It was a red letter day for the 10 recipients, selected as best women achievers, in their respective fields on Saturday.
The district administration, which had invited applications from women achievers in different categories, received 80 applications, said District Collector Anshul Mishra. Winners were chosen by a panel comprising Lady Doak College Principal Mercy Pushpalatha, Advocate Bagyalakshmi and District Social Welfare Officer Anandavalli.
Winners were – V. Vanitha (IPS officer), P. Lourdu Mercy Geetha (teacher), Archana (sportsperson), Deiva Shanthi (research scholar), V. Seetha (SHG turned entrepreneur), K. S. Padma Tharini (differently-abled person), Josephine (industrialist), Sabia (auto driver), P. Chandra (panchayat president, Thirali) and Laveena (young achiever, 8 standard student).
Deputy Inspector General of Police B. Bala Naga Devi, Thiagarajar College Women’s Studies Centre chairperson Uma Kannan, Women Entrepreneur (WE) chairman Rajkumari Jeevagan and among others participated in the awards presentation ceremony.
Ms. Sabia, who has been driving an auto rickshaw for the past 14 years, earned the distinction of being an accident free driver. Ms. Seetha, who established an all-women self-help-group, became an entrepreneur and employed other women. Despite her disability, Padma Tharini’s services to the needy drew the attention of the audience.
The Collector specially thanked revenue officials, NGOs and the media for extending their support. The PA (General) Shanthi, Social Welfare Officer Anandhavalli and Chellam facilitated the three-day events.
Earlier, Mr. Mishra presented best bank awards to Canara Bank and State Bank of India for their disbursement of micro finance loans to women in the district. The best branch award went to Indian Bank, Usilampatti branch. The micro finance branch of Canara Bank won an award.
LLR presented
At the Race Course Grounds, applicants were issued learners’ driving licences on the spot to mark International World Women’s Day.
Regional Transport Officer N. Ravichandran said that out of 200 applications, 50 received the LLR instantly. The United India Insurance company officers led by its Unit Manager Pabavinasam, Udayakumar and senior advisor (vehicle insurance) S. Suresh issued vehicle insurance policies on the spot through the online policy portal facility. Several girl students from Lady Doak College and other institutions, who had applied for learners licences and vehicle insurance, were delighted to receive the documents on the spot.
