New Delhi: The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), functioning under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, celebrated International Women’s Day with a special interactive session featuring acclaimed actor Mita Vasisht in New Delhi. Held under the theme “Women of ITDC: The Shakti Behind Excellence,” the event brought together women employees of ITDC for an engaging discussion on creativity, identity, leadership, and women’s role in shaping society.
The programme was organised at Kautilya Hall inside Hotel Samrat and also witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Pusa (IHM Ashok), adding youthful energy to the event.
Interactive Session Focuses on Women, Arts and Social Expression
The highlight of the event was an interactive conversation with Mita Vasisht, who shared experiences from her long journey across theatre, cinema, television, and digital platforms.
During the session, she spoke about:
• the power of creative expression
• the importance of preserving an individual voice
• the changing space for women in the cultural landscape
• how storytelling influences social thinking
Her reflections connected strongly with the audience, particularly women professionals working in public-sector hospitality and tourism institutions.
Read also: ITDC at 60, The Ashok at 70: Govt Launches Digital, Heritage and Tourism Reforms
Mita Vasisht Reflects on Her Artistic Journey
A graduate of National School of Drama, New Delhi, Mita Vasisht is known for her work across both parallel and mainstream cinema, television, and web series.
Her creative profile includes:
• work in off-beat cinema and commercial films
• appearances in television and web productions
• direction of a documentary film
• writing and producing three short films
Beyond acting, she is also associated with social and humanitarian causes.
Mugdha Sinha Highlights Rights, Responsibility and Sisterhood
Speaking at the event, Mugdha Sinha, Managing Director of ITDC, linked this year’s celebration to the broader global message of women’s empowerment.
She said that the international theme this year revolves around rights, justice and action, and stressed that rights must be accompanied by responsibility.
According to her, women’s empowerment must also include:
• enabling collective growth
• strengthening sisterhood
• creating opportunities for others
• practising reciprocity in leadership
She also underlined ITDC’s internal theme for the occasion: “Give To Gain.”
‘Women Must Walk Together’: ITDC MD’s Message
During her address, Mugdha Sinha said that women should not celebrate achievement in isolation, but ensure that all women move forward together.
She described the occasion as a reminder that empowerment also means becoming enablers for others in institutions and society.
She further noted that days such as International Women’s Day are important not merely for celebration but for awareness and reflection.
Mita Vasisht Calls Every Woman Present a ‘Shakti’
Sharing her thoughts with participants, Mita Vasisht said she felt deeply moved to be part of the afternoon interaction.
She described the audience itself as a gathering of women who embody strength and individual power, saying each participant represented a form of “Shakti.”
Her remarks drew appreciation from the audience of executive and non-executive women employees.
Actor Praises The Ashok’s Legacy and Indian Character
Mita Vasisht also spoke warmly about The Ashok Hotel, describing it as one of India’s oldest iconic hotels.
She praised:
• its expansive green lawns
• classic Indian architecture
• heritage atmosphere
• the sense of national representation carried by its staff
She said the property reflects the grand tradition of Indian hospitality and carries a strong identity connected with the country itself.
Why the Event Matters for ITDC
The event reflects ITDC’s broader effort to create institutional spaces where women professionals can engage beyond routine administrative roles and participate in conversations around culture, leadership, and social values.
Such programmes also strengthen:
• workplace inclusion
• employee engagement
• cultural dialogue within public institutions
• women-led participation in tourism sector organisations
About ITDC
The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) is a hospitality, retail and education company owned by the Government of India, under the administration of the Ministry of Tourism. Established in 1966, it owns over 17 properties under the Ashok Group of Hotels brand, across India.
