Port Blair, Aug 17: Navodhaya Foundation, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to women empowerment, organized the #AzadiKaSwadisthUtsav event on 16th August 2023 at the Andaman Tamizhar Sangam Hall, Phoenix Bay. The event aimed to commemorate India's Independence Day while promoting women empowerment through various activities and recognitions.
The event commenced with a warm welcome to the esteemed Chief Guest, Mrs. Veditha Reddy, District Commissioner of South Andaman, and the Guest of Honour, Mr. L Moorthy, President of Andaman Tamizhar Sangam, with bouquets.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest Mrs. Veditha Reddy delivered highlighted the importance of organizing such an event with a strong focus on women empowerment. She commended Navodhaya Foundation for their dedicated efforts in promoting gender equality and empowering women in society.
The highlight of the event was a food feast cum competition that showcased the culinary skills of talented individuals. The competition featured two categories. In the first category, 11 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) participated, demonstrating their expertise in preparing delicious Indian desserts. The second category involved six female sanitary workers from the Port Blair Municipal Council, who showcased their talent and creativity in preparing delectable dishes.
The judges for the competition were Chef Ashwar Pal Singh and Chef Francis Gill, who brought their expertise and experience to declare the winners. The results were as follows:
SHGs Category:
- First Prize: Dilpreeth SHG - Cash prize of ₹ 7,000/-
- Second Prize: Subash Chandra Bose SHG - Cash prize of ₹ 5,000/-
- Third Prize: Maruti SHG - Cash prize of ₹ 3,000/-
Female Sanitary Workers Category:
- First Prize: Mrs. Durga Amma - Cash prize of ₹ 5,000/-
- Second Prize: Mrs. Sony Krishna - Cash prize of ₹ 3,000/-
In addition to the competition, Navodhaya Foundation recognized and felicitated several renowned women from the society for their exceptional achievements and significant contributions towards the betterment of society and women empowerment.
The felicitation ceremony honored the following individuals: Ms. R. Kasthuri Bai, Mrs. Ratna Kannan, Dr. S. K Jagpal, Mrs. Komal Anand, Dr. Ritika Gupta, Mrs. N. Ratha, Mrs. S. Promila Devi, Mrs. Nato Okruashvili, Ms. Maneesha Nath, Mrs. Rajni Ahuja, Dr. Pratiksha Malhotra, Mrs. Aurshia Tahir, Mrs. Pallabi Das, Ms. Pooja Biswas, Ms. Priyanka Das and Mrs. Farah Parveen.
Their exemplary achievements and dedication to the society have been instrumental in inspiring and empowering women.
Following the felicitation ceremony, the event continued with a patriotic musical night, showcasing the talents of local performers.