15 phenomenal women honoured at Punyadham Ashram on International Women’s Day
The International Women’s Day was celebrated in Punyadham Ashram, where 15 women achievers from different walks of life were honoured for their outstanding contribution in their respective fields. Chief Guest Pushpa Hegde (President, Poona Women’s Council), Guest of Honour Rupa Shetty (former President, Lions Club Pimpri-Chinchwad) and Special Guest Chandralekha Jagtap graced the occasion.
It was very inspiring to hear the success stories of the women achievers who had earned a name for themselves – doctors, journalists, image-building professionals, Indian classical dancers, entrepreneurs, social workers, architects, authors and so on.
The women honoured were :
- Renuka Suryavanshi
- Shamim Waghmale
- Radha Purandare
- Mona Pingle
- Anuradha Thorat
- Anupama Patil
- Kanta Goyal
- Priyanka Chandwani
- Parineeta Chandwani
- Saaz Aggarwal
- Shirin Merchant
- Sonali Rasal
- Maj Suman Bazad (retd)
- Dr Vaishali Khangtey
- Swati Kurani
Some of them voiced their opinions and said how important it is for women to have a healthy self esteem in whatever they are doing. Women are naturally strong and empowered and they need to recognise their inner strengths. The special guests also shared how every woman – even a housewife does an amazing job of keeping the family together in a happy healthy way! Every woman in her own capacity works hard for the betterment of her family, society and nation as a whole. Along with responsibilities at home, they pursue hobbies, balance social commitments earn a livelihood with a job- all this with a smile !
Chairperson Maa Krishna Kashyap shared her own experience to inspire others of how numerous challenges came her way. There was a point in her life when she lost her closest family members all in a span of one year and she felt completely alone & dejected. The family dream of creating a senior citizens’ home seemed shattered. But she faced life bravely with all the grit and determination and worked diligently to fulfill her dream – when words came from within her “you don’t have to die a failure, you can conquer all obstacles in front of you…”. These inspiring words received a huge round of applause.
The gracious ladies then proceeded to serve the daily mahaprasadam in Punyadham Ashram. A wholesome mid-day meal is served every day to school children, labour, drivers and anyone who comes. After a delicious lunch all the ladies felt absolutely contented and humbled with the whole experience!
Women become empowered and strong because of the storms in their lives which give them the strength to face any obstacles in their way! So true!
