India's first woman captain, Radhika Menon honoured by Govt of India

The Indian government recognised Captain Radhika Menon under the Bharat Ki Laxmi campaign initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Captain Menon, who is the first female master mariner had won the top international bravery award by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for 'Exceptional Bravery at sea 2016'. She was recognised on Sunday, under the Bharat Ki Laxmi campaign which was announced by PM Modi on September 29, during the 57th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' to honour the extraordinary achievements of women in society.

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About Captain Radhika Menon

Captain Radhika Menon is the first woman captain of the Indian Merchant Navy who received the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 2016. The IMO, which is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships, conferred Captain Menon with bravery award to honour her for rescuing seven fishermen from a sinking fishing boat in tumultuous seas in the Bay of Bengal in June 2015. Captain Radhika Menon first started her career as a radio officer at the Shipping Corporation of India and established the International Women Seafarers Foundation (IWSF) in 2017 to help young women pursuing a career in maritime. Menon has made her mark spectacularly in a male-dominated profession and proven that professions are not gender-based. 

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PM's appeal to felicitate women's contribution to the nation

"Daughters are considered as Lakshmi in our culture. Can't we felicitate daughters in our villages and cities by holding public programmes? There are several daughters, daughters-in-law who are doing exceptional work ... some are teaching poor children, some are spreading awareness about health and sanitation. Many are serving as doctors, engineers ... as lawyers, they are helping in the delivery of justice. The society can identify such daughters and honour them across India”, he said in his September radio address.

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Bharat Ki Laxmi 

Government of India's citizen engagement platform on Twitter also shared the story of Shila Dawre, India’s first woman auto-rickshaw driver. The post mentioned Shila Dawre defied stereotypes and fought through the obstacles and boasts of having driven for over 13 years. Under the Bharat Ki Laxmi campaign, Government of India's citizen engagement platform on Twitter also shared the inspiring story of Alisha Abdullah- India’s first F1 woman racer and India’s first female national racing champion.

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