Mangaluru: JCI Ganeshpura observed International Women’s Day in a meaningful manner on Friday, March 8 at Sharada Bhajana Mandira, Katipalla. Six women achievers from different fields were recognized and felicitated during this programme which was organized under the leadership of Jcrt President Bharathi Shrisha Karmaran.
Sangeetha Prabhu, Zone Director – Jcrt Wing, Zone – XV, was the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, she observed, “Women should not be mere objects of physical beauty, they should be able to paint even their innermost dreams and bring them to reality.”
Smitha P. Holla, former president of JCI Ganeshpura and Coordinator for Women’s Empowerment of JCI Zone 15 was the guest of honour. “In this fast changing world, it is essential for women to adopt the latest technologies in their day to day lives,” she said. Another guest of honour was Navinakshi Sadashiva Bhandary, who represented the Katipalla ‘B’ Group of Dharmasthala Self Help Federation.
A highlight of the programnme was the honouring of six women achievers, who were felicitated with a memento, citation and fruit platter. One of the recipients of the honour was Smt. Pushpa who, through her 18 long years of social service has brought a ray of hope to HIV children. She has been constantly conducting awareness programmes educational camps and street plays to sensitize lorry drivers as well as the public regarding HIV. She is presently serving as the director of Ashakiran, a helpline centre based at Surathkal-Kana and taking care of 11 HIV affected children with the help of donations from the public.
Another recipient was Jacintha Sequeira who has made extraordinary achievement in the field of agriculture by cultivating mixed crops with her own effort.
Woman entrepreneur Usha M. Anchan, who has achieved great success in business by running her firm Shivashakthi Enterprises (hardware, furniture and paints) was felicitated for very efficiently balancing her home life and business life.
In the field of literature, Dr. Jyothi Chellaru, a Kannada and Tulu poet, literary critic, author and columnist was felicitated. She is presently serving as the Principal of Udupi District Government Pre-University College. After gaining a research fellowship from Tulu Sahitya Academy, she obtained a PhD from Hampi Kannada University for her research thesis titled ‘Pallata of Agrarian Culture of Coastal Karnataka and its Literary Expression’.
In the field of social service, Smt Lavanya was felicitated for her last 15 years of service at Katipalla Health Centre and also for dedicating additional two days a week for serving at Kemral Health Centre at Attur. Due to her efforts, many reputed companies have donated facilities for her Health Centre, such as Medicine Counter, Lab Equipment, Health Check-up Room and various equipment and essential items.
In the field of sports, Smt. Savitha was felicitated for her sincere efforts and dedicated service as a swimming coach. She is serving at MRPL Township as a ladies’ swimming coach.
President of JCI Ganeshpura, Udaya Kumar expressed happiness that his JCI Unit which was born under the leadership of a lady president once again had a lady president in the previous year and had for the first time bagged national level award under her leadership.
Following the felicitation ceremony, a training programme was held for about 30 members of Katipalla ‘B’ Group of Dharmasthala Self Help Federation as well as a few other participants. Resource persons Smt. Kavitha gave basic information regarding law and Dr. Sukanya Rao enlightened the participants regarding managing personal finance.
Past Presidents of JCI Ganeshpura Vanitha Anchan, Chethan Amin, Sampath Kumar, members Shrisha Karmaran, Lakshmeesha Anchan, Secretary Shashi Kumar, Sharath Kumar, Chandan, Venugopal, Arun, Sannamaresh, Deepak, Prashanth Nayak, Joswin, Joswitha and others were present on the occasion. Usha Mandar thanked the gathering.
