Pune Hosts One-Day Women Media Professionals Conference
Pune Hosts One-Day Women Media Professionals Conference
Pune, May 12, 2025: “The nation’s progress is impossible without empowering women. Therefore, women working in the media must especially contribute to women’s empowerment and become the voice of rural and marginalized women,” said Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women.
She was speaking at the valedictory session of ‘Mahila Madhyamakarmi Sammelan 2025’ (Women Media Professionals Conference) organized by the Vishw Samvad Kendra , operated by VSK Pune Foundation , at the Veer Savarkar Auditorium of IMDR in Pune.
Rahatkar urged women journalists to drive social change through their reporting . She stated, “Just as a mother loves, nurtures, and at times becomes strict, women should bring the same maternal spirit into journalism. Women must recognize their own potential and step forward. Despite being capable, many miss leadership opportunities due to lack of presentation or visibility. It’s time women become their own brand and take leadership across all sectors.”
Also present at the event were Nitin Deshpande from Vishw Samvad Kendra and administrative officer Shilpa Pofale .
In the inaugural session, senior journalist Dr. Uday Nirgudkar elaborated on the media’s evolving role, ideology, and contemporary relevance . He emphasized that media professionals must develop their own unique style and build their own audience . “Journalists should not just be storytellers, but story changers,” he said, encouraging women to recognize their abilities and cultivate courage.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Abhay Kulkarni (Chairperson, VSK), senior journalist Pratibha Chandran , Dr. Ravindra Vanjarwadkar (RSS Pune Metropolitan Coordinator), Mahesh Karpe (RSS Western Maharashtra Co-coordinator), and Atul Agnihotri (Regional PR Head).
A panel discussion titled “Me in the Media” was held in the afternoon session, where Prof. Dr. Ujjwala Barve , Mrinalini Nanivadekar (Associate Editor, Sakal), Sarita Kaushik (Editor, ABP Majha), and RJ Shonali shared their personal experiences. The session was moderated by Ashwini Mayekar , Editor of Weekly Vivek .
Prof. Pranjali Deshpande conducted a session on the use of artificial intelligence in the media sector , while Anjali Tagade , Editor at the center, was also present on stage.
Over 100 women media professionals from across Western Maharashtra participated in the conference.
