- 43 extraordinary achievers honoured in Ahmedabad for redefining excellence through service, innovation and leadership
- Sonu Sood says true success is measured by the positive impact created in people’s lives
- First edition of Samaj Gaurav Awards shines spotlight on unsung heroes from business, healthcare, education, entrepreneurship and social service
- Top dignitaries, industry leaders and community icons gather to celebrate Gujarat’s spirit of nation-building and social transformation
R MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, JUNE 18
“True success lies in creating a positive impact on people’s lives.”
That powerful message from actor, producer and philanthropist Sonu Sood set the tone for an unforgettable evening as the inaugural Samaj Gaurav Awards 2026 celebrated 43 remarkable individuals and organisations whose work has transformed lives across Gujarat and beyond.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the glittering ceremony held at The Forum, Shela-Bopal, Sonu Sood reminded the audience that recognition is not merely about honouring excellence but about inspiring society to create lasting change.
“True success lies in creating a positive impact on people’s lives. Such platforms play a vital role in recognizing and inspiring individuals who are contributing selflessly towards nation-building and social progress.”
Organised by Raftaar Headline News, the prestigious first edition of the Samaj Gaurav Awards honoured distinguished achievers for exceptional contributions in business, healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, innovation, social service and community development.
The grand event brought together an influential gathering of industrialists, healthcare experts, academicians, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, startup founders and social reformers, creating an inspiring platform dedicated to leadership, innovation and nation-building.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished personalities, including Ved Prakash, Divisional Railway Manager, Ahmedabad Division, Apurva Goenka of Goenka Hospital, and IAS officer Anju Sharma, who applauded the awardees for their commitment to excellence and emphasized the importance of leadership and social responsibility in building a stronger society.
A total of 43 changemakers received honours across diverse sectors, showcasing the richness of Gujarat’s entrepreneurial spirit and social commitment.
Addressing the gathering, Mukesh Goyal, Managing Director of Raftaar Headline News, said: “The Samaj Gaurav Awards are more than just a recognition platform; they are a celebration of individuals whose work creates meaningful change in society. Our objective is to spotlight such changemakers and inspire future generations through their journeys.”
Representing the Ayodhya Group, Sameer Shukla and Himanshu Agrawal said the initiative reinforces a culture of excellence and positive social transformation while providing deserving achievers with a platform for recognition.
Mahesh Kushwaha, Chairman of Isha Real Estate Developers, observed: “Honouring individuals who contribute significantly to society and nation-building serves as a powerful source of inspiration, particularly for the younger generation.”
The evening witnessed enthusiastic participation from leaders across business, healthcare, education, hospitality, media, real estate, social organisations and community institutions, reflecting a collective commitment towards innovation, ethical leadership and inclusive growth.
More than an awards ceremony, the first edition of Samaj Gaurav Awards 2026 emerged as a celebration of people who quietly create extraordinary impact through dedication and service. By recognising these changemakers, the platform has reaffirmed that progress is driven not merely by success stories but by stories that inspire others to serve society.
Awardees of Samaj Gaurav Awards 2026
- Smt Dimple Goenka – Women Entrepreneur Excellence Award 2026
- Shri H. P. Gupta – Lifetime Social Service and Business Excellence Award 2026
- Mr Dinesh Singh Kushwah – Community Leadership & Social Impact Award
- Shri Shital Sultaniya – Distinguished Leadership in Education & Social Impact Award 2026
- Shri P. R. Kankariya – Social Impact & Community Leadership Award 2026
- Shri Gopiram Gupta – Excellence in Community Service Award 2026
- Mr Harshad Mistry – Architect of Excellence Award
- Mr Arun Agarwal – Inspirational Leadership Award
- Mr Kishandas Agarwal – Social Leadership Excellence Award 2026
- Mr Jitubhai Malaviya – Fitness Excellence Award 2026
- Mr Dinesh Jagnani – Lifetime Excellence in Industrial Leadership Award 2026
- Shri Atul Mishra – Changemaker in Social & Community Development Award 2026
- Mr Kailash Kabra – Jewellery Retail Pioneer & Industry Excellence Award 2026
- Shri Tejendra Singh Chauhan – Community Development & Social Impact Award 2026
- Mr Nirnay Kapoor – Excellence in Journalism Award 2026
- Mr Ajay K. R. – Trailblazer in Real Estate and Film Industry Award 2026
- Shri Rajkumar Bhakkar – Excellence in Social Responsibility & Community Service Award 2026
- Dr Hasmukh Agarwal – Excellence in Healthcare Service Award 2026
- Dr Tejendrasinh Rajput – Neuro Healthcare Excellence Award 2026
- Smt Usha Agarwal – Social Impact & Community Development Excellence Award 2026
- Mr Nikul Singh Tomar – Public Service & Social Impact Award 2026
- Mr Shailesh Tibrewal (Mony) – Business Excellence in Hospitality Award 2026
- Shri Manoj Maurya (Mann Kumar) – Outstanding Social Changemaker Award 2026
- Dr Shraddha Rajput – Women & Child Welfare Excellence Award 2026
- Shri Sharad Agarwal – Lifetime Achievement in Social Service Award 2026
- Shri Rajendra Singh Rathod – Excellence in Film Production Award 2026
- Dr Ketan Sheth – Transformational Leader in Infrastructure & Urban Development Award 2026
- Mr Sunil C. Bohara – Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award 2026
- Mr Barun Agarwal – Financial Excellence & Leadership Award 2026
- Mr Mahendra Yadav – Excellence in Education Award 2026
- Mr Amandeep Singh Gotra – Global Women Safety & Self Defence Leadership Award 2026
- Mr Vinod Agarwal – Rashtriya Seva Samman 2026
- Mr Nishuraj Gupta – Realty Excellence Award 2026
- Dr Rajesh K. Dawrani – Orthopaedic Excellence & Healthcare Innovation Award 2026
- Dr Mitul Patel – Excellence in Joint Replacement & Orthopedics Award 2026
- Kumari Diya Samir Shukla – Young Cultural Icon Award 2026
- Mr Sanjay J. Raval – Excellence in Outdoor Media & Advertising Leadership Award 2026
- Ms Dimple Shah – Excellence in Drug-Free India Mission Award 2026
- Ms Dimple Shah – Women Business Leadership Award 2026
- Shri Pravincharan Dhwari – Professional Excellence with Social Impact under Business & Enterprise Excellence
- Shri Bhupeshbhai Prajapati – Excellence in Community & Environmental Development Award 2026
- Mr Rahul Tiwari – Excellence in Sales Leadership Award 2026
- Shri Rahul Agrawal – Excellence in Textile & Social Leadership Award 2026
