Celebrating women in Technology, Art and Leadership, Chandigarh University (CU) hosted first-of-its-kind ‘women only fest’ “HERizon 1.0” which featured 11 competitions showcasing innovation, creativity and leadership skills of female students through coding and problem-solving innovations, innovative thinking & solutions and research and technical articulation.

Chandigarh University Officials along with guests during the launch of ‘Women Only Fest’ HERizon 1.0 at Chandigarh University

The dignitaries who graced the two-day ‘HERizon 1.0’  organised by CU’s University Institute of Engineering in collaboration with IEEE India Council for ‘empowering women through innovation’  Bubbu Tir, writer and former member Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC),  Rasneet Kaur, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) 2025 topper, Prof Prerna Gaur, Chair-IEEE India Council, Director- NSUT, Delhi (virtually),  Prof (Dr) Raviraja N Seetharam, Vice Chancellor,  Chandigarh University and  Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Prof (Dr) Raghuveer VR.

Besides Chandigarh University, this flagship women-only fest, was attended by female students selected through over 1000 registrations from 15 Universities in 11 States including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Odisha.  Apart from Chandigarh University, HERizon 1.0 was attended by GNA University, CT University, Rayat Bahra University, Chitkara University, Shoolini University, Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women, Sri Sairam Engineering College and Panipat Institute of Engineering & Technology (PIET). 

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Guest of Honor Babbu Tir, renowned author and former additional Chairperson Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) said, “Today, women are expanding horizons and we live in a world full of sheroes, not heroes. Today, women do not need borrowed wings to fly. Women no longer need to prove themselves; they have already shown the world that they torchbearers of the society and community. They are here to rightfully claim their place under the sky. Education is the most powerful weapon available to those who otherwise have none the ones who wish to leave the world better than they found it. The only way to dispel darkness in today’s world is through education,”

In her address, Rasneet Kaur, who cracked UPSC civil services exam 2025 with all India rank 51 on her very first attempt without any coaching, said, “Women today are excelling in all the fields including sports, technology and leadership roles among others. India is witnessing a silent revolution and in future more women will be coming forward. You should believe in your voice, believe in your ideas and believe in your ability to lead. I believe that most of the limitations are not outside, they are within our minds. So, try to break those barriers. Do not let your background limit the size of your dreams. Because your background doesn’t decide your future. Second lesson is consistency matters more than motivation. Because motivation will fade away but it will be the discipline only which will keep you going. Even when no one else does believe in yourself, dreams do come true and they require determination along with discipline. It requires a lot of patience and lot of resilience,”

In her virtual message, Prof Prerna Gaur, Chair IEEE India Council and Director Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Delhi said, “Herizon 1.0 celebrates the strength, creativity and leadership of women providing a platform to showcase ideas, talent and innovation,”

Prof (Dr) Raviraja N Seetharam, VC, Chandigarh University said, “More than 50% of faculty at Chandigarh University are females because merit matters more than the gender when it comes to preference in hiring.  Women are leading in every field from technology, creativity or leadership. . In line with this trend, HERizon 1.0 stands is a milestone initiative that fosters empowerment, encourages participation, and creates opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and excel,” 

With a Rs 2.5 lakh prize pool, HERizon 1.0 featured 11 competitions across 3 major tracks including ‘Technology Track’  which included Hackathons, Ideathons, and research presentations, ‘Creative Arts Track’  which included activities such as painting, design, crafts, and media creation. And ‘Leadership Track’ which included debates, pitching, and interactive activities.

In Hackathon, the first prize won by team ‘Cupcake: The Destroyers’ of Shoolini University (Track 1) and team SHE++ of Chitkara University (Track 2). In Ideathon, the first prize was won by The ideators of CGC Landran.  In poster making, Shweta Tiwari from Chandigarh University won first prize. In creative arts category, team Pixel Bandets from Chandigarh University won first prize. In Mehndi design, Manisha of Chandigarh University won first prize. In T-Shirt Painting, team Artsy Babes of Chandigarh University won first prize.

In Nail Art and Face Painting, all three prizes were won by Chandigarh University. In She Captures category, Sargunjit Kaur of Chandigarh University won first prize and  in on-the-Spot Painting, Needle / Crochet/Best Out of Waste category, the Chic threads of Chandigarh University won first prize.  In Clubs Combined category, the first prize for Influence and Pitch events, the first prize was won by team Malaaj of Chandigarh University. In Fun Activity category, Nandini of Chandigarh University won first prize.

About Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: www.cuchd.in.