The National Library of India (NLI) in Kolkata marked International Women’s Day with a unique exhibition celebrating the literary and professional achievements of Indian women.
Showcasing a curated selection of books by eminent female authors—including Jnanpith and Sahitya Akademi awardees in 22 scheduled languages—the exhibition highlights the rich intellectual contributions of women across various fields.
In addition to literature, the exhibition features remarkable works by women scientists, adventurers, musicians, explorers, historians, medical practitioners, painters, cinematographers, and sportswomen. The engaging and informative display will extend throughout International Women’s Week, offering visitors an in-depth exploration of women's achievements across disciplines.
“The day will be celebrated throughout the coming week with this exhibition, which showcases the incredible range of literary works by our women literati. Their writings have brought fresh perspectives and untold narratives, celebrating life from unique angles,” said a senior librarian who curated the exhibition.
Ajay Pratap Singh, Director General of the National Library of India, emphasized the significance of the event: “It is a time to celebrate the strength, courage, and achievements of women across our vast literary world. Our exhibition aims to honour their contributions in every field, from science and education to business, arts, and leadership.”
The event aligns with a nationwide initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 3, 2025, encouraging women to share their inspiring life journeys on the NaMo App Open Forum. Praising the remarkable stories submitted, the Prime Minister announced that selected women would take over his social media accounts on March 8 to amplify their voices, experiences, and achievements.
This initiative seeks to celebrate women’s contributions while inspiring others through stories of empowerment and perseverance.
On Saturday, actor and television celebrity Barninee Chakraborty, an avid reader, visited the exhibition at NLI. Expressing her admiration, she said, “It is a privilege to witness this remarkable exhibition. After exploring it, I feel immense pride in seeing how the women of our country have made meaningful contributions to every sphere of our nation's life.”
The National Library of India, the largest library in the country by volume and public record, traces its origins to the Calcutta Public Library, established in 1836. As part of the Women’s Day celebrations, an official announced that an original page from the Indian Constitution—highlighting its provisions on gender equality—would be displayed in the reading room.
The Indian Constitution ensures gender equality through various provisions in its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and Directive Principles of State Policy. Article 14 guarantees equality before the law, while Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on sex. Article 51(a)(e) encourages citizens to renounce practices that undermine women’s dignity, and Articles 39 and 42 advocate for equal livelihood opportunities, equal pay, and maternity relief.
With this exhibition, the National Library of India reaffirms its commitment to recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of women across all domains of life.
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