The fifth edition of Heels on Wheels, an annual adventure event by The Hindu MetroPlus to celebrate women power, in Kochi on Sunday turned out to be an occasion to honour three women who have overcome an assault course of challenges and achieved honours in their chosen fields.
M.S. Sunil, an academic turned social worker, national award winning actor Surabhi Lakhmi and star athlete P.U. Chithra were adjudged as The Hindu Women Achievers 2018. Honouring them on the occasion, A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited, praised the spirit of the women to fight odds and conquer them.
“You have all done amazing work. Nothing can stop you from achieving anything in this life. I wish more power to you,” said Mr. Hanish, to a huge round of applause from participants of the Heels on Wheels contest.
C. Gouridasan Nair, Resident Editor, The Hindu , who spoke on the occasion, said the whole event was also envisaged to be a great platform to recognise those who had made an impact on every woman’s life. “These are the women who have made all of you look inwards and see life from a different angle,” he said.
In her speech, M.S. Sunil, who has constructed 89 houses for the homeless in and around Pathanamthitta, said the honour reinforced her determination to stand as a pillar of support for many homeless women, children, and the terminally-ill.
“Helping the underprivileged has always been a crucial part of my life. After my retirement, I am fully involved in my passion and I thank everyone for your wholehearted support in taking the endeavour forward,” she said.
Actor Surabhi Lakshmi, in a speech punctuated by cheerful laughter from the crowd, recalled how life in a quaint village near Kozhikode had helped shape her as an actor. “I have reached here because of the various small characters I have performed and I am indebted to those so called insignificant roles. I never want to be a big star, rather, it gives me a great deal of satisfaction when someone describes me as a good artist,” she said.
Athlete P.U. Chithra, who won a gold medal at the Asian Indoor Games last year, thanked everyone for their wholehearted support. “I would not have reached this far without all your support and prayers. With greater support comes greater responsibilities and I will do my best to meet all your expectations,” she said.
