Porvorim, March 8, 2026: An event celebrating International Women’s Day was held at the Salvador do Mundo Panchayat Hall, bringing together women from the local community, social organizations and residents to recognize the contributions and achievements of women across various fields.
The program was attended by Goa’s Tourism and IT Minister Rohan Khaunte as the chief guest. On the dais, Shri Sandeep Salgaonkar, Zilla Panchayat Member, Penha de França; Shri Amit Asnodkar, Zilla Panchayat Member, Socorro; Shri Swapnil Rama Chodankar, Sarpanch of Penha de França; Smt. Sonia Pednekar, Sarpanch of Socorro; Panch Members from the Village Panchayats of Penha de França, Salvador do Mundo and Socorro; and Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director of the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), were present on the occasion. After a formal welcome song by a local group of women from Porvorim, the lighting of the traditional lamp at the hands of Shri Rohan A. Khaunte marked the inauguration ceremony, followed by cake cutting.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Khaunte emphasized that women’s empowerment is fundamental to building a progressive and inclusive society. He noted that women today are excelling in multiple sectors, including education, entrepreneurship, technology, tourism and social service, playing a key role in shaping the future of the nation.
The minister stated that the government remains committed to creating opportunities for women through various initiatives aimed at skill development, digital empowerment and entrepreneurship. He also encouraged women to actively participate in emerging sectors such as tourism and information technology, which offer significant potential for growth and self-reliance.
Highlighting the importance of community participation, Khaunte said that platforms like International Women’s Day celebrations help inspire women to pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society. He further urged young women to take advantage of government schemes and programs designed to support education, innovation and leadership.
The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Government of Goa, initiated a drone technology awareness and demonstration session for women on the occasion of Women’s Day. The programme was organised by the Goa Information Technology Development Corporation (GITDC) and facilitated by DroneLabs. The session was led by Mr. Vikrant Krishna Suryawanshi, RPAS Pilot and DGCA-approved RPAS Instructor. Participants were introduced to the fundamentals and applications of drone technology, and several women participants also got the opportunity to operate the drone during a hands-on demonstration.
Additionally, a session on the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana (MDSY) was conducted by the InfoTech Corporation of Goa Ltd. During the session, Mr. Pankaj Chavan, Assistant Manager, InfoTech Corporation of Goa Ltd., explained the key elements of the Cyber Saksharata course under the MDSY initiative, highlighting efforts aimed at empowering women through digital literacy and access to technology.
During the program, several women from the locality who have made notable contributions in social and community activities were felicitated. Those honoured included Ms. Sandhya Mahambre, Ms. Subhi Satardekar and Ms. Smita Ajgaonkar from Common Service Centres; Ms. Radhika Sawant, President of a Village Organisation; and Ms. Marina Moraes, President of a Self Help Group Federation.
Different speakers, including Ms. Sonia Pednekar, Sarpanch of Socorro; Shri Swapnil Rama Chodankar, Sarpanch of Penha de França; Shri Amit Asnodkar, Zilla Panchayat Member, Socorro; and Shri Sandeep Salgaonkar, Zilla Panchayat Member, Penha de França, encouraged women to become more confident and self-reliant.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from local women, community leaders and members of the panchayat, making the celebration a meaningful occasion dedicated to recognizing the strength, achievements and potential of women in society.
