Pune: Savitri Forum Felicitates Nine Inspiring Women with ‘Navdurga Samman’
Pune, 25th September 2025: In a unique initiative, Savitri Forum honored nine women who have battled adverse circumstances with resilience and courage by presenting them with the ‘Navdurga Samman’ through a traditional Khoicha Bharan ceremony.
The awardees included:
Dr. Aparna Deshmukh, founder of Abhalamaya Vruddhashram, who has performed more than 4,500 free surgeries for elderly patients.
Swati Otari, the only woman in India skilled in applying Vajra coating to preserve dilapidated temple idols.
Rujeta Dedge, a sports coach dedicated to training children with autism.
Arundhati Shinde, a cancer survivor who went on to establish her own food business.
Prerna Lakda, who pursued and completed her MBA by working as a domestic help.
Sheetal Khale, a widow who ran a vada pav stall to ensure her son’s education.
Dr. Usha Gokhale, a psychiatrist recognized for her contribution to mental health.
Kalyani Gaikwad, who transitioned from selling vegetables to running her own boutique after learning tailoring.
Shubhangi Shinde, abandoned by her family after a love marriage and later widowed, who supported her children by working in the entertainment industry.
The program began with a recital of Sri Sukta and Jogva by Hemlata Girase and her team from Bavdhan. Each awardee then shared her life journey, leaving the audience inspired by their determination and dignity in the face of hardships.
The initiative was led by Anita Dhole Patil, Sanyogita Kudle, Deepali Pandre, Shaila Mali, Madhavi Khare, Ashwini Borude, Sheetal Kachre, and Megha Kevate of Savitri Forum, while Supriya Tamhane moderated the event.
