Mangalore: Young Journalist Sandhya D'Souza Bags Sarojini Naidu National Award

Mangalore, Sep. 17, 2012:
Sandhya C. D’Souza, journalist for Deccan Herald, has bagged the prestigious Sarojini Naidu National Award 2012 for her report on women’s empowerment.

Her prize-winning article “Laila Ladies Ensure Safety” appeared in the June 1, 2012 issue of Deccan Herald.The Sarojini Naidu National Award, which has been instituted by the global organization The Hunger Project, includes a prize of Rs. 2 lakhs and a citation. The award will be conferred on Ms. D’Souza on October 1, New Delhi.

Her article is about a group of women in Laila in DK, which is striving to ensure that all rural women maintain menstrual hygiene. Called the Isiri Self-help Group, headed by Yashoda, member of the Laila GP, the group produces biodegradable sanitary napkins from wood pulp.

 The product is low-cost, which rural women can easily afford.Sandhya (24), who is from St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, joined Deccan Herald (Mangalore) as a reporter and sub-editor in 2010.