Thursday evening was one of warmth and cheer at The New Indian Express’ Devi awards ceremony at the ITC Gardenia. The who’s who of Bengaluru were in attendance.
The awardees, some in the limelight and others working quietly in the background, shared insights and life lessons. The audience was moved and inspired by their stories.
Here’s what the achievers said:
The lifespan of a mud-house is 1,000 years... Bengaluru’s Metro stations must be more aesthetic, more friendly, more disabled- and aged-friendly.”
— Chitra Vishwanath, architect
I am honoured to be part of the MTR institution. I belong to the third-generation and we will still serve rava idlis, and bisibele bath wherever we go.
— Hemamalini Maiya, entrepreneur
The Constit-ution has still not provided equal rights for people with disability. It should protect them from discrimination.
— Jayna Kothari, lawyer
I am just overwhelmed. Women and science go together and it has been so for centuries. I went to 20 countries with a passion to discover and rediscover the history of women scientists and aviators.
— Nemichandra, engineer and writer
People think women and science don’t go together. A German professor was introduced to me and said he had read papers written by my husband! With the Devi award, I feel Karnataka has adopted me.
— Rohini Godbole, physicist
The award has motivated me to work more for the department. I understand issues from the heart and work from the mind. People should go to the police for help. As for corruption, stop giving.
— R Susheela, policewoman
When one creates something beautiful, one is a participant in the original creative force. I am interested in working in public spaces such as the Metro stations. We should also talk about women heroes like Akka Mahadevi.
— Shilo Shiv Suleman, artist
My guru told me it was difficult for a girl to produce sound on a ghatam. I took that as a challenge.
— Sukanya Ramgopal, musician
I appeal to the chief minister to make Yakshagana a State art. It has colour, music, dance, extempore dialogue. It is the only form performed overnight without a single non-Kannada word.
— Vidya Kolyur, Yakshagana artiste
It is a miracle to come and share the dais with great personalities. Once you fight poverty, you can fight anything that comes your way.
— Dr Vijayalaxmi Deshmane, oncologist