Shakti Awards 2026 Ahmedabad: Proud Moment for Women
Shakti Awards 2026, Ahmedabad, Marks Emotional Success Stories
Dream Foundation organised the Shakti – The Spirit of Empowerment Awards 2026 at the Ahmedabad Management Association, recognising 11 women for their distinguished contributions across diverse sectors.
Such award platforms have grown in recent years across India, especially in cities like Ahmedabad. Reports from social impact forums show that local recognition plays a strong role in encouraging women to step into leadership roles. When women see others from similar backgrounds being honoured, it builds trust and motivation. Events like these also help bring attention to sectors where women often work quietly without public recognition.
The ceremony was attended by eminent dignitaries, including Yadunath Mahodaya, noted speaker Rekhaben Desai, senior gynaecologist Dr Leena Patel, educationist Dr Geetika Saluja, and Abhishek Tiwari, whose presence added further prestige to the occasion.
Public figures and domain experts often play a key role in such events. Studies in leadership and community development show that when respected voices attend award ceremonies, it increases the event’s credibility. It also gives awardees a chance to connect with mentors and leaders, which can help their future work grow stronger.
The Shakti Awards aim to acknowledge and honour women who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and sustained impact in their respective domains, thereby contributing meaningfully to society.
Across India, women-led contributions have shown strong results in areas like education, healthcare, and small business. Data from development organisations suggests that when women lead projects, there is often better community participation and long-term results. Recognition programmes like the Shakti Awards help bring these efforts into the public eye and support a culture where such work is valued.
Addressing the gathering, Nirav J. Shah, Founder, Dream Foundation, stated: “Women empowerment remains a critical determinant of inclusive and sustainable societal development. Through the Shakti Awards, the Foundation seeks to recognise exemplary individuals whose work reflects commitment, resilience, and measurable impact.”
Experts in social policy often agree with this view. Research shows that empowering women improves family income, education levels, and health outcomes. For example, when women earn and manage resources, children are more likely to attend school and receive better care. This is why many organisations now focus on women as key drivers of change.
The awardees of Shakti Awards 2026 are: Sonali Mohanty (HR & Soft Skills Development Excellence), Dr. Mitali Vasavada (Healthcare Excellence), Lipi Goyal (Voice & Performing Arts), Happy Rabari and Lucky Rabari (Cultural Heritage & Folk Art), Birva Mehta (Social Impact), Dhairya Rathod (Media & Journalism Excellence), Swati Panchal (Finance & Startup Ecosystem Leadership), Maya Joshi (Education Excellence), Anjali Kothari (Wellness Coaching), and Khushboo Vaidya (EdTech Startup & Innovation Excellence).
Each of these sectors reflects areas where women in India are making steady progress. For instance, women in healthcare and education continue to form a large part of the workforce, while more women are now entering startups and finance. Cultural preservation, especially through folk art, is another space where women have played a strong role in keeping traditions alive.
The 2026 edition marks the inaugural edition of the Shakti Awards and coincides with the completion of two years of Dream Foundation’s operations. The event witnessed participation from stakeholders, including volunteers, partners, donors, and members of the community.
Launching such an award in its early years shows the organisation’s focus on building strong community ties. Many successful non-profits start with local engagement and then expand their reach. Early initiatives like awards and public events help create visibility and trust, which are important for long-term growth.
Dream Foundation continues to undertake initiatives across education, healthcare, self-reliance, and women’s empowerment. Its ongoing programme, “Pasti Se Padhai Tak,” is focused on expanding access to education and enabling long-term social impact.
Grassroots education programmes like this have shown real results in India. Many case studies highlight how small interventions, such as providing books, safe study spaces, and mentorship, can improve school attendance and learning levels. Over time, these efforts help children build better futures and break cycles of poverty.
