On International Women’s Day, March 8, 2025, TARANG TARANG, in association with JCI Bardez Bandhan, proudly felicitated Miss Sadiya Bandodkar as a Salute to the Silent Star at their exhibition. This multi-talented individual, despite facing hearing and speech impairment, has achieved remarkable success in various fields.
Miss Sadiya Bandodkar’s accomplishments are a testament to her determination and passion. She was the 2nd Runner-up at Mrs. Deaf India 2023 at the Purple Fest, showcasing her talent and confidence on a national platform. Additionally, she successfully exhibited her work at the International Purple Fest Goa 2024, demonstrating her artistic skills to a global audience.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Miss Bandodkar is not only a talented individual but also a successful entrepreneur. She runs her own handicraft shop, where she creates beautiful artifacts, mehendi designs, and other decorative items. Her entrepreneurial spirit and self-reliance are an inspiration to many, especially women with disabilities.
Celebrating Women’s Empowerment
The felicitation of Miss Sadiya Bandodkar is a celebration of women’s empowerment and a recognition of her contributions to society. It highlights the importance of inclusivity and diversity, encouraging women with disabilities to pursue their dreams and ambitions.
EmpowerHer 2025
The EmpowerHer 2025 event is a testament to the growing movement towards women’s empowerment and inclusivity. It provides a platform for women to share their stories, showcase their talents, and inspire others to pursue their passions.
By celebrating Miss Sadiya Bandodkar’s achievements, we not only honor her spirit and determination but also contribute to a more inclusive and empowering society for all women.
Neha Baig, a body-positive model, has emerged as a true inspiration to many. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, Neha has transformed her life into a testament of courage and determination.
At 60% burn injuries from a cylinder blast, Neha’s life took a dramatic turn. However, she refused to let her circumstances define her. Instead, she channeled her energy into education, which became her greatest empowerment tool.
From Survivor to Inspiration
Today, Neha stands tall as a confident body-positive model, shattering societal beauty standards and inspiring countless individuals. Her remarkable journey serves as a powerful reminder that resilience, education, and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Mahila Samman-2025 Award
Powered by Kamala power women At pradhanmantri sangrahalaya
Neha’s outstanding contributions have been recognized with the prestigious Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Mahila Samman-2025 award. She is the sole awardee from Goa, making her achievement all the more remarkable
In the world of photography, it’s not just about capturing moments, but also about telling stories that evoke emotions, spark connections, and leave a lasting impact. For Harsh Kamat, a talented photographer from Goa, his lens has been a window to the world, allowing him to document life’s beauty, complexity, and simplicity.
From his early days of experimenting with camera phones to his current projects and collaborations, Harsh’s photography journey has been a testament to his passion, creativity, and dedication. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Harsh’s world, exploring his inspirations, experiences, and perspectives on photography and life.
For Harsh, the spark that ignited his passion for photography was his father’s camera phone. “Those were the days when camera phones had just arrived in the Indian market, and my father had one,” he recalls. “I’d be super excited every time I would take it in my hand and take some pictures on the same.” This early fascination with photography laid the foundation for Harsh’s future endeavors.
As Harsh grew older, his interest in photography only deepened. He pursued his passion by taking courses and practicing regularly. “It’s the process of practicing regularly and experimenting that develops your skill,” he emphasizes. This dedication to his craft has enabled Harsh to develop a unique style that blends technical expertise with creative vision.
For Harsh, photography is not just about capturing moments; it’s about telling stories that resonate with others. “I love to tell stories, and I love to shoot almost every day,” he says. This passion for storytelling has led Harsh to work on various projects, from documenting real-life stories to capturing the beauty of everyday moments.
Throughout his journey, Harsh has had the opportunity to work with several notable photographers and artists. One of his most significant collaborations has been with Common Thread Media, a media firm that works in the social development sector. “Working with Common Thread Media has been a highlight of my career,” Harsh says. “It’s allowed me to work on projects that promote social development and tell real-life stories.”
So, what inspires Harsh’s creativity? “I find inspiration in everyday moments,” he says. “Observing the world around me keeps my creative vision fresh.” This ability to find inspiration in the mundane has enabled Harsh to develop a unique perspective that sets his photography apart.
For those aspiring to follow in Harsh’s footsteps, his advice is simple yet profound: “Just go out there and click.” He believes that the key to success lies in perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to learn. “To be able to take up your passion as a profession, to be able to tell stories through your pictures, is an ultimate joy and privilege,” Harsh says.
