Porvorim, September 22nd, 2025: As part of PM’s nationwide Seva Pakhwada campaign, a felicitation programme was held at Socorro Panchayat Hall, Porvorim on September 20, 2025 to honour women innovators and entrepreneurs contributing significantly to Goa’s welfare and inclusive growth. The event, organised by the Department of Tourism and the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), witnessed a large gathering of women coming together to celebrate the spirit of service and empowerment.
The event was graced by the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, ITE&C and Printing and Stationary, Shri Rohan Khaunte. Other dignitaries in attendance included Director of DITE&C, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar; Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik; Managing Director, GTDC, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar; ZP Member, Penha de Franca, Smt Kavita Gupesh Naik; Sarpanch Socorro Village Panchayat, Smt Sonia S Pednekar; Sarpanch, Penha De Franca Village Panchayat, Shri Swapnil Chodankar and Panch, Salvador do Mundo, Shri Sandeep Salgaonkar.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte said, “Across India, this campaign is bringing people together, from health camps to cleanliness drives, from awareness programmes to livelihood initiatives, all with one goal, “Seva”, service before self. Governments exist to serve the people and Seva Pakhwada is a sincere step in that direction.”
“Initiatives like Goa Beyond Beaches aim to take tourism beyond usual spots, reaching hinterlands, empowering communities, and showcasing Goa’s true diversity. A key step under this initiative is the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme, under which a grant of 2 lakh will be provided to 100 women beneficiaries. Homestays don’t just support a home but they uplift entire communities.Under this scheme the three women who are felicitated today will receive the grants of ₹2 lakh in the coming three days,” the Minister added.
Around 30 people were felicitated under the Seva Pakhwada program including Drone Didis, Lakhpati Didis and women startup entrepreneurs, acknowledging their efforts in leveraging innovation and technology. Outstanding lifeguards, Self Help Groups (SHGs) run CSC-VLE’s were also felicitated and grants were disbursed under Homestay Scheme to support rural tourism.
The programme featured an informative presentation on Cybersecurity, showcasing the government’s commitment to digital literacy and also had a flying drone showcased by the State’s own Drone Didis.
By recognising and supporting women innovators and entrepreneurs, the event highlighted the crucial role they play in contributing to Goa’s economic growth and development, and reaffirmed Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment to empowering women.