Panjim, October 2025: In a vibrant display of community spirit and wellness, the Walkathon for Rural Women was flagged off from Kala Academy, Panjim to Betim Jetty. The event featured 1 km and 2 km routes, designed to engage women from rural areas in a collective journey toward physical and mental wellbeing.
The walkathon was inaugurated by CCP Mayor Shri Rohit Monserrate, accompanied by Smt. Sulakshana Sawant, Educationist, alongside other dignitaries. The event was organized by the Goa State Rural Livelihoods Mission (GSRLM) in partnership with Padmini Foundation and Say Foundation, two NGOs dedicated to fostering community development and women empowerment.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Shri Monserrate highlighted the importance of active lifestyles for rural women, noting that such initiatives not only improve health and wellness but also strengthen community bonds and confidence.
Participants from various villages enthusiastically walked the routes, enjoying a mix of exercise, camaraderie, and festive spirit. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the significance of mental health, encourage regular physical activity, and reinforce the importance of women supporting women.
The walkathon also included short awareness sessions and engagement activities along the route, promoting healthy habits, nutrition, and social cohesion. Organizers emphasized that events like these play a crucial role in building resilient rural communities where women feel empowered to take charge of their health, well-being, and future.
The event concluded with participants sharing their experiences, taking a collective pledge to continue pursuing wellness and supporting fellow women in their communities. Initiatives like this reflect Goa’s commitment to holistic development, ensuring that rural women have the platform, motivation, and resources to thrive.
On May 21, 1994, a monumental moment in Indian history occurred when Sushmita Sen became the first Indian woman to win the prestigious Miss Universe title. Today, on the 31st anniversary of that life-changing win, Sushmita pens a heartfelt note on social media, reflecting on the journey that began with an 18-year-old girl from India taking the world stage by storm.
The day May 21, 1994 is etched in history not only as the day Sushmita Sen won the Miss Universe crown but also as the day an entire nation stood proud. For India, it was a historic achievement — the first time an Indian woman had ever secured the Miss Universe title. Sushmita’s win opened doors to countless opportunities, both for her personally and for future generations of women in India to dream bigger and reach for the stars.
In her emotional social media post, Sushmita expressed how the victory, at the tender age of 18, introduced her to a world of possibilities, bringing along with it the strength of hope, the power of inclusion, and the generosity of love. She reminisces how, in an instant, her life changed forever, offering her the privilege of traveling the world and meeting some of the most inspiring people along the way. A journey that has been, as she puts it, “life-defining.”
In her heartfelt message, Sushmita takes a moment to express gratitude to her family, particularly her mother, Subhra Sen, and her father, Subir Sen. She writes:
“Thank you God, Maa @subhra51 & Baba @sensubir 😍😇🙏”
The support and strength she received from her family played a crucial role in shaping her path to victory, and it’s clear from her post that she continues to hold their love and guidance close to her heart.
The message is not just a reflection on her win, but a celebration of the people who have been part of her incredible journey — from her family to her loved ones in the Philippines, and special mentions to Caroline Gomez, her dear friend and supporter.
Reflecting on this historical milestone, Sushmita expressed immense pride in representing her country on a global stage. Her words are filled with gratitude and respect for the opportunity she had to be a global ambassador for India.
“To have the honor of representing my country, I will proudly cherish forever!!!”
This victory was not just a personal achievement, but a moment of national pride, bringing attention to India’s beauty, culture, and spirit. The ripple effect of this win continues to inspire and empower countless young women across the world to pursue their dreams, just as Sushmita did all those years ago.
In her post, Sushmita goes on to encourage her followers and the world to dream big, particularly the kinds of dreams that seem impossible.
“Here’s to dreams, the impossible kinds…for I know, the UNIVERSE conspires in our favour!!”
She reminds us that the universe has a way of aligning things when we follow our passion, stay determined, and remain true to ourselves. Her own journey is a testament to this philosophy — from a small-town girl in India to becoming an international star and role model for women everywhere.
The 31st anniversary of India’s first-ever Miss Universe victory is not just a celebration of Sushmita Sen’s win but also of her ongoing impact on the world stage. She continues to be an influential figure, known for her acting career, her activism, and her commitment to empowering women. The legacy of her historic Miss Universe win still reverberates today as she continues to inspire millions.
Her message of love, strength, and empowerment is a beacon of hope to young women and men around the world. She encourages everyone to keep believing in their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.
As part of her celebration, Sushmita extends warm wishes to all her friends and fans, especially in the Philippines, where she holds a special place in her heart. She ends her message with a heartfelt acknowledgment of her fans and followers:
“Happy 31st also to my loved ones in the #Philippines & to you my darling @carogomezfilm 😍😁💃🏻 #thinkingofyouall & #celebratingyou 💋”
Sushmita’s heartfelt note reflects not only her incredible journey to Miss Universe but also her ongoing commitment to those who have supported her along the way.
As Sushmita Sen celebrates her 31st Miss Universe anniversary, her message serves as a reminder of the power of dreams, determination, and the importance of support and love from family and friends. Her win continues to inspire and will forever be remembered as a significant moment in both Indian and world history.
In closing, Sushmita encourages us all:
“I love you guys!!! #duggadugga #yourstruly #MissUniverse1994 #India”
She signs off with a grateful heart and a message that the universe truly does conspire in our favor if we just follow our dreams with unshakable belief.
Here’s to dreams, to breaking barriers, and to the undeniable magic that happens when we trust in the universe! 🌟
Beena Philip, a renowned social worker, has been making waves in the industry with her tireless efforts to empower women and children. Recently, she was honored with the prestigious Social Work Orchid Awards 2025, a testament to her dedication and commitment to creating positive social change.
Born into a family of social workers, Beena was inspired by her mother’s selflessness and dedication to helping distressed women. This exposure sparked a desire within her to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Her journey in social work was further shaped by her experiences and values, particularly the national pledge she recited daily in middle school, which emphasized the importance of treating all Indians as brothers and sisters.
Beena is deeply passionate about empowering women and girls, believing that they possess immense potential that often remains unrecognized and untapped. Through her work, she aims to help them discover their strengths and live their lives to the fullest. Her organization has provided a safe haven and care for over 800 children and empowered nearly 2000 women from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Beena employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics to assess the impact of her work. She tracks the number of people served, monitors improvements in their quality of life, and evaluates the long-term sustainability of her programs. Despite facing challenges such as managing 24/7 care, combating social stigma, and finding genuine support staff, Beena relies on her resilience, adaptability, and motivation to overcome these obstacles.
Beena believes that collaboration and innovation are crucial in driving positive social change. She sees opportunities for synergy between non-profit organizations, government agencies, and private sector companies to leverage resources, expertise, and funding to resolve social issues. She also emphasizes the importance of partnering with local communities and grassroots organizations to better understand the needs and concerns of the people they serve.
Beena advises aspiring social workers to be prepared to face challenges, but also to be open to opportunities for growth and learning. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, seeking support when needed, and maintaining a passion for the work. Beena also encourages social workers to be open to feedback and constructive criticism, which can help them identify areas for improvement and grow as professionals.
Beena hopes that her work will be remembered for empowering women and children to break free from cycles of poverty, inequality, and social injustice. She aims to leave a legacy that promotes dignity for all human beings, a culture of inclusivity, and compassion. Her message to the wider community is to recognize that social change is a collective responsibility and to work together to create a more just, equitable, and compassionate world.
Receiving the Social Work Orchid Award 2025 has been a humbling experience for Beena. She believes that this award will not only bring awareness to the cause she is passionate about but also attract like-minded individuals who share her commitment to creating positive social change.
