15/03/2026
🌱 Celebrating Women Who Nurture, Grow & Inspire 🌱
It was a privilege to host the International Women’s Day celebration organised by the GCCI Women’s Wing in association with NABARD at the Institute Menezes Braganza Hall, Panjim.
With the theme “Give to Gain: Celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer,” the programme celebrated the resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of women contributing to agriculture, food production, and rural livelihoods.
A special highlight of the evening was the symbolic seed-planting ceremony, where dignitaries placed different seeds in a pot to signify growth, sustainability, and the powerful role women farmers play in shaping our future. 🌾
The event also featured an engaging fireside panel discussion, moderated by Ms Pallavi Salgaocar, Mentor of the GCCI Women’s Wing. The insightful conversation brought together Ms Deepali Naik (Project Director, DRDA), Dr Gauri Shirodkar, and Ms Laxmi Saraf, who shared valuable perspectives on rural development, sustainable agriculture, and opportunities for women in agri and food entrepreneurship.
Mrs Rajashri Wangnekar, AGM, NABARD Goa RO, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of financial inclusion, institutional support, and capacity building for women farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
We were honoured to have Ms Radha Timblo, Chairperson of the Satish Timblo Group of Companies, as the Chief Guest, whose presence and inspiring words motivated everyone present.
We were proud to felicitate four inspiring women achievers:
✨ Ms Bebinanda Chodankar – Food Products
✨ Ms Veeam Braganza – Homegrown Goan Dairy Manufacturing
✨ Ms Tiz Lyngdoh Martins – Hospitality Industry
✨ Ms Vandana Vithal Gaonkar – Rural Entrepreneurship
My sincere gratitude to NABARD, the GCCI leadership, our Women’s Wing committee, speakers, and all participants who made this celebration meaningful and memorable.
Together, let us continue to empower women, strengthen rural livelihoods, and sow the seeds for a more inclusive and sustainable future.