Interview for shortlisting candidates of Sakthi Masala ‘Homepreneur Awards 2022’ begins

The two-day interview for shortlisting candidates of Sakthi Masala ‘Homepreneur Awards 2022’ Season V commenced at Savera Hotel, Chennai here on Saturday.

Suhasini Maniratnam, the Indian actress, director, producer and writer was the chief guest of the jury interview and launched the interview process of the 5th season of Sakthi Masala Homepreneur Awards 2022 or ‘Suyasakthi Virudhugal’, a platform providing recognition for woman engaged in home-based ventures in the country. It is an initiative by Brand Avatar, an integrated marketing communications and brand & event management solutions company.

Suhasini Manirathnam addressed the homepreneurs and shared her best wishes for their success in the interview. She added that women had always been into business even during early years and exhorted women to participate and utilize the platform.

Sivarajah Ramanathan, Mission Director and CEO, Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Mission (TANSIM), took part as the guest of honor. He mentioned that projects like these would benefit more women, as very less percentage of business ventures started by women are being aided financially. The Jury interview also attracted the participation of eminent personalities from the industry, academia, government, and social service organizations.

Talking about the Awards, Hemachandran, Founder & CEO, Brand Avatar, said, “Women have always been the contributing members of our society. In addition to discharging their household duties, they support their families economically by operating small or medium businesses from their home. They also take up work as freelancers. These homepreneurs make a world of difference to the local community by creating and supplying quality products and services. Given a right platform to grow, they could scale their venture and become business leaders. We have instituted the Homepreneurs award to bring to the limelight the silent yet significant contributions women make to the society and the economy.”

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Brand Avatar launches 5th Season of Sakthi Masala ‘Homepreneur Awards 2022’ for women

Sakthi Masala Homepreneur Awards (Suyasakthi Viruthugal) seeks to provide a platform to recognize and celebrate the women who have chosen to pursue their passion through entrepreneurship from home.

The 5th edition of the Sakthi Masala Homepreneur Awards has received over 2,000+ applications from across Tamil Nadu, the rest of India and abroad. Around 60% of the applications received were from other cities of Tamil Nadu. Over 500 applications were shortlisted for Interview Round on 23rd and 24th of July from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm to evaluate the story, business growth and impact of the Home-based business women. Several Homepreneurs appeared for the jury interview, they were from different regions of India, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal.

The eminent jury panel comprises woman achievers from different fields who include

1. Ms. Aruna Subramaniam, Management Consultant & Trustee, Bhoomika Trust
2. Ms. Hema Rukmani, CEO, Thenandal Entertainment
3. Ms. Jayasree Vummidi, Managing Director – The Lotus Group; Correspondent – GRT Schools

4. Ms. Krithika Radhakrishnan, Arkay Production
5. Ms. Lakshmi Ravichander, Founder, Event Art
6. Ms. Latha Rajan, Founder, Ma Foi Strategic Consultants
7. Dr. Madhu Saran, Founder, River NGO
8. Dr. Manimekalai Mohan, Founder, SSVM Institutions, Coimbatore
9. Ms. Nina Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Savera Hotels
10. Ms. Prasanna Vasanadu, Founder and CEO, VR Derma Pvt. Ltd.
11. Ms. Poornima Ramaswamy, Designer, Stylist and Entrepreneur
12. Ms. Radha Sanjeev, Chief Operations Officer, Glosel Group
13. Ms. Rathna Sivaraman, Entrepreneur and Media Personality
14. Ms. Ravoofa H.K, Media Mason
15. Ms. Rinku Mecheri, social entrepreneur, Founder, Chennai Volunteers
16. Ms. Rukmini Thiagarajan, Director – Chennai One IT Sez
17. Dr. Saranya T. Jaikumar educational psychologist
18. Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President, Avtar Career Creators & Flexi Careers India
19. Ms. Shiny Surendran, Accredited Sports Dietitian, IOC & SDA
20. Ms. Shylaja Chetlur, Actor, Entrepreneur, Media Professional, Shylaar Productions
21. Dr. Srinisha Maran, Chairperson, Bharath University & Sree Balaji Medical College
22. Ms. Sushila Ravindranath, Senior Journalist
23. Ms. Veena Kumaravel, Co-founder, Naturals Salon
24. Dr. Vimalarani Britto, Entrepreneur, Educationalist, and Social Reformer

Jury from TANSIM’S StartupTN

1. Akila – Project Lead, TANSIM

Sakthi Masala Homepreneur Awards also provides college going girls a platform to share their entrepreneurial ideas, and plans to start, execute and scale up their dream ventures through Sakthi Masala Homepreneur Awards  Student edition in association with YI – Young Indians.

This initiative has recognised the best ideas presented by the students. Any college-going girl or woman student was eligible to apply. Student entrepreneurs from over 35+ colleges from different cities of Tamil Nadu have applied and appeared for the jury interview. The top 3 winners will be awarded with cash prizes worth Rs. 1 Lakh from GRT Institutions – GRT Mahalakshmi Vidyalaya

Jury from YI – Young Indians, Chennai Chapter

1. Vidya Ragu – a YI Member, Founder Himalaya Calling, Skillsgurucool, Womens Bilateral Mastermind – Global Conversations platform on Entrepreneurship

2. Kavya – Co-founder, Advay Capital, Associate Member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.