International Women’s Day was celebrated in Manipur through various initiatives organized by Assam Rifles, emphasizing women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and community welfare. One of the key events was the Women’s Day Conclave 2026 held at Pallel Garrison, themed “Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship – Ignite, Innovate, Lead.” This conclave attracted nearly 200 women, including accomplished entrepreneurs and local participants from the families of Assam Rifles. The event featured four notable speakers: Aishwarya Vikram Nadhe, author of Manipur Diaries, discussed her journey from being an IT engineer to a writer, highlighting the significance of creativity and cultural appreciation. Jina Khumujam, a grassroots herbal entrepreneur, narrated the establishment of her brand “Mangal” from modest beginnings and her ongoing commitment to train widows and local women. Catherine Soya phi AS, CEO of Soyam Food Products, recounted her entrepreneurial experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on sustainable food processing and supporting local farmers.
In addition to the conclave, awareness programs promoting women empowerment and entrepreneurship were conducted at Modi and Moreh, complemented by friendly games for local women in Moreh, energizing the celebrations. Furthermore, in the Tengnoupal and Chandel districts, solar lights were distributed to women residents of Yangoubung and Sontong villages, enhancing safety and education for households in these remote areas.
Assam Rifles also hosted initiatives at Longa Koireng and COB Thoubal, reinforcing the message of women’s empowerment and fostering positive civil-military relations. At Longa Koireng, a program encouraged women’s participation in social and community development, underscoring the importance of education, self-reliance, and equal opportunities as pathways to empowerment. This gathering engaged 96 individuals, including 78 women, 6 men, and 12 children, who acknowledged the importance of these efforts as a catalyst for positive change.
At COB Thoubal, Assam Rifles facilitated an interaction with the Meira Paibi members from adjoining villages, honoring the resilience and strength of women while promoting discussions around social harmony and collaborative endeavors for peace and development. This interaction fostered mutual trust and cooperation, thereby strengthening the bond between the local community and the Assam Rifles.