Bhubaneswar, March 8: What better way to celebrate International Women's Day than to propagate for a healthy tomorrow!

With the depletion of conventional energy sources becoming a global problem, the non-conventional renewable energy sources such as solar power is believed to be the future.

Around 100 college students today prepared mouth-watering dishes using solar cookers at a workshop organised at the Bhubaneswar Club in the city. The participants learnt various methods of cooking on the solar ovens such as tempering, roasting, stewing, frying and baking. Under the guidance of expert chefs, the women prepared a number of traditional Odia dishes such as kanika, dalma and home-style chicken among others.

Separate ovens were used for each cooking techniques and the price of the cookers ranges between Rs 2000 and Rs. 20,000 depending on the size.

Organised by the city-based Ranjita Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, the event aimed at creating awareness among women about the benefits of solar cooking.

"Solar cooking is not popular in our state, but it can be a useful medium of cooking. At present, we bring the cookers from other states, but it can be easily made here and distributed among the rural women. It will save money and fuel," said chef Susanta Ranjan Chaini.

The young girls had a great time at the workshop. "The entire process was fun. Using solar cookers is easy and promotes living in a sustainable manner," said engineering student Nisha Sharma.

Besides, a number of programmes and seminars were also organised across the city on the occasion. From cooking competitions to art exhibitions, achievements of women in diverse fields were celebrated with enthusiasm.

Around 20 students from Utkal University of Culture and BK College of Art and Crafts took to the canvas to voice their anguish against 'Domestic violence against women with disabilities' at Jaydev Bhawan. It was organised by Shanta Memorial Rehabilitation Centre.

Focusing on the fact that opportunities for women with disabilities are less, the young students showcased the problems faced by them in their day-to-day lives.

In another exhibition at Odisha Modern Art Gallery, around 26 women artists threw light on various issues such as women's rights and the attitude of men towards them.

"The exhibition gave us an opportunity to come together and bring to fore a number of grappling issues such as female foeticide and negligence towards them," said ceramic artist Biswajita Maharana. The artists portrayed their feelings through paintings, drawings ad sculptures and art installations.

A statue of prominent civil rights activist Malati Choudhury was also unveiled on the premises of the state social welfare board, which was renamed after the freedom fighter.

That apart, a rally demanding adequate security for women was also taken out by Ganatrantik Mahila Samity.

Around 200 women from various walks of life walked the streets advocating the need for a healthy and secure environment. Around 12 women achievers of the state were felicitated by Delhi-based Parichay Foundation at Rabindra Mandap for their contributions in various fields of social work, arts, humanities and welfare activities.

At the ongoing national khadi exhibition in the city, an entrepreneurs' conference was organised. It was attended by women who had set an example by empowering themselves and others.

These women entrepreneurs from across India got together and shared their stories of struggle. In the evening, a show was held where girls walked the ramp donning khadi attires designed by city-based designer Subhrajyoti Dasnayak.

Expressing her opinion about Women's Day, city-based dentist Anshita Musadi said: "On this day, we should promise that we will never succumb to pressure and live life independently."