MUMBAI: Describing the Devi Awards as the best way to acknowledge the work of women in changing our society, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadanvis said awards like this will eventually lead us to a more equitable society. Fadnavis presented the awards at the 11th edition of Devi Awards to 11 distinguished women achievers from all walks of life—from films and entertainment to education, social service and politics—here on Monday evening.
“Countries that have recognised the role of women in progress have prospered. Even the past 5,000 years of Indian history shows that whenever women have been honoured, society has prospered, and whenever
they have been disrespected, society had seen the lowest points in its existence.
“Recognising the true power of this 50 per cent of the population will make the world a better place,” Fadnavis said as he presented the awards.
The awarded included fashion designer Anita Dongre, TV and film actor Shubhangi Gokhale, curator of Indian designs Divya Thakur, financial entrepreneur Rakhee Kapoor Tandon, NCP MP Supriya Sule, actress Kirti Kulhari, ‘right to pee’ activist Mumtaz Shaikh, health activist from tribal area Dr Smith Kolhe, social revolutionary Robin Chaurasiya, children’s activist Renu Gavaskar and nutrition expert Rujuta Divekar.
Prabhu Chawla, Editorial Director of The New Indian Express (of which The Sunday Standard is a part), said, “The Devi Awards have been created to felicitate women who are working to change society through their dedicated efforts but don’t necessarily get recognition for their work.”
The winners were chosen through a rating process conducted by the senior editorial team of The New Indian Express and an independent jury, using transparent methodology. They were selected on the basis of their contribution to their chosen line of work, as well as society in general.