15 Women Entrepreneurs Felicitated; Adv. Ajay Prabhu Gaonkar Calls for Instilling Values of Respect for Women in Every Household
An All-Goa Akash Kandil (decorative lantern) Competition and Fugdi Competition were organised in Pilgao on the occasion of Diwali through the joint initiative of Om Namah Shivay Sports and Culture Club, Adv. Ajay Prabhu Gaonkar and Kala Sangam Cultural Association. The programme received an enthusiastic response from participants and locals.
Adv. Ajay Prabhu Gaonkar attended the event as the chief guest, while Ramchandra Garde, Atmaram Gaonkar and Shri Ganesh Gawade were present as guests of honour.
During the programme, 15 women entrepreneurs from Pilgao village were felicitated for their achievements. The women were recognised for their dedicated contribution to various fields over the years and for establishing their own distinct identities through their hard work and determination.
Addressing the gathering, Adv. Ajay Prabhu Gaonkar strongly condemned the incident of sexual assault on a three-year-old girl in Mapusa and expressed deep anguish over the incident. He stressed the importance of cultivating values of respect for women and girls in every household. Respecting the women in one’s own family as well as other women in society is equally important. He said that mothers and women in particular must take the initiative to instil these values in children from an early age.
He further said that a safe and respectful environment must be created in Pilgao, where every woman feels confident that if she ever faces any difficulty and approaches her relatives or close acquaintances for help, she will receive support and will not face any form of harassment in the village. Society must collectively work towards ensuring the safety, dignity and security of women, he added.
Extending Diwali greetings with the traditional wish, “May all troubles and hardships disappear, and may the kingdom of Bali return”, he reiterated that mutual respect among women is equally important.
“When the fear of law disappears, such heinous acts take place. At such times, society must raise its voice collectively against injustice. The flame of women’s self-respect must be lit in every household. Only when women are empowered will society truly progress,” Adv. Gaonkar said.
He called upon everyone to take a collective pledge before the next Diwali to build a society where no Narakasura or Sankasura would ever dare to look at women with evil intentions or disrespect. Adv. Ajay Prabhu Gaonkar made this appeal while addressing the gathering.