- Dream Foundation honours 11 trailblazing women across diverse fields
- Grand ceremony at Ahmedabad Management Association celebrates leadership, resilience and impact
- Spiritual leaders, doctors, educators and defence officers grace the empowering event
- Awards spotlight real-life role models to inspire the next generation of women
- Inaugural edition marks two years of Dream Foundation’s social impact journey
NE WOMEN EMPOWERMENT BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, APR 7
In an inspiring celebration of courage, leadership, and purpose, the Dream Foundation hosted the inaugural ‘Shakti – The Spirit of Empowerment Awards 2026’, honouring 11 exceptional women who have made significant contributions across varied sectors.
Moments of pride: A powerful gathering of changemakers at the Shakti Awards 2026- NE photo
Held at the prestigious Ahmedabad Management Association, the event brought together a powerful blend of achievers, thought leaders, and community stakeholders, turning the spotlight firmly on women who are shaping change and redefining success.
The ceremony was graced by eminent dignitaries including Vaishnavacharya Pujya Yadunath Mahodaya, noted speaker Rekhaben Desai, senior gynaecologist Dr. Leena Patel, educationist Dr. Geetika Saluja, and Abhishek Tiwari, whose presence elevated the significance of the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Nirav J Shah emphasised the broader vision behind the initiative: “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.”
The Shakti Awards aim not only to honour excellence but also to create relatable role models—women whose journeys inspire others to step forward, lead, and make a difference in their own spheres.
The 11 awardees of Shakti Awards 2026 represent a rich spectrum of achievements: 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).
Marking its first edition, the awards also coincided with the completion of two impactful years of Dream Foundation, which continues to drive initiatives in education, healthcare, self-reliance, and women empowerment. Its flagship programme, “Pasti Se Padhai Tak,” remains focused on expanding access to education and enabling long-term societal transformation.
With stories of grit and achievement taking centre stage, the Shakti Awards 2026 have set the tone for a larger movement—encouraging women across the country to rise, break barriers, and lead with purpose.