Anannya Top Ten Awards 2019 honours female trendsetters
Every year since 1993, Anannya Magazine has recognised and honoured ten women for their remarkable contributions in their respective fields. Yesterday the Anannya Top Ten Awards 2019 was held virtually, in the presence of esteemed guests.
Tasmima Hossain, editor and publisher of Anannya Magazine and The Daily Ittefaq graced the occasion with her presence, while Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni attended the programme as the chief guest. The event opened with Dr Dipu Moni's welcome address. "Honouring women for their achievements is very important, as I believe it gives the trendsetters strength and courage to keep contributing to the society, and inspires others. The role Anannya Magazine has been playing in this regard is appreciable," she said. "Being a former awardee of this initiative, I feel proud and I hope that the steps they are taking to ensure gender equality sees more success in the coming years." Valiant women, in 10 categories, were honoured for their contributions to the society, at the virtual ceremony.
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Protibha Sangma, the pioneer for education in the Garo community received the award in the category of Education, posthumously. Before her demise, the Anannya team informed her that she was a recipient of the award. A documentary video was presented in her honour. "In order to lead a happy life, one must always know how to treat others with respect and never forget to smile," she had said. On the other hand, Esrat Khan Mojlish received the award in the organisation category for her contribution in breaking the taboo, 'women don't ride bikes' by establishing the country's first female biker club, Bangladesh Women Riders Club.
Sreemati Shaha was bestowed with the award in the category of social work, for her initiatives through Kumudini Welfare Trust. After losing her husband and father in the Liberation War, young Sreemati Shaha had to hold the paddle for the trust, established for the betterment of women, by her late father-in-law. Shumona Sharmin received the award for the journalist category. "Keeping a balance between personal and professional life is the key towards being a successful female journalist," she said. "If you are not passionate about your profession, you won't sustain."
Artist and illustrator Dr Farida Zaman received the award for her contribution to fine arts. Her artworks are inspired by Bangladeshi folk elements. "I draw inspirations from real-life projections of nature and life, and present it in a simplified manner, while preserving their essence," she said. The country's first all-female indigenous band, F Minor received the award in the music category.
'Maa' Hazera Begum was awarded for establishing a rehabilitation for children of sex workers and enabling the underprivileged with access to education. "I have seen the dark shades of the society and I know what it feels like when you have to sleep on an empty stomach," she shared. "I don't know if I am doing it right or if I am successful, but I just know I don't want these children to be working, or become sex-workers or drug peddlers, when they are supposed to be going to school. This is my only dream."
Falguni Shaha bagged the award for being an inspiration. Having lost both her arms after being electrocuted, she did not give up. She began by holding the pen and writing. Excelling in her high school examinations, she is currently pursuing her higher academics at Jahangirnagar University. Archer Eti Khatun received the award in the sports category. Entrepreneur Nasima Akhtar Nisha received the award for her contribution to the e-commerce industry, with the women and e-commerce forum, WE. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from Tasmima Hossain.
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