Date – 15/03/2026
Felicitation of 7 iconic women in Chiplun
1.Sanyukta Gujar –
A woman from Chiplun, Maharashtra, who has become a “Lakhpati Didi” (a self-made millionaire sister) through her finger millet (nachni) processing business.Sanyukta, a B.A. graduate, started her business in 2020 after seeing a gap in the market. While finger millet is grown widely in the Konkan region, there were few ready-to-eat or processed products available.Starting with just 50 kg of production, she now processes 800 to 900 kg annually. Her product line includes nachni-based premixes for idli, dosa, and thalipeeth, as well as papad, laddoos, and biscuits.Her success earned her an invitation to New Delhi in March 2024, where she had the opportunity to interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a “Lakhpati Didi” event
2. Hirkani Prabhag Sangh
Lakhpati ‘Didis’: Notably, 1,009 women have achieved the “Lakhpati” status (earning over ₹1 lakh annually) through self-help groups, skill training, and various livelihood initiatives like poultry, spice processing, and agriculture.
3.Shailaja Rajaram Shinde
A 90-year-old social worker and costume designer from Chiplun, Maharashtra.Dedication at 90: Despite her age, her passion for service remains strong. Her journey spans from the theater group “Natyamandar” to the “Mandar Education Society.She has received 35 awards from the government and various institutions for her excellence in costume design and social work
4.Dr. Kanchan Madar: – A Journey of Health & Social Service
Dr. Madar is highlighted for her dual contributions as a medical professional and a social activist. She has transitioned from being a crowned pageant winner to a dedicated community leader.Social Initiative: She founded the “Woman Support Woman” organization in 2020, which focuses on creating health awareness and empowering women.As a doctor, she emphasizes women’s health, preventive medicine, and providing medical assistance to the underprivileged. In Covid time her organization provide oxygen and also guidance to 3000 pregnant womens.
5.Sumati Jambhekar –
The “Ever-Burning Lamp” of Social Service a dedicated social worker from Chiplun, Maharashtra, who has been active in social service for 46 years.Jidda,” a school for mentally challenged children, and the Acharya Balshastri Jambhekar College of Special Education.Her work has earned her and her organization, KOVAS, several prestigious honors, such as:
The Ahilyabai Holkar Award.
The Maharani Jamnabai Gaikwad Ideal Mother State Award.
Various awards from the Maharashtra State Correspondents Association and educational foundations like Sahyadri Shikshan Sanstha.
6.Dr. Manisha Waghmare –
An ophthalmologist from Chiplun, who has made the Konkan region proud with her extraordinary achievements in cycling.
Guinness World Record: She successfully completed a massive 3,800 km cycling expedition across 7 Indian states in just 42 days on a tandem bicycle. Her journey began at Kibithu (Arunachal Pradesh) in the East and concluded at Koteshwar (Gujarat) in the West.
Major Titles: * She earned the title of “Super Randonneur” (SR) from Sahyadri Randonneurs three times in a single year.
She is the first woman from her region to achieve the SR title.
7.Aarti Niradhar Seva Foundation –
Started in 21st Jan 2018.
The foundation, located in Pede, Chiplun, serves as a supportive home for the destitute, physically challenged (Divyang), and the elderly. It was founded by Anita Atmaram Narkar and her husband, Atmaram Gopal Narkar, following their retirement.The couple dedicated their life savings to provide a dignified life, shelter, and medical care to those who have no family or support. Residential facilities for the elderly and disabled.
Regular medical check-ups and treatment through camps and private doctors.
De-addiction programs and tailoring classes.
