Mahila Congress Inaugurates Netritva Srijan Workshop in Goa to Promote Women’s Leadership
Panaji: The inaugural ceremony of the two-day Netritva Srijan Workshop was held in Goa, marking a new chapter in the journey of the Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress. The event celebrated women’s leadership and empowerment.
Present at the ceremony were Manikrao Thakare, AICC in-charge for Goa; Alka Lamba, President of the All India Mahila Congress; Dr. Anjali Nimbalkar, MLA from Khanapur Constituency, Karnataka; Amit Patkar, President of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee; Yuri Alemao, Leader of Opposition; Prajyoti Handore, AIMC observer for Goa; Dr. Pratiksha Khalap, President of the Goa Pradesh Mahila Congress; and Mahila Congress leader Dr. Pramod Salgaonkar.
Lamba said that efforts are being made by the party to ready at least one woman candidate in every constituency for the 2027 state assembly elections.
“In the past one year, we have enrolled 5.5 lakh women in the organisation, and in Goa, more than 8,000 have enrolled in the party. Goa is the first state to have this leadership training. The ZP elections have been announced in Goa, and the credit for reservation of seats for women in such elections goes to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi,” she said.
“Even though the 33% reservation of seats has been passed, the BJP government has not yet implemented it. We will raise our voice to force the government to implement it. As preparations for the 2027 state assembly elections, this training programme is the first step. We are starting with the ZP polls, which will be followed by the municipal elections next year. We are preparing our women from the party to contest in the ZP and municipal polls, and at least one woman in every constituency to contest the state assembly elections in 2027,” she added.
In her address, Khalap said that the time has come to start a revolution to rid the country of the corrupt BJP rule.
“We are proud to say that this training camp is taking place in Goa after many years. This workshop is a necessity, as a tree becomes strong only when its roots are strong. The Congress principles are rooted in sarvodaya, which means the development and benefit of all. These principles need to be in the hearts and minds of our people—only then will this tree be strong,” Khalap said.
“There were many attempts made by some to chop down this tree. We cannot forget that the Congress party stood strongly against British rule, and those who carried forward the ‘dalal’ mindset of the British are today calling others anti-national. But the truth is that only Congress has the strength to preserve the unity and democracy of this country. In Goa, we have seen how land is sold, jobs are sold—and what have Goans got? Unemployment, corruption, inflation, scams, and crimes. Goa has become unsafe, with murders, rapes, dacoities, kidnappings, and gang wars on the rise,” she said.
“Just as there was an independence movement, the time has come to save this country from BJP rule. This fight can only be led by Congress. We have to raise a revolution against the corrupt BJP, and women’s role will be crucial, as they comprise more than 50% of the population. Women’s role is important to once again strengthen the Congress. Hence, this training is essential,” she added.
Alemao said that the motive of this workshop is to create leaders.
“Congress gave us our first woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, who was known for her dynamic and decisive leadership. The party worked to empower women at the grassroots level through the reservation of seats, and the credit goes to the Congress party. Women are homemakers, but more importantly, they are nation makers. Women have a deeper understanding of hunger, poverty, and exploitation than men. We want to give more representation to women in the assembly. It is unfortunate that the BJP has not given women representation in the cabinet despite having three MLAs who are women,” he said.
“The BJP is to be blamed for the rising crimes against women, which never used to happen in the past. We need to go to every village with the agenda to send home the corrupt BJP government in the 2027 assembly elections, starting with the ZP polls, and bring the Congress back to power,” he added.
Addressing the gathering, Patkar emphasized the need to have such programmes in every block and constituency to empower women.
“The Indian National Congress has always believed that women are not just participants in democracy but are its very foundation. Women have always been the heart and strength of the Congress party. Their compassion, vision, and resilience do not just transform families—they transform societies and nations. That’s why the Mahila Congress is the soul of the Congress movement. Empowerment is not a slogan; it’s a promise of equality, dignity, and respect. It’s not about giving one seat—it’s about creating space for every woman to lead and decide. The Congress party does not believe in tokenism; we believe in transformation,” Patkar said.
Remembering former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s leadership, Thakare said, “The way former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi led this country, no one has been able to match her achievements. She was even instrumental in the formation of Bangladesh and acted tough against Pakistan. Women can do anything. When the reservation for women is implemented, one of you will be an MP or MLA. You must have the capacity to run the government. Raise issues with courage. In your locality, get women out and educate them that joining the Congress means walking the path of development. When you strengthen the organisation, it will benefit you all,” he told the gathering of 50 women who will take part in the training.
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