Devi Ahilya Bai Award To Sakthi Masala Director
Mrs Santhi Duraisamy, Director of Sakthi Masala Pvt Ltd, has been awarded the Stree Sakthi Puraskar (Devi Ahilya Bai award) by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, for her role in administration and her contribution towards rural women employment, particularly for the physically challenged women, for 2006.Her role in administration and her contribution towards rural women employment,particularly for the physically challenged women
The award was given to her by Mrs Sonia Gandhi, UPA Chairperson, at a function held in New Delhi on March 8, according to a communication from Sakthi Masala. The citation of the award has noted that Mrs Santhi, studied up to sixth standard and beginning as a housewife, took to small-time turmeric trade 30 years ago along with her husband. Her enthusiastic participation and perseverance had led to transforming the trade into a brand-owner of the most popular ‘Sakthi Masala’.
What started off with Rs 10,000 investment has grown into a corporate entity with an annual turnover of Rs 91.72 crore (as on March 2005) by the Sakthi group. Today about 23% of Sakthi Masala’s total employees are physically challenged. Mrs Santhi, who is associated with several social service activities and voluntary bodies, also runs Shakti Rehabilitation Centre in Erode which is exclusively involved in treating and training the disabled children, the citation added.
30.03.2008.
