Mangaluru: March 8th is observed all over the world as International Womens’ Day. It is a day to celebrate womanhood, promote gender equality, inclusiveness and dignity for all. The United Nations theme for International Women’s Day 2022 is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”. Being an institution committed to the welfare of women Yenepoya Specialty Hospital, Kodialbail decided to honour three outstanding women achievers with ‘Woman of Substance’ award. Smt. C. S. Radhika (Entrepreneur and Healthcare Worker), Smt. Tabassum (Carer of HIV Infected Girl Children) and Prof. Maria D’Costa (Academician and Social Worker) are the recipients of the award for the current year. The awards were presented to the recipients in a formal ceremony on March 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the central auditorium of Yenepoya Specialty Hospital, Kodialbail, Mangalore.
The objective of this initiative is to recognize the exceptional achievements of the three recipients, to raise the esteem for women in society and also to highlight the recipients of the award as positive role models to the women of this region.
Given below are the profiles of the three recipients:
Smt. C. S. Radhika (Woman Entrepreneur and Healthcare Worker)
Smt. C. S. Radhika is an outstanding woman achiever who has proved her mettle by battling against all odds. Following the unfortunate demise of her husband, the late C. S. Suresh at a young age in 2002, she decided to continue his ambulance service by occupying the driver’s seat and supporting her family. Her dedication to duty and firm grasp of the profession has enabled her to emerge successful in a field that is traditionally considered to be a male domain and to expand into a full-fledged ambulance fleet of ten vehicles under the name of ‘Cauvery Ambulance Service’. Her readiness to respond to the call of distress, irrespective of time or hardship, has won the hearts of all. Alongside, as a single mother, she has raised her two beautiful daughters, Bhargavi and Bhoomika, with good education and enabled them to lead independent lives. Her commitment to the patient community, her dedication to her family and her entrepreneurial competence make her stand out as an inspiration to all.
Smt. Tabassum (Carer of HIV Infected Girl Children)
Smt. Tabassum is an outstanding woman achiever who has dedicated herself to the well being of less fortunate children. Born into a humble family, and with minimum education, she underwent a life changing experience in the demise of her close friend due to HIV/AIDS, when she witnessed the rejection of the patient by the victim’s own family. She channelled the pain that she thus endured into the founding of Sneha Sadan, a child home which cares exclusively for girl children who are either orphans or have single parents suffering from terminal illness. Started in 2011 with only six girls, today the centre cares for over twenty children, many of who are afflicted with HIV. These children are provided with motherly care and good education with the help of generous benefactors. In the course of these years, the loving embrace of her arms have given comfort to many children who have succumbed to HIV/AIDS. Her boundless love and compassion for the needy children and her determination to give her best to their welfare make her stand out as an inspiration to society at large.
Prof. Maria D’Costa (Academician and Social Worker)
Prof. Maria D’Costa is an outstanding woman achiever who is devoted to nurturing the marginalized sections of society. Being a highly educated and accomplished person, she believes in sharing her academic knowledge and privileged position to empower those who need inspiration, recognition and guidance in the service of society. A founder trustee of Prajna Counselling Centre, her social service projects include honouring the sanitation workers of Mangalore city and the Covid Warriors (nurses and assistant staff of Covid Wards) of Mangalore with a cash award; honouring the elderly citizens of Mangalore and celebrating Christmas with the inmates and staff of Mangalore Jail by sharing food, sweets and clothing with every male and female prisoner. She is also focusing on the education of children being cared for by Prajna Counselling Centre at Moodbidri. A passionate reader, writer, orator and trainer in communication skills, she encourages creative writing in children and hopes to make the youth of Mangalore read in order to lead and succeed. Through her progressive vision and positive outlook for the welfare of society, she stands out as an example to emulate.
