Source: Hueiyen News Service
New Delhi, April 16 2010:
Actress Vidya Balan, parliamentarian Priya Dutt and boxer Mary Kom were among those who were honoured with the 'Tejaswini' award for young women achievers.
The awards, an initiative of the Young FICCI Ladies Organisation, honours women for their achievements in various fields, from social activism to entrepreneurship.
Dutt who joined politics after the death of her father Sunil Dutt, accepted the award saying that she followed the path of humility preached by Mother Teresa.
Sunitha Krishnan, the renowned social activist who dedicated her life to saving trafficked women and children after surviving a gang rape, received a standing ovation when she took to the stage to receive her award.
"There are girls as young as five who are sold into prostitution.
There are millions of women out there who are victims of trafficking.
We women should stand up together to fight for each other," said Narayanan.
Arjuna awardee, boxer Mary Kom accepted the award saying that the honour will provide her motivation to perform well in the upcoming Commonwealth Games and 2012 Olympics.
Other awardees included dancer Rema Vaidyanathan, web entrepreneur Minal Vazirani, author Jaishree Mishra, fashion designer Monisha Jaisingh, journalist Shaili Chopra and artist Seema Kohli.