ICAR-IIHR Bengaluru commemorated International Women's Day with the UN theme "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls." 2026 marks the International Year of the Women Farmer.

The ceremony began at 11:00 AM with an invocation by Ms. Nityashree. Chief Guest Mrs. Priya Patil (Additional Commissioner of Customs and GST, UIDAI Technology Centre Director) and Guest of Honour Smt. Ratnamma Gundamanatta ("Milletpreneur" from Kolar District) addressed the audience. Dr. Tusar Kanti Behera presided.

Smt. Ratnamma shared her entrepreneurial journey in millet-based value addition. Dr. Behera noted nearly 37% of the IIHR workforce comprises women. Best Women Farmer Awards went to Mrs. Lalhlunmawii, Mrs. Nagamma, Ms. Monica S.N., and Mrs. Shailaja. Best Women Entrepreneur Awards to Mrs. Latha N., Mrs. Pushpalatha K.S., Mrs. Renukadevi, and Mrs. Ratnamma G.

Pre-event activities on March 6 included a health lecture by Dr. Divya L (gynaecologist, Sparsh Hospital) and complimentary health screenings.