Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Chennai and M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the International Women’s Day event organised by VIT to collaborate on research in areas such as unmanned aerial vehicles, drones, computer vision, and artificial intelligence among other areas.

Speaking at the event, Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson, MSSRF, said, “In many places, men and women, even though they are doing the same amount of hours per day, they are paid different wages, so that needs to go. Women deserve equal pay for the work that is going on.”

G. Viswanathan, founder and chancellor of VIT said that if the goal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who wants India to become a developed country by 2047 will be realised only if women also participate and get equal education.

G.V. Selvam, Vice-President, VIT cited examples of how women like Queen Velu Nachiar, Captain Lakshmi of the Indian National Army (INA) and Jhansi Rani were courageous and urged all women to be courageous.

Sachini Dissanayake, Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Government of Sri Lanka said, “Each one of you has the potential to impact the world, to be the voice for those who cannot speak, to be the change that others need to see. Whether you are passionate about education, sports, social justice, or technology, your dreams are valid and your journey is just as important.”

A. Kalyani, Advisor, VIT and Dr.T.Thyagarajan, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Chennai Campus, VIT also spoke at the function.