Nine ladies excelling in ‘male-dominated’ professions honoured
Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera hosted the Vocational Appreciation Awards where they honoured women achievers especially those who were breaking stereotypes in various professions, traditionally considered to be a man’s domain.
“By awarding them, we are encouraging them and inspiring other women to take up such professions” said Rtn. Denzil Xavier, President of Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera
The team at Rotary Club Panaji Riviera Rtn. Maithili Nadkarni and Rtn. Clare De Souza, Vocational Service Directors, identified 9 dynamic ladies, who were felicitated at the hands of Deepali Naik, Project Director, District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), South, Government of Goa; and Fiona Cardozo, Deputy Director of Panchayats, North.
The ladies who were felicitated are Christie Dias, a national-level volleyball player and now a plumber; Harsha Naik, a lifeguard who comes from a family of swimmers; Kanchan Naik Vengurlekar, former assistant Police inspector; Disha Naik, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Crash Tender Operator, who has become India’s first certified woman firefighter to operate a Crash Fire Tender (CFT); Sasha Saldanha, Captain, Indigo Airlines; Shilpa Vantekar, a Pink Auto driver from Corlim; Shabeena Shaikh a 2-wheeler mechanic from the village of Socorro; Shweta Gaonkar, an agriculturist and toddy tapper; and Joaquina Perpetual Castellino, a senior care giver from Guirim.
Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera has a rich history of impactful projects and initiatives, ranging from education and healthcare to environmental conservation and community development. Events like the Vocational Appreciation Awards reflect the Club’s dedication to recognising and celebrating excellence in diverse vocations.
In the past months, Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera have honoured and felicitated renowned teachers from the music fraternity of Goa as well as special educators from Sanjay Centre for Special Children, showcasing their commitment to excellence in various fields.
The Club has also bestowed honours upon notable individuals and institutions for their exceptional dedication to the Goan art of Mando and their efforts in nurturing emerging talents and championing Goa’s cultural heritage.
Beyond organising a number of career guidance and training workshops for college students, Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera remains steadfast in its commitment and mission of ‘Service above Self.’
