Outstanding contributions of Punjabi Women across diverse fields....by Manmohan Singh 

International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8 across the world as a tribute to women, recognizing their achievements and expressing respect, appreciation, and admiration for their invaluable contributions in economic, political, and social spheres.

 The land of Punjab has also given birth to countless daughters who have achieved remarkable milestones in fields such as education, sports, politics, science, literature, social service, the armed forces, and industry. Their accomplishments are not merely personal successes but are a source of pride and inspiration for the entire society.

  In the field of education, women of Punjab have illuminated the path of knowledge and transformed the future of many families. In recognition of their contributions, the Punjab Government honors teachers with special appreciation on Teachers’ Day.

         In the political arena of Punjab, several women have made significant contributions. Mrs. Rajinder Kaur Bhattal served as the Chief Minister of Punjab. Mrs. Preneet Kaur has served as the Minister of State in the Government of India, while Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal has served as a Union Minister. At present, Dr. Baljit Kaur is a Cabinet Minister in Punjab. In addition, women leaders such as Jeevan Jyot Kaur (Amritsar East), Ganieve Kaur (Majitha), Baljinder Kaur (Talwandi Sabo), Inderjit Kaur Mann (Nakodar), Sarbjit Kaur Manuke (Jagraon), Rajinderpal Kaur Chhina (Ludhiana South), Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora (Moga), Neena Mittal (Rajpura), Anmol Gagan Mann (Kharar), and Narinder Kaur Bharaj (Sangrur) are representing the people as Members of the Punjab Legislative Assembly.

   In the administrative sphere, Mrs. Aman Preet Dikshit from Ludhiana, a 2010-batch IRS officer, is currently serving as Additional Director in the Income Tax Department of the Government of India. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a significant role in ensuring the distribution of sanitary napkins to women across India. Due to her remarkable initiative, she is widely known as the “Pad-Woman of India” and has received recognition from several governmental and non-governmental organizations.

                               Dr. Inderjit Kaur has been the Patron-President of the All India Pingalwara Charitable Society (Regd.), Amritsar since 1992. Under her visionary leadership, Pingalwara has expanded its humanitarian services and is actively addressing issues such as AIDS and drug addiction while also providing free education to the poor and underprivileged.

                                      In Punjab, former IAS officer Mrs. Vini Mahajan served as the Chief Secretary of the state. Today, many women IAS officers are holding key administrative positions in the Punjab Government, including posts up to Additional Chief Secretary. In several districts of Punjab, women are serving as Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police, making invaluable contributions to governance and public service.

                                  Among women IAS officers currently serving as Deputy Commissioners are Poonamdeep Kaur (Faridkot), Dr. Sona Thind (Sri Fatehgarh Sahib), Deepti Sharma (Ferozepur), Amanpreet Kaur Sandhu (Fazilka), Ashika Jain (Hoshiarpur), Dr. Navjot Kaur (Mansa), and Dr. Pallavi (Pathankot).

                                     Among women IPS officers, Gurpreet Kaur Deo is serving as Special DGP (Community Affairs Division and Women Affairs) and associated with the State Human Rights Commission. Anita Punj is serving as Special DGP-cum-Director of the Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur, and Dhanpreet Kaur is serving as Commissioner of Police, Jalandhar. These officers are discharging their responsibilities with dedication while ensuring justice and safety for the people of Punjab.

                                   Dr. Harpreet Kaur is a dynamic media professional and entrepreneur who firmly believes that empowered women empower the world. Through her work in the media industry, she consistently amplifies meaningful voices and inspires positive change in society. On this Women’s Day, she reaffirms her commitment to growth, resilience, and supporting other women in achieving success.

                                     Women are also making remarkable contributions within the (PSPCL), playing a vital role in strengthening Punjab’s economic and infrastructural development. Engineer Harsharan Kaur Trehan is currently serving as Director (Commercial) in PSPCL and is tirelessly working for the welfare of electricity consumers across the state.

                                      Er. Harmohan Kaur is serving as Chief Engineer (ARR & Tariff) in PSPCL. She is known as the first woman engineer from PSPCL to receive technical training abroad. A thermal power expert by specialization, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in every assignment entrusted to her, proving that women can excel equally in the traditionally male-dominated field of engineering.

