Rotary Club of Calcutta Mahanagar successfully celebrated the Spirit of Nava Shakti, an event dedicated to empowering girls and championing women’s causes. The celebration, which featured insightful discussions and the launch of impactful programmes, was held in the presence of distinguished guests and thought leaders from various fields.
The event was marked by a panel discussion on “Nava Shakti – Empowering Girls,” featuring notable speakers such as Sri Gautam Mohan Chakrabarti IPS, Ex-Commissioner of Police, Kolkata; Ms. Sudeshna Roy, Film Director, Actor, and Writer; Ms. Anuradha Kapoor, Founder and Managing Trustee of Swayam; and Ms. Daminee Benny Basu, Actor, Director, and Actor Trainer. The panel addressed critical issues related to gender equality, empowerment, and safety of young girls in today’s society, providing valuable insights and sharing their personal experiences.
In addition to the panel discussion, the prestigious Shakti Samman awards were presented to nine outstanding women who have excelled in their respective fields and have been champions of empowering girls. These women were honored for their exceptional contributions to society, as they continue to inspire and uplift countless young women.
The event also marked the launch of several initiatives under the Nava Uday programme. These initiatives include programmes focused on nutrition, cervical cancer awareness, self-defense training for women, and menstrual hygiene management, aimed at benefiting thousands of girls across West Bengal. These initiatives reflect Rotary’s commitment to improving the overall well-being and safety of girls, especially in underprivileged communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Pramila Duggar, President of Rotary Club of Calcutta Mahanagar, said, “Through the ‘Spirit of Nava Shakti’ event and the launch of these programmes, we aim to create real, lasting change in the lives of young girls. Empowering women and girls is not just about providing resources, but about changing mindsets and creating opportunities for growth. We are incredibly proud of the impact this event and our programmes will have on the community.”
Also present at the event was Shekhar Mehta, Chairperson and Past President of Rotary International, as well as Chitra Agarwal, Rotary International President 2021-22. Both of these distinguished leaders emphasized the importance of Rotary’s ongoing work in supporting the empowerment of women and girls.
The event concluded with a sense of optimism and determination as Rotary Club of Calcutta Mahanagar continues its mission to uplift and empower girls, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed in life.