Goa is a land of culture, talent, and untold stories — especially those of women who are quietly yet powerfully shaping their communities, industries, and the future. Recognizing the need to bring such stories to light, the Orchid Group is proud to announce the 13th edition of the Orchid Award for Women Achievers of Goa.
This unique award ceremony is the first of its kind in the state and was introduced to celebrate women who embody excellence, resilience, and impact in their respective fields. From trailblazers in education and sports to changemakers in rural development and business, these awards are a tribute to the spirit of Goan women.
The categories for this year include: Education, Art & Culture, Sports, Social Work, Journalism, Business, Rural Development, Woman Achiever with Disability, Girl Child Prodigy, and the prestigious Life Time Achievement Award. Each category is crafted to ensure that a wide range of contributions and accomplishments are recognized and honoured.
Nominations are now open, and the invitation is extended to every corner of Goa. Whether you’re a woman who has made a mark or you know someone who deserves this recognition, now is the time to act. The Orchid Award is not just an accolade — it is a movement that aims to uplift, encourage, and inspire future generations of Goan women.
Celebrate the women who inspire us. Celebrate Goa. Nominate today.
Panaji, July 2025: In a heartfelt act of service and community outreach, the Goa GSB Sports & Charitable Trust donated stationery items worth ₹20,000 to Aastha Anand Niketan, a school in Mapusa devoted to educating and empowering children with special needs.
The Trust’s team—comprising President Sidhit Raiturker, Secretary Venkat Biche, Treasurer Siddharth Ghanekar, and trustees Kapil Angle, Kapil Borker, Pranav Biche, and Adv. Sachin Sardesai—personally visited the school to hand over the supplies. They were joined by Shant Rama Gudanwar, a respected businessman and social worker with longstanding ties to the school.
During the visit, Dr. Chandrashekhar M. Kelkar, Secretary of Aastha Anand Niketan, welcomed the guests and shared insights into the school’s journey. He spoke about the challenges and triumphs in providing quality education to differently-abled children and highlighted the school’s upcoming milestone: a shift to a newly constructed building funded by the Rotary Club. The new premises are expected to vastly improve the school’s facilities and learning environment.
The Goa GSB Trust praised the institution for its remarkable efforts in fostering inclusive education. “We are truly inspired by the dedication shown by the educators and caretakers here. This is more than just a school—it is a place of hope, learning, and transformation,” said the Trust members during their visit.
The Trust also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing such initiatives that bring lasting impact to underserved communities and promote inclusivity in education and society.
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.