   Er. Arpita Thakur graduated in Electrical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College and joined Punjab State Power Corporation Limited in 1995 as an Assistant Engineer. She was promoted to Executive Engineer in 2007 and later to Superintending Engineer in 2020. Throughout her career, she has handled diverse responsibilities related to design, procurement, billing, power purchase agreements, commercial operations, hydel project maintenance, and material services.At present, she is posted as Superintending Engineer (Headquarters) in the South Zone, the largest operational zone of PSPCL, headquartered at Patiala. According to Chief Engineer Er. R.K. Mittal (South Zone), Engineer Arpita Thakur is a highly dedicated, hardworking, and honest officer with strong determination. She remains committed to addressing the legitimate concerns of electricity consumers promptly while ensuring reliable and uninterrupted power supply. She closely monitors operational parameters across the zone and carefully supervises the work of divisional and sub-divisional officers to ensure the financial and operational efficiency of PSPCL. Dedicated officers like Engineer Arpita Thakur are rare to find.

                                      CMA Monika is currently serving as Chief Accounts Officer to Director (Finance) in PSPCL. Her professional work reflects transparency and integrity, and she continually strives to enhance the reputation and financial credibility of the organization.

                                       Er. Rajinder Kaur Gill is presently serving as Additional Superintending Engineer at the Central Store, Ferozepur. During her nearly 18 years of service in PSPCL, she has served extensively in P&M divisions, stores, and various operational circles as Senior Executive Engineer (Technical). She has always carried out her duties with exceptional dedication, never using her gender as an excuse. Even during late-night inspections of 66 KV lines and grids, she personally supervised technical fault rectifications to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to consumers. In recognition of her outstanding service and reforms during her tenure in P&M Division Barnala, she was honored during the Independence Day celebrations in 2015 at PSPCL Headquarters,       Patiala.

                                             Similarly, Er. Mandeep Kaur, Superintending Engineer (Planning), and Engineer Sukhchain Kaur, serving as SDM at Model Town, Patiala, are also rendering dedicated services for the benefit of electricity consumers.

                                            Dr. Ratinder Kaur from the School of Management Studies, Punjabi University Patiala, is a renowned academician and entrepreneurship mentor. She has played a significant role in empowering women by guiding them towards financial independence through wise investment decisions and entrepreneurship, helping many individuals become self-reliant and economically empowered.

                                                Arjuna Awardee Manjit Kaur, currently serving as Superintendent of Police in Jalandhar Rural, brought immense pride to the nation through her sporting achievements. Between 2002 and 2010, she participated in 31 international sporting events, including the Olympic Games and Asian Games, winning 23 gold medals for India. She represented India in the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Her Asian Games record of completing the 400-meter race in 51.05 seconds remains unbeaten to this day.

                                               Mrs. Madhuri Saxena, Senior Sports Officer in PSPCL, also brought glory to India by winning a gold medal at the Asian Games. Her daughter is also an accomplished sportsperson who has earned recognition for the country. Additionally, Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, has made a significant contribution to the sport of cricket and has earned global recognition.

Women in Punjab have also made remarkable contributions to journalism. Notable names include Manraj Grewal Sharma, Resident Editor of The Indian Express; Arvinder Pal Kaur Johal, Editor of Punjabi Tribune; Sarvinder Kaur, CEO of Ajit; Gurjot Kaur, Senior Executive at Ajit; Dr. Inderpreet Kaur of Chardikala; Jagjit Kaur, Managing Editor of Spokesman; Nimrat Kaur, Managing Editor of Rozana Spokesman; Kusum Arora of The Wire; Anju Agnihotri of The Indian Express; Neha Sharma of PTI (Video); Deep Kamal Kaur of The Tribune; Ruchika M. Khanna of The Tribune; Kanchan Vasdev of The Indian Express; and Chitleen Kaur Sethi, Senior Associate Editor of The Print. Through their fearless journalism and powerful writing, they are contributing significantly to social awareness and public welfare.

March 7, 2026