PUNE: In life, gurus and books serve only as guides. Ultimately, it is you who must face every situation. That is why self-confidence is the essential tool for having a rightful life, said poet, astrologer, and social worker Pratibha Shahu Modak, wife of the renowned actor Shahu Modak, as she shared her mantra for living life.

The occasion was an open interview titled “Me Pratibha Shahu Modak” organized by the Hindu Mahila Sabha in Pune. The program took place at the S.M. Joshi Auditorium in Navi Peth, where well-known anchor Vinaya Desai conducted the interview. The President of Hindu Mahila Sabha, Supriya Damle, along with the members of the organization, were present at the program. Through this program, Pratibha Shahu Modak unveiled her life journey from being a Jain Sadhvi to becoming a wife.

Speaking about her birth in a middle-class family, Modak recalled her father’s reaction upon her birth, saying, “My father’s first response was disappointment—he felt like he had picked up a stone instead of a diamond, as he would have had to give dowry for a daughter. But when I was born, he found a pot of silver coins at the place where my umbilical cord was buried, which brought wealth into the home. Because of that, I was named Shanti.”

Later, after witnessing the suffering her elder sister faced during childbirth, she decided never to marry. In Jainism, the two options for a woman were either to marry and go to her husband’s house or to become a sadhvi. So, she chose to become a sadhvi. “However, while living in the ashram, I often felt like I was betraying myself. Eventually, I left the ashram. Later, I married Shahu Modak and experienced the journey from a sadhvi to a wife,” Modak shared.

“Shahu Modak always saw me as his strength. He loved me deeply but also gave me equal status, dignity, and respect. He was truly a divine soul. That, to me, has always been more valuable than any award,” Modak expressed warmly.

“He had told me after I passed away, live in Pune instead of Mumbai. You will find belongingness, soulful people, social stability, and inner satisfaction.” She added that the people of Pune have upheld Shahu Modak’s faith in this city.

“All of us carry many thoughts in our minds. When an incident occurs, we must decide how much attention we want to give it. Whether to burn in hatred or remain detached and unaffected is a decision each individual must make. Try to keep your mind clean during this process. Be cautious that your thoughts do not negatively impact your body,” Modak advised lovingly. “I understood the essence of life more in my husband’s companionship than in the spiritual knowledge I gained as a sadhvi. That’s why I always remember him,” Modak expressed with emotion.

She also shared memories of her life as a sadhvi, the love she received from people, and the film world she experienced closely as Shahu Modak’s wife. Supriya Damle gave the welcome address for the event, and Vandana Joglekar anchored the program.

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From 4600 in 2018, we have been able to raise the number of SHGs to 45000, says the Hon’ble Chief Minister; Presidents laud the efforts of the Government

MUMBAI: The Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) Programme organized by the Government of Meghalaya, at the Baljek Airport, Tura. During her visit, the Hon’ble President also laid the foundation stone for the New Integrated Administration Complex, marking a significant step towards enhanced administrative capabilities in the region. Esteemed dignitaries in attendance included Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya, Shri Phagu Chauhan, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma, Minister of Community & Rural Development, Shri Abu Taher Mondal, Minister of Education, Shri Rakkam A Sangma amongst others.

Reflecting on the women of Meghalaya and the SHGs, the Hon’ble President said, “I have interacted with many SHGs of Women. I have noted that they are all happier and more satisfied after they start earning and contributing economically to the family. I have witnessed the same confidence and energy among all the women present here today. The idea of women-led development can be implemented only when women get the freedom to implement their choices. I do not mean that women can make decisions only if they are the earning member of the family but economic self-reliance brings a better self-confidence in women.”

Lauding the efforts of the Conrad Sangma-led Government, the Hon’ble President spoke about different SHGs of Meghalaya and said that these initiatives like the Lakhpati Didi “aim to transfer the rural economy and improve quality of life of rural people by promoting women entrepreneurship. The people need to take all the opportunities that the Government is providing them. It is said ‘Ek Akela thak jaayega, milkar bojh uthana’, and the SHGs reflect the same where the women come into groups and empower themselves, receive financial support from the Government, banks, and other institutions”.

Speaking at the program, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad Sangma said, “We express our earnest gratitude to our respected President for her maiden visit to our state. Being the first tribal President of the country is indeed a very special moment for each one of us. In Meghalaya, we had less than 4600 Self Help Groups when he took over the government in 2018. In mere 5-6 years, we have been able to raise this number of groups to nearly 45000. Today, almost one woman from every rural household is a part of one SHG or the other. Our government does not believe in scheme-based development. We believe in a stakeholder-based approach, a purpose-driven approach, for the youth, women, and Farmers of Meghalaya”.

The highlight of the event was a compelling success story presented by Smt. Venella D Sangma, an SHG member, spoke about how the support from the Government transformed her hardships into opportunities for growth. Hon’ble President went down the dais and talked to hundreds of women in person, listened to their stories visited the stalls, and gave them suggestions for growth.

Following this, President Murmu participated in the disbursement of the Community Investment Fund amounting to Rs 25 crores and loans worth Rs 32 crore, reaffirming the government’s commitment to empowering local communities. Additionally, she awarded certificates to three exemplary SHGs and three Village Organizations, recognizing their outstanding contributions to community development.

Initially, Hon’ble Minister of Community & Rural Development Shri Abu Taher Mondal conferred the welcome address and thanked the Honourable President for visiting the state. Hon’ble Minister laid focus on the growth of SHGs in the state and the programs including PRIME, FOCUS and FOCUS+, CM ELEVATE, and others highlighting their transformative role in the lives of the people of Meghalaya.

After the successful program at Baljek Airport, President Murmu proceeded to Shillong to lay the foundation stone for the Shillong Peak ropeway project and inaugurate other key infrastructure projects, further underlining the government’s dedication to fostering progress and connectivity in the region.

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Speaking about the initiative, Vishal Gokhale, Chairman and Managing Director of Gokhale Constructions said, “Experience gained from the successful redevelopment of over 175 societies has gone into creating the service model of ‘RISE’. This long experience has helped us to understand the requirements of the self-development process accurately. ‘RISE’ is the first initiative by any leading real estate developer, which enables the society members to earn the profits generated from the sale of additional flats which get created as a result of re-development of old buildings.“

“RISE will not only give bigger homes, and ultramodern facilities but will also allow earning profits. Gokhale Constructions will charge a fixed fee to the society, apartment, or bungalow and will provide the required services under the ‘RISE’ initiative including checking the technical and financial feasibility of re-development, obtaining the necessary permissions, and completing the top-quality construction in the set timeline”, he added.

Gokhale Constructions will be the guarantor while helping the societies raise the funds required for self-development. The required funds will be borrowed from the banks or authorized financial institutions. This is one of the most important highlights of the RISE initiative.

A special committee of experts has been formed to facilitate these services being provided under RISE. The committee includes Architect Manoj Tatuskar and Architect Vikas Achalkar of A&T Consultants, Abhijit Kenjale, Adv Udaykumar Kulkarni, Adv. Shripad Khurjekar, Parag Chopra- Pune District Co-operative Housing Society, and Suhas Patwardhan-President of Apartment Federation.

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