Goa Sudharop representatives receive the award in New Delhi.
PANAJI
Goa Sudharop, an organisation based in the US and Goa, has been awarded for empowering the underprivileged in Goa.
The award was presented by Icons of Asia, Global Empire, Breakthrough to Excellence, Women Leaders Forum and Biz Nation TV in New Delhi, to commemorate the martyrs in the Kargil war and to recognise excellence in various field by NGOs.
President of Goa Sudharop (USA) Harriet Ferens and Executive Director of Goa Sudharop (Goa) Verma D’Mello received the award at the ceremony. They also showcased the Kunbi fabric woven on the Goa Sudharop handloom in Goa.
“We are so pleased to receive this award as recognition for the hard work put in by our volunteers, in Goa and worldwide, to better the lives of our Goans in Goa,” said Ferens.
Added Verma D’Mello: “Goa Sudharop continues to make strides in empowering Goans. We recognise and train people in our valuable, traditional professions.”
Ferens said Goa Sudharop is a Goan diaspora volunteer non-profit organisation founded in California working for the betterment of Goa and Goans worldwide since 2000.
“With our mission always in mind, we work tirelessly to improve the lives of individuals from all walks of life, and we encourage Goans to fully get involved in the development of their homeland.”
“Our goal is to promote great opportunities for those in need and provide resources for people to become empowered individuals with the ability to chase their dreams and use the tools they need to build the life they want.”
D’Mello said Goa Sudharop is dedicated to supporting individuals through various initiatives and is committed to working together to make difference.
“We invite volunteers to join Goa Sudharop and work for the common good of all Goans, to help us in preserving our Goan identity, heritage, and culture, and to save the rich environmental and natural resources of Goa for future generations,” D’Mello said.
Goa Sudharop Co-founder George Pinto said the Goa Sudharop has organised many events, programmes, workshops and forums over the years, ranging from the environment, education, children welfare, women's rights, disability rights, agricultural issues, etc.
“At present, we continue to focus on our projects in Goa: The Farming Project, the Handloom Project, the Carpentry Project and the Pottery Project. These projects are to provide employment and skills to low-income women and men and give ethnic Goans an economic opportunity. Many students from schools, colleges and other Kunbi fabric lovers visit the loom,” said Pinto.
Other projects of the Goa Sudharop include the Greener Goa, a tree planting initiative, where low-income individuals receive fruit trees, soil, and compost and are encouraged to cultivate the produce. The yield from the fruit trees provides a source of income and helps recipients achieve self-sufficiency.
As part of the Farm Project, land is offered free of cost to be cultivated by the women while the owner retains all legal title to the land. Goa Sudharop provides the seeds, eco-friendly and organic fertilisers, tools and other expense. The produce generated is then sold by the women at local bazaars, and they keep the proceeds.
