Udant celebrates its 13th international women’s day with a felicitation ceremony

Goa Khabar : Udant celebrated its 13th International Women’s Day in 2026 by hosting a felicitation ceremony centered on the global theme “Give to Gain.” The campaign advocates a mindset of generosity and collaboration to foster gender equality. The event brought together community leaders, artists, and changemakers to honour the “intentional multiplication” that occurs when women are supported and empowered.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Ma’am Tejashri Pai, Guest of Honour Shraddha Patil Mulgaonkar, and Special Guest, internationally acclaimed singer  Hema Sardesai.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of mementos to eight extraordinary women who have defied norms and excelled in their respective fields:

• Prachi Shirodkar – An architect, filmmaker, and actress recognised for her creative brilliance and for representing the strength of modern Goan womanhood through her work in cinema.

• Shilpa Vantekar – A trailblazer on three wheels, honoured for her fearless spirit as a driver in a male-dominated profession and her commitment to economic independence.

• Dr. Sandhya Kini Mayenkar – An entrepreneur and mentor celebrated for empowering thousands of women through skill development and visionary leadership.

Chief Guest Tejashri Pai, Guest of Honour Shraddha Patil Mulgaonkar, and Special Guest, Internationally Acclaimed Singer Hema Sardesai, Felicitate Women Achievers.

• Angela Doroteia DeSouza – An accomplished athlete whose triumph at the Singapore Masters proves that passion for sports knows no age limit.

• Natasha Oreste Carvalho – A National Awardee and vocational instructor recognised for shaping Goa’s future through skill-based education.

• Sonali Rajaram Parwar – A master artisan in bamboo craft, honoured for preserving Goan heritage and sustainability through traditional art.

• Geetanjali R. Nagvekar – A champion athlete recognised for her unstoppable spirit and dedication to breaking barriers in sports, winning gold medals for India in Berlin.

• Anarita Fernandes – A student of Udant who exemplifies how academic dedication can translate into real-world ambition. Through perseverance and excellence in her studies, she has emerged as a confident and capable young woman.

The programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by a captivating storytelling session by  Richa Sinha, founder of The StoryMunch, who drew from her 15 years of experience to connect with the audience through the power of narrative.

The event also featured spot prizes, entertainment segments, and interactive Bollywood games that added energy and encouraged community participation.

During the welcome address, the organisers emphasised the spirit of the theme, noting, “When we give, we gain. Whether through knowledge, resources, or advocacy, contributing to women’s advancement helps build a more interconnected world. When women thrive, we all rise.”

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming Udant’s commitment to empowering women and strengthening communities.