The International Women’s day was observed at ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchirapalli, with enthusiastic participation of almost 300 people, including both women and men. The United Nations has identified the theme of this International Women’s day 2019 as “Think equal, Build smart and innovate for change” due to the strong concern about the underrepresentation of women and gender inequality in the fields of science, technology, engineering, maths, and design. This was deliberated by the guests on the eve. Mr.N.Ravichandran, Special Officer and Commissioner of Trichy Corporation, graced the occasion as chief guest. He spoke about the role of women not only as homemakers but as builders of a just, gender equal society and lauded the way women have made a mark in all walks of life. Dr.R.Padmavathy, Principal of Seethalakshmi Ramaswamy College, and Dr.V.Sujatha, Principal of Cauvery College, representing two premier women’s colleges in the city, participated as guests of honour. Dr.R.Padmavathy emphasized the need for education, employment, empowerment, envision and enlightening of women to make our society progress further and encouraged the students in the gathering to dream big in order to achieve great success in their future careers. Dr.V.Sujatha called upon women to equip and empower themselves to build a better world free of gender imbalance and elaborated the opportunities for women. Dr.S.Uma, Director of ICAR-NRCB, explained the theme of this year and exhorted the women students of HC&RI, Trichy to take up careers in science and technology where the proportion of women is alarmingly low, but opportunities are plenty. She reminded the audience that girl students consistently outperformed boys in schools and colleges and asked them to work hard and pursue their dreams. She called upon the women staff of NRCB research farm to give priority to education which is the most important step for their social and economic progress and wellbeing. The centre organized cultural performances with the support of students of Horticultural College and Research Institute, Trichy, and talks were delivered by Scientific and technical staff of ICAR-NRCB, Trichy. Dr.V.Kumar, Principal Scientist, compered the programme. Dr.M.S.Saraswathi, Principal Scientist, NRCB, welcomed the gathering and outlined the history of observance of International Women’s Day and its relevance to Indian women. The function ended with a vote of thanks by Mrs.C.Sagayam Jacqueline, Technical Officer of the centre.