‘Many a time I had felt that things would be better if I were a boy. But later I realised that being a girl, a woman, is the best gift,’ said actress Sneha.

She added: ‘One day, when I told my dad about my feelings, he consoled me saying ‘A woman is like a God. She can change lives’. I realised his words were true when my sister gave birth to a child.’

On her acting profession, Sneha said, ‘Even after completing nine years as an actress, I am still struggling to get meaty roles where I could express myself better.’ ‘My initial days were really tough. I had to struggle a lot. I don’t know the exact reason. Perhaps, the fact that I was a Tamil speaking girl could be one.’

Thanking Rotary Club of Chennai Costal, Sneha said she was happy to note that there were people who were ready to recognise talents in women. Elizabeth Verghese, chief of Hindustan Colleges group, who was presented the Club’s ‘For the Sake of Honour Award’ recalled her husband’s zeal for social work and the setting up of a trust.

Vijayshree Kiron, director of Diva, a boutique was presented the ‘Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award’ and Sarah Alexander received the ‘Vocational Excellence Award’ on behalf of her mother Anna Jacob, principal and correspondent of Spartan group of schools.

In his address, Karuna Sagar, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Armed Police, said, ‘women work in more challenging environment than men. If the 20th century was the century of freedom struggle, then the 21st century is the century of women empowerment.’

Among those who spoke were district Governor-Elect of the Rotary W Anand and president of Rotary Club of Chennai Coastal Amit Agarwal.