Defence Ministry Official Champions Discipline and Gender Equity at IIM Visakhapatnam Women's Day Event
During the International Women's Day celebrations held at the Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam on Sunday, Dr Garima Bhagat, joint secretary (land systems) at the Ministry of Defence, delivered a powerful address focusing on the critical importance of discipline over motivation for achieving sustained success.
The Power of Discipline Over Fleeting Motivation
"Discipline is fundamentally more reliable than motivation. While motivation tends to fluctuate unpredictably depending on external circumstances, discipline systematically builds habits that drive long-term success and achievement," stated Dr Bhagat. She elaborated that cultivating consistent habits through discipline creates a stable foundation that can withstand challenges and setbacks, unlike motivation which often wanes.
Challenging Stereotypes and Advocating for Women's Rights
Reflecting on the broader significance of Women's Day, Dr Bhagat urged women to actively challenge societal stereotypes and limiting beliefs. She emphasized that participation in workplaces and leadership roles is an inherent right for women, not something that needs to be justified or validated through productivity statistics or performance metrics alone.
"Women's presence and leadership in professional spheres should be recognized as a right, not a privilege contingent on proving exceptional productivity," she asserted.
Essential Strategies for Success and Well-being
Dr Bhagat highlighted several key strategies for personal and professional development, including:
- SMART Goal-Setting: Establishing Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives.
- Regular Physical Exercise: Maintaining physical health as a cornerstone of overall well-being.
- Prioritizing Self-Care and 'Me Time': Particularly crucial for women who often prioritize the needs of others over their own.
"Having dedicated 'me time' is equally important. For women who frequently put others' needs first, self-care should not be viewed as selfish but as an absolutely necessary practice for maintaining balance, preventing burnout, and achieving personal fulfilment," Dr Bhagat explained.
IIM Visakhapatnam's Commitment to Gender Equity
IIM Visakhapatnam Director, Professor M Chandrasekhar, underscored the institute's strong commitment to promoting gender equity and diversity. He pointed to concrete data demonstrating this commitment: the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) batch of 2025 boasts an impressive 52% women students, and the institute has nearly 40% women faculty members.
Professor Chandrasekhar cited substantial research indicating that organizations with greater gender diversity perform significantly better across various metrics. He noted that companies led by women are up to 25% more likely to outperform their industry peers, highlighting the tangible benefits of inclusive leadership.
Celebratory Proceedings and Cultural Programs
The event also featured addresses by Professor MV Anuradha and other dignitaries. Dr Garima Bhagat, as the chief guest, distributed prizes to winners of various competitions held for students, faculty, and staff members. The formal proceedings were followed by vibrant cultural programs, adding a celebratory atmosphere to the occasion.
The International Women's Day event at IIM Visakhapatnam served as a platform to inspire, advocate for gender equality, and provide practical guidance for women's empowerment in professional and personal spheres.
