English Department
🥉 3rd Place: Public Administration Department
🎭 Best Actor: Tarun (English)
A United Effort for a Greater Cause
Prof. Mamta Mokta extended special thanks to the organizing team, including Dr. Munish Dhaulta, Dr. Sapna Sharma, Dr. Kusum Azad, Dr. Meera Chauhan, Dr. Rajiya Sultan, and student volunteers for their synchronized teamwork in making this event a resounding success.
The Road Ahead: From Conversations to Action
HPU’s Gender Sensitization Campaign is just the beginning of a larger movement.
With youth leading the charge, the university remains committed to instilling progressive mindsets and fostering an inclusive society.
Now, it’s time to keep the conversation alive online and push for real change offline!