Team Goemkarponn
PONDA: The Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Naari Shakti Samman 2026 was held at Rajiv Kala Mandir, Ponda, celebrating women’s leadership, community service and contributions to social development.
Organised by the Rural Development Authority, Government of Goa, in collaboration with Samruddhi Foundation Goa, the event brought together women leaders, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), entrepreneurs and stakeholders associated with rural development and livelihood promotion.
The Naari Shakti Samman 2026 was conferred on Asha Sawardekar, Pallavi Salgaonkar and Deepali Naik in recognition of their outstanding work in social welfare, community service, leadership and women’s empowerment.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant highlighted the importance of women-led development and urged women to take on larger leadership roles in economic and social sectors. He also recalled the legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar, describing her as a symbol of visionary governance and public service.
The programme also featured workshops on digital marketing, entrepreneurship development, market-oriented business opportunities and livelihood creation, aimed at equipping women and SHGs with skills to expand their businesses and achieve greater financial independence.
Among those present were Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Arjun Mohan, IAS, Secretary of the Rural Development Authority, Amey M. Amshekar, President of Samruddhi Foundation Goa, Sangam Patil from the Rural Development Department, and Deepali Naik, Project Director of DRDA South Goa. The event witnessed participation from women entrepreneurs, social workers, community leaders and SHG members from across the state.
