Udgam Women Achievers Award Celebrates the Power of Women
Udgam Trust Honours 30+ Women Achievers, Holds Maiden Women Startup Festival in Association with iHub
Celebrating International Women’s Day, Udgam Charitable Trust, honoured 30+ women on Tuesday evening for their achievements in various sectors. The 17th Udgam Women’s Achievers Award also marked the inaugural Women Startup Festival organised in association with i-Hub Gujarat.
International Women’s Day is celebrated across the world on March 8 every year. The day recognises the achievements of women in social, economic, cultural and political life. In recent years, many organisations in India have used the occasion to highlight women’s leadership in business, education, health, sports, and social service. Programmes like the one organised by Udgam Trust help bring attention to local women who are quietly making a big difference in their communities.
The event held at KCG Auditorium drew over 250 entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and dignitaries who gathered to honour outstanding women driving innovation, startups, and social impact across 16 categories. The achievers were selected through a rigorous jury-led, nomination-based process, ensuring diverse urban-rural representation.
Startup festivals and networking events are becoming an important part of India’s growing startup ecosystem. They allow founders to meet investors, mentors and industry leaders in one place. In Gujarat, the state government and several private groups have been encouraging such events to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Bringing women founders into this ecosystem is especially important because women-led startups remain fewer in number than those started by men.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel had earlier sent a message on the occasion. “From welfare to leadership, Indian women are now shaping the nation’s destiny,” the CM had conveyed while sending his best wishes for the program.
Over the past decade, India has seen a major rise in women leaders in different sectors. Women are leading companies, working as scientists, athletes, social reformers and public representatives. Government programmes such as Stand-Up India and various women entrepreneurship schemes have also helped many women start businesses and build independent careers.
Other dignitaries present included Gandhinagar (North) MLA Ritaben Patel; Hiranmay Mehanta, CEO, iHub; former bureaucrat Sunaina Tomar; and Chiranjiv Patel of P C Snehal Group.
Public leaders and industry experts often attend such events to support the larger goal of women’s empowerment. Their presence also helps connect achievers with policymakers and institutions that can support their work. In Gujarat, collaboration between government bodies, industry leaders and social organisations has helped create more opportunities for women in business and social initiatives.
The achievers from diverse field who were awarded included: Raksha Shukla, Neelam Kulshreshtha (literature); Jignasha Goswami, Himali Trivedi, Sadhana Parmar (social work); Rasna Dave, Dr. Bhavini Sandip Shah (health); Dr. Miral Utkarsh Panchal, Sudha Joshi, Gajjar Geetaben Manubhai (education); Anjali Prajeshkumar Patel, Pankhuri Soni (young achievers); Dr. Shivani Kinarivala, Namrata Ronak Shodhan (music); Sejal Jaydeep Barot, Prachi Patwari (entrepreneur); Gira Shah (environment); Asha Varvabhai Patel (sports); Payal Mehta (corporate); Asha Pravin Dad (divyang); Nivedita Gouthi (design); Bhavna Shailesh Mehta, Hetal Tejas Bhatti, Vinisha Ruparel, Abhipsa Apurva Dave (art & culture); Anurita Rathore Jadeja (media); and Khushboo Vaidya, Paridhi Karmakar (startup).
Recognising achievers across many fields shows how broad women’s contributions have become. From literature and music to education and startups, women are shaping ideas and building organisations that benefit society. Many grassroots women leaders also work quietly in villages and small towns, helping communities with education, health and social support.
Special recognition awards were given to MLA Gandhinagar (N) Ritaben Patel (Hall of Fame) and Hansaben Harshadbhi Patel and Dr. Minakshi Thakar (Lifetime Achievement).
Lifetime recognition awards are often given to honour individuals who have spent decades working for society. Such honours not only celebrate their journey but also inspire younger women to follow a similar path of service and leadership.
Udgam Trust managing trustee Dr. Mayur Joshi said, “Udgam Usha Parva 2026 elevates recognition to economic opportunity, connecting 550+ women achievers since 2010 with funding, mentorship, and networks.”
Mentorship and financial support are two key factors that help women advance their work. Many talented women struggle to access funding, guidance and strong professional networks. Platforms that connect achievers with investors and mentors can help them expand their ideas into larger projects or successful businesses.
Before the award ceremony, panel discussions on ‘From Grassroots to Global: Real Journeys of Women Entrepreneurs & Startups’ and ‘Funding Roots: Decoding Funding for Grassroots Innovations & Startups’ were held. There were also expert sessions featuring Mihir Joshi, MD of Gujarat Venture Finance Limited, and Bhumika Pandya, MD of Baby Bloom.
Panel discussions like these are useful learning spaces for new entrepreneurs. Experienced founders and investors often share practical advice about funding, scaling a business and overcoming challenges. For women starting their first venture, such conversations can provide valuable guidance and confidence.
Tuesday’s event was designed to go beyond simple recognition of women. It aimed to provide institutional validation, increased professional credibility, and new leadership opportunities for women, effectively converting recognition into tangible economic opportunities through the associated startup festival.
Across the world, recognition programmes are slowly shifting from symbolic awards to real support systems. Many organisations now combine awards with networking events, workshops and investment opportunities. This approach helps winners grow their impact rather than simply celebrating their achievements.
Founded on the belief that every woman’s journey deserves respect, the awards aim to honour stories of courage, resilience, and strength. Since its inception in 2010, the awards have honoured over 550+ women achievers from diverse walks of life across 17 consecutive editions.
Over the years, such initiatives have created a strong community of women leaders who support and inspire one another. Many past awardees have gone on to build successful organisations, lead social movements and mentor young women entering different professions. Events like these continue to highlight how women’s leadership is shaping a more inclusive and progressive society.
