On 15th October 2025, as part of the Noble CSR initiative for women entrepreneurs – MBYBE, Dr. Tarita Shankar, President Designate – Indira University and Chairperson & Chief Mentor- Indira Group of Institutes, delivered a vibrant and heartfelt masterclass titled “Women and Diwali” at the Swakiyam Centre for Incubation and Innovation, Indira University.

The session was designed not just as a lecture, but as a reflective dialogue, an opportunity for women entrepreneurs to share, laugh, and think deeply about what Diwali means to them personally and socially. In this engaging session, Dr. Shankar invited each participant to describe how they celebrate Diwali, what traditions they uphold, and how they make room for themselves during the festival.

One entrepreneurial participant revealed that she insists on taking the entire day off from kitchen duties on Padwa, treating it as a personal pause and celebration. Another shared that she calls her mother-in-law’s friends over and then steps out with them – relaxing, dining, and pampering her guests and herself together.

Dr. Shankar responded by emphasizing the deeper significance of Diwali beyond lights and sweets. She spoke passionately about the role of charity and giving back. She reminded the gathering that festivals bring us the opportunity and responsibility to light up someone else’s life, to share joy, to uplift others. On Diwali, we must not only brighten our own homes, but illuminate lives around us.

The session resonated with warmth, wisdom, and community. By blending personal stories with a call to social kindness, the masterclass reinforced that Diwali, at its heart, is a celebration of light, empathy, and shared humanity.