The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Manipur Regional Office, celebrated “International Women’s Day, 2026” with the theme “Give to Gain” at Hotel Imphal’s Sangai Hall. The event emphasized collective action to empower women for leadership and success. Partha Mandal, General Manager, reiterated the commitment to equality and dignity for women, highlighting that investment in women fosters strong families and resilient communities. He stressed that women’s contributions to the rural and agricultural economy often go unrecognized and called for bridging this gap by improving access to finance, technology, and leadership opportunities for women.
Mandal highlighted NABARD’s significant role in promoting women’s economic participation and cited initiatives such as the Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme and SHE Mart, which help women gain visibility and income sources. He urged institutions and communities to foster an ecosystem of financial literacy, digital inclusion, and supportive policies to further women’s empowerment.
Chief Guest N. Bandana Devi, IAS, emphasized the importance of sharing experiences among women from various sectors. As State Mission Director of the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), she noted the mission’s work with over 130,000 women, enhancing their roles through SHGs. Bandana shared inspiring stories that reflected the theme “Give to Gain,” advocating for women to empower themselves, thus benefiting their families and communities. She underscored that good health is essential for women’s empowerment and expressed pride in MSRLM’s initiatives during the IDP crisis, which gained recognition from the government.
The event also featured speeches from officials such as Tara Devi Yadav, N. Gomti Chanu, and N. Sadhana Devi, along with presentations on NABARD’s initiatives, discussions on E-commerce, and experience sharing by local entrepreneurs. It included stalls showcasing SHG products and recognized the contributions of women staff at NABARD Manipur RO. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dineshor Thoudam, Assistant General Manager of NABARD, reinforcing the day’s message of empowerment and collective growth.