BENGALURU, 12 MARCH

State government honoured 27 women and institutions with Kittur Rani Chennamma Awards as part of International Women’s Day celebrations at Jawaharlal Bal Bhavan in Cubbon Park on Tuesday.

The main award, titled ‘Veera Mahila’, was given to Mangala Marakale, the head of Mangala Women’s Rural Development Society, Bidar, for her contribution towards women's welfare.

The event was inaugurated by Minister for Women and Child Development Lakshmi Hebbalkar. Of the 27 awards, 20 were given to individuals and 6 were for institutions working for the welfare of the women. Vachana Vaibhav from Bagalkot (folk culture art), Veena Umesh Kidadala from Dakshina Kannada (fine arts), Rumana Kausar from Kolar (sports), Kaveri Shivashankaraiah Hiremat from Vijayapura (education), and Shubha Vishnu Sabahita from Belagavi (literature) were among the women who were honoured.

The event also honoured three best-performing Stree Shakthi Self Help Groups (SSHGs): Basaveshwara Streeshakti Swa-Sahaya Sangha from Ramadura taluk (Belagavi), Kalloni Streeshakti Gumpu from Sulya taluk (Dakshina Kannada), Annapoorneshwari Streeshakti Swa-Sangha Tiptur taluk (Tumakuru).

Hebbalkar said Kittur Rani Chennamma Awards, which was established in 1994-95, serve as a beacon of inspiration, acknowledging the exemplary service of institutions and individuals who have championed women's development. “Empowering women through Stree Shakthi groups is a cornerstone of our department's initiatives. Recognizing and rewarding their achievements will serve as a strong motivator for others," she said.

‘Antharala-19, a book chronicling the success stories of Stree Shakthi groups across 31 districts of the State was also released during the function.