As Harsh looks to the future, he is excited to explore new opportunities and challenges. “I want to let it flow like a river, not plan it,” he says. With his passion, creativity, and dedication, Harsh Kamat is sure to continue making a name for himself in the photography world.
Harsh Kamat’s journey as a photographer is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and dedication. Through his lens, he has captured the beauty, complexity, and simplicity of life, telling stories that evoke emotions, spark connections, and leave a lasting impact. As we gaze through Harsh’s lens, we are reminded of the importance of living in the moment, observing the world around us, and telling stories that matter.
Denzil Franco’s passion for football is contagious. As a former international footballer and current Athlete Director at the Denzil Franco Football School, he’s dedicated to nurturing young talent and promoting football development in India.
A Childhood Dream Growing up in Goa, Denzil was naturally drawn to football. His biggest influences were his family, coaches, and players he admired, both locally and internationally. Legends like Roberto Carlos and Cafu inspired him, but it was his late father, Joe Franco, who pushed him to pursue his passion.
International Career Highlights Denzil’s international career was marked by several highlights, including winning the SAFF Championship and playing in the AFC Challenge Cup. He was also part of the National Squad that won the Nehru Cup in 2012, defeating Cameroon. Being part of the national team and contributing to Indian football on that stage was an unforgettable experience.
Coaching Philosophy Denzil’s coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, technical skills, and a strong mentality. He believes that talent alone is not enough; players need the right guidance, exposure, and work ethic to succeed. His approach focuses on developing players holistically, ensuring they improve technically, mentally, and physically.
The Denzil Franco Football School After his playing career, Denzil wanted to give back to the sport by nurturing young footballers. The Denzil Franco Football School (DFFS) was born from this desire, aiming to create a structured grassroots program where kids can develop in a professional yet enjoyable environment.
Identifying and Developing Young Talent Denzil looks for technical ability, decision-making, work ethic, and attitude when evaluating young players. He emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, adaptability, and fitness levels in assessing a player’s potential.
Future Plans and Collaborations Denzil is working on expanding the DFFS reach, providing more players with quality training. He’s exploring collaborations to offer better training, facilities, and career pathways for young footballers.
A Message to Young Footballers Denzil’s advice to young footballers is to remain patient, work hard, and persevere. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, dedication, and continuous learning in achieving success.
Today, March 8th, we celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of women around the world. It’s a day to recognize the progress made towards gender equality and to acknowledge the work still to be done .
Neha Baig, Miss India Fashion Icon 2024’s first runner-up, is a true inspiration to many. Her journey, marked by adversity and resilience, is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and determination.
In 2007, Neha’s life took a dramatic turn when she suffered severe burns in a cylinder blast incident. The accident left her with physical and emotional scars, leading to a period of isolation and self-doubt.
Overcoming Challenges However, Neha refused to let her circumstances define her. With the support of her family and her own inner strength, she began to heal and rebuild her life. She underwent numerous surgeries and learned to accept herself, scars and all.
A Career in Modeling Neha’s journey into modeling was a way for her to reclaim her confidence and challenge societal beauty standards. She began participating in pageants and modeling shows, using her platform to promote body positivity and self-acceptance.
Breaking Barriers As a software analyst and a model, Neha is breaking barriers in multiple fields. She advises young women to pursue their passions, regardless of societal expectations. “If you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything,” she says.
A Message of Empowerment Neha’s story is a powerful reminder that true beauty lies within. She hopes to inspire others to focus on their inner strength and character, rather than their physical appearance.
Awards and Recognition Neha’s achievements include being the first runner-up for Indian Fashion Icon 2024, Best Model of Emirates, and Brand Ambassador of Paanch India. These recognitions have validated her struggles and strengthened her belief in herself.
Balancing Careers Neha balances her work as a software analyst with her modeling career by planning wisely and dedicating time to each field. She enjoys the structure and logic of technology, as well as the creativity and color of fashion.
Creating a More Inclusive Society Neha hopes to work with like-minded people to create a society that embraces inclusivity. She believes that no one should feel limited by their scars, marks, or physical differences.
What’s Next? Neha is excited about her upcoming projects, including participating in Ms. Goa 2025. She continues to inspire and empower others through her work, promoting a more inclusive and body-positive society.
Advice to Young Women Neha’s advice to young women struggling with self-acceptance is simple yet profound: “Believe in yourself. If you truly believe, nothing can stop you.”
