Subhash Phal Dessai, Delilah Lobo Champion Women’s Progress
Urge women to embrace opportunity, well‑being through yoga at the Women’s Leadership & Empowerment Summit Goa 2026
Porvorim, Goa: Shri Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister for Social Welfare, River Navigation, Archives & Archaeology, and Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, delivered a powerful call to action for women to strengthen their entrepreneurial abilities, embrace creativity, and seize every opportunity at the Women’s Leadership & Empowerment Summit 2026 held in Porvorim on Saturday.
“There are challenges to face in this world—shoulder your responsibilities and don’t give up at the first failure. Successful women script their journeys by overcoming hurdles and rising stronger each time,” said Shri Subhash Phal Dessai, Chief Guest of Honour, addressing an audience of entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and community members who gathered for a day of keynotes, conversations, and interactive sessions. He further shared personal experiences of overcoming adversity on his path to leadership, underscoring the value of resilience and purpose.
The summit saw enthusiastic participation from students and faculty of Don Bosco College and Nirmala Institute of Education, alongside entrepreneurs, achievers in sports, and distinguished guests.
“Opportunity doesn’t knock on your door again and again,” he added, urging women to cultivate courage and consistency in their pursuits.
Smt. Delilah Lobo, Member of the Goa Legislative Assembly for Siolim and Guest of Honour, highlighted the importance of balancing professional ambition with personal well-being.
“Every woman must carve out at least one hour each day for herself to decompress and relieve stress. On Yoga Day, dedicate time to your own well-being,” she said. She also acknowledged the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s initiatives for women’s empowerment and encouraged collective support for platforms like the Women’s Leadership & Empowerment Summit.
She commended Goa Network7 PR & Events for organising the summit and urged the team to continue hosting such impactful initiatives that complement government efforts for women across India.
Ex-Indian Navy officer and Managing Director of Sri Vyaghreshwar Mines and Minerals Pvt. Ltd., Anant Joshi, spoke on the transformative role of discipline in achieving success.
“Don’t say ‘I can’t’—you can do whatever you decide with discipline and focus,” he said, drawing from his years of service in the Indian Navy.
Summit organiser and Founder of Goa Network7 PR & Events, Rajesh D’silva, shared the vision behind the initiative: “Women today multitask at every level—from homemakers to breadwinners. Our goal was to highlight women who could inspire change by sharing the challenges that shaped their successful careers.”
The summit featured four accomplished women who delivered compelling sessions:
- Saili Parab, Mrs Goa 2025, Mrs Fashion Icon of Goa, NET-qualified lecturer, and founder of Urban Kusum, spoke on “The Power of Reinventing Yourself.” “Reinvention doesn’t begin with confidence; it begins with courage,” she said, outlining her pillars of evolution—self-validation, action-first mindset, and infinite iteration.
- Dr Shivani Udas, Homoeopathic Practitioner and Women’s Health Advocate from Pune, addressed the Three Dimensions of Holistic Healing: physical, emotional, and social well-being. She highlighted rising lifestyle disorders among Indian women, including PCOS, thyroid issues, and menopausal concerns, urging women to prioritise preventive care. “When women heal, families thrive; when women thrive, societies prosper,” she said.
- Adv. Shraddha Talkar Karunanithi, Corporate & IPR Advocate and POSH External Member, delivered a powerful session on legal literacy for Goan women. She covered property rights under the Portuguese Civil Code, protections under the PWDVA 2005, and workplace sexual harassment recourse under the POSH Act 2013. “These sessions are a necessity, especially for women unaware of laws that safeguard their dignity and rights,” she emphasised.
- Tracy Pinto, celebrity makeup artist, closed the speaker series with her inspiring journey from backstage model to mentor of hundreds of aspiring makeup artists across India. “Anything you decide to do—only you can stop yourself,” she said, crediting her husband Trevor for his unwavering support. She encouraged women to skill up using freely available resources and to share knowledge generously.
A special highlight of the summit was the felicitation ceremony honouring exceptional Goan women:
- Anura Prabhudesai, India-representing badminton player from Goa, received a Certificate of Appreciation for her dedication and perseverance in sport, accepted on her behalf by her father.
- Vidhi Viraj Tamankar, representing Goa in the Under-17 Girls’ National Cricket Championship, was felicitated for her achievements at the national level.
Pop-up stalls by Urban Kusum, Criscia’s Creation, and Ayukriti Ayurvedic Centre showcased women-led small businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship and community engagement.
The day-long summit, themed “Voices of Strength. Pathways to Change.”, brought together a vibrant community of women and allies committed to empowerment, leadership, and collective progress.
Group Caption: Social Welfare Minister, Subhash Phal Dessai, Chief Guest of Honour and MLA Delilah Lobo, along with the awardees and speakers at the Women’s Leadership & Empowerment Summit at Porvorim on Saturday.
Speakers & Organiser caption from L to R: Saili Parab, Dr Shivani Udas, Rajesh D’silva, Roxanne D’silva, Adv Shraddha Talkar Karunanithi and Tracy Pinto at the Women’s Leadership & Empowerment Summit at Porvorim on Saturday.
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