Deepa Sai

Observations from AMET University’s Women’s Celebration Week and women-led leadership in maritime education

I recently attended an event at AMET University Chennai, and what stayed with me was this:

An entire Women’s Celebration Week. Not just symbolic, but thoughtfully designed and executed. What stood out immediately was the presence of women across the institution. Not just among students, but across leadership, administration, academics, and operations. And in a field like maritime education, that stands out even more.

Across maritime institutions in India, AMET is one of the very few where women students outnumber men.

The keynote by Dr. Deepa Rajesh Vice President (Academics), AMET, reflected this clearly. She spoke about building an institution where gender representation is intentional, where women are given equal opportunities and space to grow. And it showed.

She also walked us through the achievements of Sushila Ramachandran Ma’am, Managing Trustee, AMET. It felt infinite and exhaustive. A lifetime of work, impact, and leadership. And yet, when I saw her on stage, she carried it with a quiet kind of confidence and agency. The kind many aspire to, but very few truly embody. Standing on the same stage as her felt surreal. I remember thinking to myself that even if I achieved five percent of what she has, I would consider that a win for my life.

From HODs to Vice Presidents, from academic to non-academic teams, women were visible everywhere. What I found especially meaningful was how the celebrations were structured. The competitions brought together women from across the ecosystem. Students, academic staff, administrative teams, facility management, housekeeping. Different roles. Different lived realities. But a shared space. That kind of inclusion is rare.

Sangeetha Albin (Registrar, AMET) also spoke about how the institution is actively working towards creating more opportunities for women. Not just for students, but across the system. Much of this has been shaped by the vision and inspiration of Sushila Ramachandran Ma’am!

The day itself was a celebration in every sense. Student performances, recognitions, and awards for achievements both within and beyond the university. I had attended as a guest. And I left with something more.

I was deeply honoured to be bestowed with the Women Achievement Honor Award, following a week of celebrations recognising women achievers across the institution. Receiving this from Sushila Ma’am, made it even more meaningful. A life of quiet, consistent achievement. It felt surreal to stand beside her and receive this recognition.

I am not sure if I truly deserved the award. But I chose to dedicate it, in my own way, to all the women achievers who continue to go unrecognised.

Grateful to Revathy Chandramohan, Dr. Meenatchi, Ponrita and Nirmal Raj for hosting me and making the experience so warm and seamless.