PUNE: “What more can you do? We have not reached the goal yet and we still have to do more,” said Tessy Thomas - the Missile Woman Of India remembering the words of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India while receiving the Kirtan Sanjeevani Pushpalata Ranade Technology award.
On Saturday, the award ceremony was organised at MES School, Bal Shikshan Mandir Auditorium in Kothrud. The National Bravery award was given to Veena Gokhale and Mangala Patil who are into activities of social service along with Tessy Thomas. The award was given by Shriniwas Patil, former Governor of Sikkim and Mayor Mukta Tilak.
Thomas is a scientist and Director General of Aeronautical Systems and the former project director of Agni-IV missile in Defence Research and Development Organisation. While receiving the award, she said, “The place and posting where I am at is all because of my mother and Kalam Sir. They have been the inspiration for my success,”
Gokhale said, “Handling the household chores, I saw that several NGOs are not able to reach their aim because of financial difficulties. Hence, I decided to help them financially or show them the way to take financial help. My NGO - ‘Dene Samajache’ has till now helped 140 NGOs financially.”
Patil said, “Throughout my childhood, I have seen that there are several people and children who do not get education and are deprived of healthcare. Hence, I started helping people and children of slum dwellers. I am into spreading awareness of education, health and cleanliness.”
