NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, NOV 20
Behind every successful woman there is a man. And this man may be one’s son, husband, brother or a relative and also some good-hearted gentleman. Such men have to be honoured in the larger interest of the society in general and womenfolk in particular.
Seventeen such men from various fields like education, management, media and mass communication, cinema, theatre, medical and entrepreneuship training were honouerd with The Ideal Men Awards in Ahmedabad on Friday.
Speaking abouth the awards, writer, theatre and media expert and founder of TIMA, Manisha Sharma said, “TIMA is not an event , It is a movement ! We have been celebratingInternational Women’s Day for many years but not Men’s day. International Men’s Day is an opportunity to honour the men who have always been chivalrous to women. The Greek word TIMA means ‘Honour to God’. With this notion, The Ideal Men Awards is organised.”
“TIMA is given to those men of high calibre who respect women, who have always been supportive to women, promote women empowerment and celebrate the birth of a girl child. They work for gender equality and an inspiration for the women equality and empowerment movement,” Sharma added.
Stressing on the need to felicitate them, Sharma said, “There are many not-so-good people in the society responsible for atrocities against women. At the same time, we have many noble men who follow good principles and values. With this recognition, I want to thank men who have played a very positive role in their respective families, organisations and society.”
Chief Guest Lilaben Ankoliya, chairperson, Gujarat Mahila Aayog, said, “TIMA will encourage others to do more for the empowerment of women and contribute a lot for gender equality over a period of time. Women should utilize all opportunities available from the government and the NGOs to stand on their own foot.”
SEWA economic and rural development director Reema Nanavaty spoke at length on women empowerment and lauded Manisha Sharma for organizing an exemplary event.
Dr Vanita Vyas, educationist and entrepreneur; Bhairavi Hemant, classical dancer and news presenter; Aditi Desai, theatre director and actor and Malti Mehta, media educationist and film-maker were also present at the event as guests of honour.
The awardees are
Dr. MAFATBHAI PATEL
He solidly stood behind his wife Anandiben Patel to become the first lady chief minister of Gujarat. Recognised females in his life through his literary work Dada ni dikariyo and around.
HARSHAD SHAH, Vice-Chancellor, Children University of Gujarat
He was instrumental in arranging ‘Garbh Sanskar’ programs for 40,000+ pregnant women.
RISHIT SHAH
Since childhood, Rishit Shah has been supporting his mother in her business. He has also helped his wife in developing her own identity in logistics & transportation. He encouraged her to go into an industry completely dominated by Men Folk and supported her to grow her wings. Today, in his own industry, he has groomed his sister and has motivated her to lead the Indian operations of his business.
He is an ideal man who empowered his Mother, wife and sister.
RAMESH TANNA
He is a renowned media person who broke the stereotypes of household work done by women and has tried to bring out positive image of females in his works.
PRANAV PATEL, Film maker
He has helped in breaking stereotypes by making female-centric films like ‘Kachufool’ , ‘Ek hati Sejal’ , and ‘Thank you Pappa’
ARMAN JOSHI, Entrepreneur
He has empowered more than25,000 women through motivation.
SALIL PATEL, Writer-journalist
He helps in eradicating superstitions about females in villagers by counselling them. Through his column ‘Laukik-Alaukik’ in Sandesh, he tries to burst myths with psychological reasons. He has been helping needy females and single mothers, and also pays fees for needy girl students. He is an active participant of TOXA (The Old Xavier Association).
AMIT KHATRI
He has conducted more than 25 sessions with female groups like school and college students, housewives, corporate members, wives of corporate executives, female police constables, female traffic wardens, traffic brigade team, PSI & PI, RTO Inspectors, ST Bus conductors. Total number of females trained by him has gone above 1500.
SUBHOJIT SEN, Founder of SMS, Media & PR Agency
He has been working for the recognition and confidence boosting of Women Entrepreneurs and Teachers for the last 3 years. He also runs a group called Women of Excellence with around 60 distinguished community ladies for various activities. Through programmes like Naaritva and Women of Excellence Awards and Kaleidoscope, over 500 ladies have benefitted.
Dr VIMAL MEHTA
He has made water ATMs for females in small business benefitting over 5,000 women. He also provides free medical services to under privileged women.
SANJAY TANNA
A versatile personality, Sanjay has helped more than 10,000 widows through Gruh Udhyog from production to sales.
ARPIT MEHTA
Spreading positivity about females through his Gujarati newspaper Gujarat Mail.
ANAND DOSHI, Journalist
As the bureau chief and producer in Times News channel, he supports women empowerment. He has been supporting women in media in all possible ways. He supports gender equality and has also worked for women empowerment dramas.
BHARGAV JANI
He has initiated ‘I am SHE’ project, where more than 10,000 females get trained in the field of sales and marketing, HR and management. He also conducted free legal aid clinic for women rights.
Dr SALEEL BHATT, Experiential Learning and Management expert
He has helped his wife Dr Megha Bhatt, a scientist and educationalist to achieve her professional goals.
SHRENIK SHAH, Motivational speaker
He had vocal cord cancer in 1997, yet he innovated it into exceptional opportunities as a global patient, leader, advocate, mentor, inspirational speaker by using electro larynx & his distinctly audible voice is his unique identity. He is into global advocacy activities & has inspired 10,000 female cancer patients & caregivers.
SATISH SHAH
He encourages women and girls to pursue education. He has worked in various mahila utthan programs for their betterment. He helps women to get information about various government programs, also works for their growth.
