- Udgam Trust’s 17th Woman Achievers Awards celebrates changemakers across 16 sectors
- Maiden Women Startup Festival with iHub Gujarat connects women innovators with investors and mentors
- Retired IAS officer Sunaina Tomar hails Gujarat’s women as leaders in education, enterprise and innovation
- Over 250 entrepreneurs, policymakers and investors gather to spotlight the power of women-led growth
NE WOMEN EMPOWERMENT BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, MAR 10
In a vibrant celebration of leadership, resilience and entrepreneurship, Udgam Charitable Trust honoured more than 30 women achievers across diverse sectors during the 17th Udgam Woman Achievers Awards while simultaneously launching the maiden Women Startup Festival in association with iHub Gujarat.
The high-energy event, organised to mark International Women’s Day, was held at the KCG Auditorium in Ahmedabad and drew over 250 entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and thought leaders, creating a powerful platform for recognising women achievers while enabling them to connect with funding, mentorship and innovation networks.
The awards recognised women changemakers across 16 categories, ranging from literature, education, healthcare and entrepreneurship to startups, sports, environment, arts and social impact. The winners were selected through a rigorous nomination-based process evaluated by a distinguished jury, ensuring representation from both urban and rural Gujarat.
Sunaina Tomar praises women’s rise in education and entrepreneurship
Chief Guest Sunaina Tomar, retired IAS officer and former Additional Chief Secretary (Higher & Technical Education), Government of Gujarat, lauded the achievements of women across sectors and highlighted their growing dominance in education and entrepreneurship.
“I have been visiting many higher education institutes in Gujarat. It is praiseworthy that girls outshine boys, which shows their dedication, determination and hard work to fulfil their dreams,” she said.
Tomar also emphasised the expanding role of women entrepreneurs in the state.
“Gujarat has a large number of women entrepreneurs. My heartfelt praise to Udgam Trust for recognising their achievements in all fields and honouring them with awards. The Gujarat Government has many schemes for women entrepreneurs and it is among the safest states for women,” she added.
Chief Minister’s message applauds women shaping India’s future
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, in a message conveyed to the organisers, praised the growing leadership of women in nation-building.
“From welfare to leadership, Indian women are now shaping the nation’s destiny,” the Chief Minister said while conveying his best wishes for the programme.
Awards across diverse sectors
The awards honoured achievers from multiple fields:
Literature: Raksha Shukla, Neelam Kulshreshtha
Social Work: Jignasha Goswami, Himali Trivedi, Sadhana Parmar
Health: Rasna Dave, Dr Bhavini Sandip Shah
Education: Dr Miral Utkarsh Panchal, Sudha Joshi, Geetaben Manubhai Gajjar
Young Achievers: Anjali Prajeshkumar Patel, Pankhuri Soni
Music: Dr Shivani Kinarivala, Namrata Ronak Shodhan
Entrepreneurship: Sejal Jaydeep Barot, Prachi Patwari
Environment: Gira Shah
Sports: Asha Varvabhai Patel
Corporate: Payal Mehta
Divyang Achiever: Asha Pravin Dad
Design: Nivedita Gouthi
Art & Culture: Bhavna Shailesh Mehta, Hetal Tejas Bhatti, Vinisha Ruparel, Abhipsa Apurva Dave
Media: Anurita Rathore Jadeja
Startup: Khushboo Vaidya, Paridhi Karmakar
Special Honours included:
- Ritaben Patel (MLA, Gandhinagar North) – Hall of Fame Award
- Hansaben Harshadbhai Patel and Dr Minakshi Thakar – Lifetime Achievement Awards
Recognition that converts into opportunity
Managing Trustee Dr Mayur Joshi highlighted how the initiative has evolved into a powerful ecosystem supporting women innovators.
“Udgam Usha Parva 2026 elevates recognition to economic opportunity, connecting more than 550 women achievers since 2010 with funding, mentorship and networks. This year we received over 150 nominations, out of which 31 were shortlisted by a three-member jury panel,” he said.
Startup festival drives innovation ecosystem
The event also hosted two major panel discussions:
- “From Grassroots to Global: Real Journeys of Women Entrepreneurs & Startups”
- “Funding Roots: Decoding Funding for Grassroots Innovations & Startups”
Mihir Joshi, Managing Director of Gujarat Venture Finance Limited, highlighted financing opportunities available for women-led ventures.
Entrepreneur Bhumika Pandya, MD of Baby Bloom, offered insights on maternal wellness and child development, drawing inspiration from ancient texts like the Mahabharata and Vedas.
Building a powerful legacy
Founded on the belief that every woman’s journey deserves recognition, the Udgam Women Achievers Awards have honoured over 550 women since 2010, celebrating courage, resilience and innovation across society.
With the addition of the Women Startup Festival, the platform now aims to transform recognition into tangible economic empowerment, enabling women to scale ideas, build enterprises and contribute to Gujarat’s growing innovation economy.
