The three-day 4th Annual International Conference on Women in Optics and Photonics in India (WOPI) 2025 was inaugurated today at Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, in association with SPIE. The conference celebrates, empowers, and advances the role of women in optics, photonics, and allied technologies.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr. Ranjana Nallamalli, Director, Futuristic Technology & Management, DRDO, as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Deepa Bajpayee, General Manager, BEL Panchkula, as the Guest of Honour. The event is held under the patronage of Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director, PEC, and Prof. Arun Kumar Singh, Head ECE Department and organised by the Core Committee comprising Prof. Neena Gupta, Prof. Jyoti Kedia, and Prof. Divya Dhawan.
With participation from over 300 women delegates from India and abroad, WOPI 2025 marks a significant step toward enhancing women’s leadership and visibility 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. Among the distinguished dignitaries attending the event is Padma Shri Dr. Vijaylakshmi Deshmane, Chairperson, BoG, IIITDM Kurnool. Poster presentations and 3-in-1 thesis sessions are also part of the program.
The proceedings commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Jyoti Kedia, Organising Secretary, WOPI 2025. She welcomed the esteemed guests, participants, and delegates, highlighting the vision of WOPI 2025 as a platform to celebrate women’s leadership, innovation, and collaboration in optics and photonics.
Highlighting the unique offerings of WOPI 2025, Prof. Neena Gupta shared, “The conference introduces integrated photonics, bio-photonics, a leadership workshop, and a mental wellness session — a first for North India.”
Prof. Arun Kumar Singh emphasized the importance of academic–industry collaboration and appreciated the organizers and participants for their enthusiastic contribution.
Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia applauded the achievements of women in science and remembered PEC alumna Kalpana Chawla, expressing pride in hosting this significant international event.
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.
The success of WOPI 2025 was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors and partners. The organizers gratefully acknowledge the contributions of SPIE, DSTRE Chandigarh, ANRF, ISRO, MeiTY, BBMB, Keysight-Fiber Optic Services, Laser Science, IEEE Chandigarh Subsection and Edmund Optics for their continued encouragement and collaboration. Special thanks to Exhibitors Lucius Photonics, Springer, Edgetech Technologies and Keysight-Fiber Optic Services for extending valuable academic and industry support. Their partnership played a vital role in advancing the conference’s vision of empowering women in optics and photonics.
