Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Organises ‘Nari Tu Narayani’ Felicitation Ceremony

Sumedha Chithade, Diana Pundole and Satyabhama Deshmane Honoured for Their Remarkable Contributions

Pune: Recognising the divine feminine power embodied by Goddess Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati in every woman, Shri Mahalaxmi Temple honoured women who have made outstanding contributions in various fields with the ‘Nari Tu Narayani’ award. International Ferrari racing driver Diana Pundole, ‘Oxygen Woman’ Sumedha Chithade and social worker Satyabhama Babasaheb Deshmane were felicitated at Shri Mahalaxmi Temple.

The ceremony was organised by Shri Mahalaxmi Temple, Sarasbaug. Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, temple trust trustee and festival head Dr Trupti Agrawal, trustee Bharat Agrawal, Adv. Pratap Pardeshi and Pravin Chorbele, among other dignitaries, were present. The awardees were presented with traditional ceremonial garments and mementoes. Following the ceremony, the dignitaries performed the aarti of the Goddess.

Manjusha Nagpure said that many women undertake various forms of socially beneficial work, and bringing their contributions to public attention and honouring them is a unique initiative. Such recognition inspires others to follow their example. She also emphasised that collective strength and unity should be channelled towards the welfare of the nation.

Sumedha Chithade said that people should work for the country with patriotism, a spirit of service and love. While celebrating festivals, it is equally important to remember the soldiers who protect the nation. “What matters is not how much money we earn, but how much we contribute for our soldiers,” she said. She added that while many sections of society receive support, people must also take the initiative to honour and support the soldiers who safeguard the country. She urged everyone to move beyond self-centred thinking and work with the nation’s interests at heart.

Satyabhama Babasaheb Deshmane also shared her thoughts and spoke about the challenges she had overcome in her journey.

Sumedha Chithade is the founder of the Soldiers Independent Rehabilitation Foundation and is popularly known as the ‘Oxygen Woman’. Diana Pundole, an Indian woman racing driver, has set several notable records in the history of Indian motorsports. Satyabhama Babasaheb Deshmane, from Parbhani, is affectionately known as the grandmother of 100 children. Through the Snehalvan organisation, she has cared for and nurtured these children as her own.
The three women, representing distinct fields of service and achievement, were honoured with the ‘Nari Tu Narayani’ award. The programme was compered by Yuvraj Lahoti.