The Electronics and Communication Engineering Department of Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, inaugurated the three-day 4th Annual International Conference on “Women in Optics and Photonics in India (WOPI) 2025” today. Organized in association with SPIE, the conference aims to celebrate, empower, and advance the role of women in optics, photonics, and allied technologies.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Ranjana Nallamalli, Director, Futuristic Technology & Management, DRDO, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Deepa Bajpayee, General Manager, BEL Panchkula, as Guest of Honour. The conference is being held under the patronage of Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director, PEC, with Prof. Arun Kumar Singh, Head, ECE, as Co-Patron, supported by the Core Committee comprising Prof. Neena Gupta, Prof. Jyoti Kedia, and Prof. Divya Dhawan.

With more than 300 women delegates expected from across India and abroad, WOPI 2025 stands as a significant initiative toward enhancing women’s visibility and leadership in STEM. The program features two plenary talks, eight technical talks, and five panel discussions by eminent experts from the USA, UK, Australia, premier IITs, NITs, ISRO, DRDO, and CSIO–CSIR. Padma Shri Dr. Vijaylakshmi Deshmane, Chairperson, BoG, IIITDM Kurnool, is among the distinguished dignitaries gracing the event. Poster presentations and 3-in-1 thesis sessions are also scheduled.

Speaking about the unique offerings of the conference, Prof. Neena Gupta said, “WOPI 2025 introduces integrated photonics, bio-photonics, a leadership workshop, and a mental wellness session — a first for North India. Cultural experiences like Rangla Punjab and a visit to Sukhna Lake make the event truly enriching.”

Prof. Arun Kumar Singh introduced the ECE Department and the Semiconductor Research Centre, highlighting MoUs with Micron and SCL, Mohali. He thanked the organizers and participants for their support.

Applauding the achievements of women in science, Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia celebrated Women Power and remembered PEC alumna Kalpana Chawla, expressing pride that PEC is hosting the 4th edition of this significant conference.

Dr. Aneeta Mahadevan, Core Organising Chair of WOPI 2025, emphasized the spirit of coming together, encouraging participants to learn, collaborate, and uplift one another through this meaningful platform.

Guest of Honour Dr. Deepa Bajpayee shared insights into the work at BEL and expressed her excitement to be part of WOPI 2025, applauding its focus on women’s leadership and innovation.

Chief Guest Dr. Ranjana Nallamalli stressed the importance of viewing research projects as industry-ready products, urging participants to innovate for defence and national development. She emphasized the need for system engineering, core technology and deep-tech capabilities, supported by Centres of Excellence, to enable India to compete globally through home-grown innovations.

WOPI 2025 aims to bring together women scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, and students on a single platform to exchange ideas, explore collaborations, and strengthen women’s leadership in the domains of optics and photonics. Through scientific sessions, leadership activities, personal interactions, and networking opportunities, the conference aspires to provide an enriching experience that supports both personal and professional growth.