A University Grants Commission (UGC) circular inviting higher education institutions to participate in the “Bharati-Nari to Narayani” convention, organised by RSS affiliates Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad and Rashtra Sevika Samiti, which critics alleged that state institutions are increasingly functioning as “extended bodies of the RSS.”
According to a circular issued by the UGC, higher education institutions have been urged to participate in the National Convention of Women Thought Leaders titled “Bharati-Nari to Narayani,” scheduled to be held on March 7–8, 2026, at Vigyan Bhavan.
The communication states that the convention is being organised by Bharatiya Vidvat Parishad (BVP) and Rashtra Sevika Samiti, and describes the event as a “collaborative national platform for women thought leaders” to deliberate on self-reliance, inclusive leadership, and holistic national development. The circular notes that the convention aims to celebrate women’s achievements, foster innovative ideas, and build partnerships for India’s future.
The UGC has urged universities to organise pre-conference academic engagements such as panel discussions, poster presentations, and audio-visual presentations around eight identified themes. Institutions have also been asked to consolidate outcomes and recommendations from these activities and submit a report to the UGC, with a copy to Prof. Shivani V., Secretary of BVP, so that the “collective academic voice of the nation” may be incorporated into a National Recommendations Document during the convention.
Additionally, all women Vice-Chancellors and senior women administrators have been requested to participate in a special Women Vice-Chancellors’ Meet to discuss leadership, governance, and gender-responsive policies in higher education.
This story was originally published in maktoobmedia.com. Read the full story here.
