Woman’s Day 2022

DHRISHNI – the woman’s cell at Don Bosco College of Engineering (DBCE) was installed on March 8, 2022 at the hands of Chief Guest – Pride of Goa, Hemaa Sardesai. The function was initiated by Ms. Christina Barretto, who welcomed the gathering with a brief introduction to DHRISHNI and went on to add that the theme for International Woman’s day 2022 is “Break The Bias”.

Ms. Aishwarya Mahale, a student at DBCE entertained the audience with a dance performance that also saw the audience tapping their feet to the beat of the music. This was followed by Ms. Janhavi Naik – Secretary of DHRISHNI , presenting to the audience the vision, mission and objectives of  DHRISHNI.

The ceremonial lamp was lit by the Chief Guest-  Hemaa Sardesai, Director- Rev. Fr. Kinley D’cruz, Principal- Dr. Neena Panandikar, Registrar- Dr. Kala Nayak, Secretary of DHRISHNI- Ms. Janhavi Naik, Treasurer of DHRISHNI- Ms. Vaishali Parakhi and students- Ms. Clarita De Souza, Ms. Sachi Bokade and Ms. Pranita Bhide.

Dr. Neena Panandikar welcomed the Chief Guest and she mentioned, “ the woman’s cell is a unique platform to enhance skills , self – confidence of women here at DBCE and an opportunity to contribute towards society”. She further went on to quote ,” we are strongest when we cheer each other on.” She appreciated Ms. Gladys Dasilva for all her many years of dedication and hard work as a teacher. She applauded the creativeness in the logo for DHRISHNI that was conceptualised by Ms. Grebian Alemao. She ended by wishing everyone a happy women’s day

At this juncture, the dignitaries unveiled the DHRISHNI logo. A video displaying pictures of all women at DBCE over the years took everyone down fond memory lane.

Rev. Fr. Kinley D’cruz spoke how St. John Bosco had great women who played a great role in his life. He narrated that it was his mother who said he might be a priest one day. He mentioned about the Daughters of Mary help of Christians as part of a Salesian endeavour. He said , “ a women’s cell in a Salesian institute says a lot about how we Salesians think and go about with our tasks.’ He went on to add that no doubt that behind every man is a woman, it is time for the man to fade away and the woman to take centre stage. He further added,” women move beyond doing house hold chores, they have come a long way , they are self reliant and constantly pushing the boundaries.” He then recited a beautiful poem about a woman who knows her worth and brings joy to others just by being herself.    

Rev. Fr. Paul D’souza in his address said, “the world would not function without women who have made great strides socially, politically, culturally and emotionally.” He also mentioned that International Woman’s Day 2022 is a beautiful moment for everyone to celebrate the strides made in women empowerment globally.

Ms. Gladys Dasliva was felicitated for her remarkable work as a teacher which she continues to do even after more than 34 years of teaching. She advised the teachers in the gathering, “Take one day at a time, believe in yourself and judge the students by looking at their face and not their words.”

The Chief guest – Hema Sardesai, in her speech said that if we do work for the world then we are following God. She said “The epitome of a woman, the strength of the world, is a woman- the mother who does and has carried the world ahead with the support of the father.” She went on to say that the two things that adhered in the world were control and choice- that which a mother teaches. She said,” We need to do more and be more for us and for everyone around us. Be rock solid and know that you are a woman and a woman takes the world far more ahead.”

She enthralled the audience with her beautiful voice and it only made the staff and students at DBCE proud to have ‘The Pride of Goa’ celebrate woman’s day with each and every one of them.

The function concluded with Ms. Janhavi Naik proposing the vote of thanks.