BENGALURU: The New Indian Express celebrated woman power by honouring 10 achievers with the prestigious Devi awards on Thursday. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who presented the awards, described the initiative as a milestone in Indian journalism.
He said the Express Group, with many firsts to its credit, had always highlighted the problems of women.
The gathering included ministers, judges, sports people, movie stars, and a galaxy from the administration and police. They applauded as the achievers walked up to receive the award from Siddaramaiah.
“People want recognition for their service. There are plenty of dynamic and innovative women... who deserve to be admired and adored,” he said.
The recipients included an oncologist, Yakshagana artiste, police officer, engineer who writes sci-fi in Kannada, an architect, and a human rights activist.
The newspaper’s gesture of honouring such oustanding achievers would encourage others to do good work, he said.
Highlighting Karnataka’s commitment for the empowerment of women, Siddaramaiah said it was the first to introduce interest-free financial aid to women through the Stree Shakthi programme. “This was emulated by many other states,” he said.
TNIE Editorial Director Prabhu Chawla said a woman is called the better half. “Instead, she should be called the super half,” he said.
Millions of women work without any expectations, he said. “TNIE is proud to identify and honour them,” he said.
Referring to the recent recognition for multi-tasking in the Western world, Chawla said Indian women had been doing it for thousands of years by maintaining the house, nurturing children and toiling in the fields.
“Multi-tasking is a concept invented in India and invented by Indian women,” he said. “They are the ones who make the men live.” Chawla reiterated the Express commitment to empower women and support various social causes through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. It is supporting football in Kerala through scholarships and coaching, and aiding literature in Odisha. Retired CJI Rajendra Babu, retired judge Rama Jois, Chairman of Legislative Council D H Shankaramurthy, Home Minister K J George, Energy minister D K Shivakumar and Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil were among the dignitaries who hailed the awards.