On the occasion of women’s day, ‘Ashadeep’ Apanga Mahila-Bal Vikas Sanstha felicitated Mrs/Smt Pragati Gokhale, Chief Mentor of ‘Mera mobile: Mera Marke‘ Mission and Founder of ‘’ Marketmirchi.com”- a free online portal for promotion of the rural market. It may be noted that she is a recipient of the’Woman of Worth’ Award (2021) by the World Woman Leadership Congress.
Mrs. Gokhale shared her success story during the lively interaction with the audience. The interaction was initiated by Dr. Pratima Shastri. A gold medallist in statistics, Pragati Gokhale joined Maharashtra Forest Dept. She developed a Keen interest and gained proficiency in computer programming and applications.
The turning point in her career came in 2008 when she was appointed as Senior Scientist in prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialisation, Wardha. Coming across the difficulties faced by farmers in getting proper market for their produce, she designed an online portal, where the farmers can advertise their products and can form a direct link with buyers, without any middleman, and promoted that on suitable platforms.
Later, the portal was modified to be accessible on mobile phones and to advertise handicrafts by artisans and other items by small entrepreneurs. Her mission is highly appreciated by MKCL and NABAARD. Presently, she is deeply involved in the promotion of the mission, imparting training to the small entrepreneurs and encouraging them to showcase their products on a global platform. She is an advisor to Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission and National Resource person for the Ministry of Rural Development, Govt of India.
Earlier, Mrs. Aparna Kulkarni introduced the theme of the programme and also elaborated on the role of Ashadeep for promotion of health and entrepreneurship for women and Divyanga (physically challenged). Dr Vrinda Joglekar introduced the guest , and Dr Jayashri Pandharpurkar proposed vote of thanks .
Ashadeep E-magazine and Nagpur Divyabhushan video of Divyanga para-athlete Suwarna Raj Wankhede were released on this occasion. The programme was well attended by Ashadeep members and divyanga students.
