This year’s award function was dedicated to farmers who had committed suicide due to weak monsoon and crop failure.
The seventh edition of Newsmakers Achievers Awards function was held on 1st May, 2016 at Police Gymkhana, Marine Drive. This year’s award function was dedicated to farmers who had committed suicide due to weak monsoon and crop failure. Financial assistance was provided to the kin of farmers who had ended their lives due to debt burden. Around 3,228 farmers had committed suicide in the state in 2015. Even though the government had announced various schemes to rehabilitate distressed farmers but financial assistance is not reaching them due to bureaucratic hurdles and leakage in subsidy delivery system. Around 10 family members of farmers who had committed suicide had arrived in Mumbai from Beed district for the awards function. They were accompanied by journalist Vaibhav Swami who also is involved in various social work activities in Beed. He had taken them to Gateway of India and Marine Drive. Since many of them were visiting Mumbai for the first time they were surprised to witness the charm and glitz of the city.
Randavani Sayatrao Darade, wife of deceased farmer Saytrao Gyanba Darade said, “Even though my husband had ended his life but I urge people to refrain from committing suicide. Life is full of obstacles but one should struggle hard to overcome all obstacles.”
Hanuman Gawde son of late Abhiman Laxman Rawde said, “I will utilise this money to support my mother. I will continue to work hard for taking care of my family.”
Yogita Chandrasen Dhage wife of deceased farmer Chandrasen Bhaurao Dhage said, “I am pleased to travel all the way from Beed to Mumbai. I am overwhelmed with the support shown by Newmakers for the cause of farmers. An initiative like this will make some difference in the lives of farmers.”
Journalist Vaibhav Swami who accompanied the kin of farmers to Mumbai said, “After reaching Mumbai they became very emotional. I took them to Marine drive and Gateway of India and other tourist spots of the city. They never thought that they will visit Mumbai as many of them have never ventured out of Beed district.”
Newsmakers felicitates achievers
Various personalities from all walks of life be it in media, politics, academic and social sector were also honoured on this occasion. The award was handed over to them by eminent personalities.
Veteran actress Lily Patel, former supermodel Adriane (Anna) Bredemeyer and Dr Kanak Rele was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Senior Advocate Abha Singh received the Best Lawyer Award. Dr Rashmi Shetty was honoured with the Best Doctor award. The award for Best Union leader was bagged by Shiv Sena leader Arvind Sawant. Anil Galgali received the best RTI activist award. Dr Ramegowda was honoured with the best IAS officer award. Dr. Anshuman Manaswi received the best surgeon of the year award. Satsang Parivar was honoured with the Best NGO award.
Vaibhav Swami received the Best Journalist (Print) award. Abhijeet Rane was felicitated with the Best Journalist award. Dharmendra Jore was honoured with Best Journalist (Politics) award. Sudha Chandran received the Best TV actress award. Shishir Sharma received the Best TV Actor award.
Vaibbhav Tatwawdi received the Best Marathi Actor award. Smita Tambe was felicitated with Best Marathi Actress award. Subhi Sharma received the Best Bhojpuri Actress award. Shibani Kashyap was felicitated with the Best Singer award. Neeta Lulla was honoured with Best Fashion Designer award.
Vaidehi Taman Group Editor of NBC said, “This year we had tried to organise the awards function in a low profile manner. Since Maharashtra is witnessing severe drought we have dedicated this awards for the cause of farmers. We have chosen 10 farmers but there are many other peasants who are yet to receive any financial assistance and hence are suffering severe hardships. Let us all take a small initiative to support farmers who are known as the backbone of the Indian economy.”
Social worker Jayprakash Ingle said, “Thanks a lot for this prestigious award which I will never forget in my life. The event is unique for me because I had never imagined something like this will ever happen in my life time. This award will undoubtedly boost morale of my team.”
“Also, the CSR activity carried out by Newsmakers during the function is beyond imagination, extremely important and need of the hour. As a person from extreme rural background, I could connect myself to the guests invited from that part of Maharashtra,” he added.
Adriane (Anna) Bredemeyer former model said, “Thank you Team Newsmakers, for the honour and privilege of making me a part of your noble event! In my humble opinion the true stars of the evening were the brave wives and families of the farmers. May Lord bless them and keep them in his loving care here on.”
Political Editor, Mid Day Dharmendra Jore dedicated the award to his son who had died few days ago due to brain haemorrhage. He became emotional while accepting the award.
