Educationist Tejaswini Anant Kumar speaking after inaugurating the International Women’s Day celebrations at Sharnbasva University in Kalaburagi on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI
Educationist Tejaswini Anant Kumar, who is the founder-chairperson of the Adamya Chetana Foundation, has called upon women to take the lead in addressing major challenges confronting the country, including environmental degradation, malnutrition and growing mental health issues among the youth.
Speaking after inaugurating the International Women’s Day celebrations at Sharnbasva University in Kalaburagi on Thursday, Ms. Kumar said that the country is facing serious environmental concerns.
She noted that 18 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in India and said that plastic pollution and the discharge of untreated industrial effluents into water bodies are aggravating the situation.
Ms. Kumar, who was conferred the Matoshree Godutai Avva Award, presented annually by the university to honour outstanding women achievers, said that malnutrition remains another pressing issue in India.
Despite the country achieving self-sufficiency in foodgrains production and producing adequate pulses for domestic demand, a large section of the population still suffers from poor nutritional intake.
She pointed out that India ranks 103rd globally in terms of nutritional indicators.
Highlighting another emerging concern, she said that mental health issues among the youth are rising rapidly. Citing a global study, Ms. Kumar said that people aged above 58 in India report relatively fewer mental health issues, whereas about 36% of those below the age of 30 are facing such problems.
“This is a disturbing trend and requires urgent attention,” she added.
Presenting the award, president of the Sharanabasaveshwar Vidya Vardak Sangha Dakshayini Avvaji, who is the Chancellor of Sharnbasva University, said that the institution is proud to honour women achievers who serve as role models for future generations.
On the occasion, several women achievers were honoured.
While Ms. Kumar received the Matoshree Godutai Avva Award, the Stree Shakti Award was presented to Sukimani B. Patil, founder of Arivu School, and architect Nalini Mahagoankar.
Amareshwari Baburao Chinchansur received the Stree Ratna Award, while Circle Inspector Akkamahadevi Neele of the Women Police Station and Revenue Officer of the Kalaburagi Mahanagara Palike Swati Dargi were honoured with the Veera Mahile Award.
M. Sashikala and Sridevi Hosmani of Sharnbasva University were presented the Kayaka Ratna and Utkrishta Mahile awards, respectively.
Film director and screenwriter Roopa Iyer, who was the chief guest, was also felicitated.
Kalaburagi Mayor Varsha Rajiv Jane, Deputy Mayor Tripti S. Lakhe and leader of Opposition in the corporation council Shobha Desai were honoured during the programme.
Sangha secretary Basavaraj Deshmukh, Vice-Chancellor Anilkumar Bidve, Registrar Lakshmi Patil Maka, Director V.D. Mytri, Registrar (Evaluation) S.H. Honnalli, Finance Officer Kiran Maka, Dean Shivakumar Jawaligi and Dean (Research) Sujata Mallapure were among those present.
Published – March 13, 2026 07:01 pm IST
