Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant attended the Swayampurna Women’s Day festival, organized by Ravindra Bhavan Sankhali and Padmini Foundation. The event celebrated the strength, creativity, and resilience of women, promoting women’s empowerment and inclusivity.
The Swayampurna festival brought together women from diverse backgrounds, showcasing their talents, skills, and achievements. The event featured various cultural programs, exhibitions, and interactive sessions, highlighting women’s contributions to society.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of women’s empowerment and equality. He praised the efforts of Ravindra Bhavan Sankhali and Padmini Foundation in promoting women’s welfare and development.
The Swayampurna festival aimed to inspire and motivate women to pursue their dreams and aspirations. By celebrating women’s achievements and promoting inclusivity, the event contributed to creating a more equitable and just society.
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.”
Panaji, March 7, 2025: In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has announced a special initiative to encourage and facilitate women. Women booking rooms across all the GTDC residencies in Goa starting from March 7 till March 9, 2025, will receive a 50% discount on their stay.
Emphasizing the significance of this initiative, Dr Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairman GTDC, stated, ” On the occasion of International Women’s Day we extend our appreciation for the contributions of women in all spheres of life. To celebrate this spirit, GTDC is offering a special discount to encourage women to take time for themselves, travel, and experience the diverse offerings of Goa.”
Adding to this, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of GTDC, said, “At GTDC, we are committed to making tourism in Goa more inclusive and accessible. This initiative is a step toward ensuring that women feel welcomed and valued when they travel. We invite women, along with their families, to visit Goa and enjoy a memorable stay at GTDC residencies.”
GTDC continues to introduce such initiatives to enhance travel experiences and promote Goa as a welcoming destination for all. The corporation urges all women to take advantage of this special offer and enjoy a memorable stay in the state. For bookings visit GTDC website http://www.goa-tourism.com or call on 0832-2438866.
