PANAJI: On 8 March 2025, NGO Uzwaad – The Rays of Hope organised the Freedom Fighter Berta Menezes Braganca Memorial Award 2025 at Gomantak Sahitya Sevak Mandal Hall to recognise outstanding women in Goa.
Chief Guest Dr Celsa Pinto, historian and former Director of Education, highlighted the importance of education in women’s empowerment and called for greater leadership opportunities for women.
Awards were presented to five remarkable women. Shabnam Shaikh was honoured for being Goa’s first Muslim woman judge. Shakuntala Bharne was recognised for her contributions to radio, classical music, and the Konkani Rajbhas Andolan. Lourdes Bravo was acknowledged for her service in librarianship and history. Idalina Pereira received an award for her achievements in sports, while Heta Pandit was recognised for her efforts in heritage preservation.
