Ahmedabad: In a strong endorsement of women-led progress and grassroots leadership, Dream Foundation hosted the inaugural edition of the Shakti – The Spirit of Empowerment Awards 2026 at the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA), honouring 11 women for their exceptional contributions across diverse sectors.
The event brought together a distinguished gathering of thought leaders and changemakers, including Vaishnavacharya Pujya Yadunath Mahodaya, noted speaker Rekhaben Desai, senior gynaecologist Dr. Leena Patel, educationist Dr. Geetika Saluja, and Wing Commander Abhishek Tiwari. Their presence reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration in advancing the women empowerment agenda.
Positioned as a platform to recognise women driving measurable social and economic impact, the Shakti Awards highlight the growing role of women as catalysts in India’s development narrative. From entrepreneurship and education to healthcare, media, and cultural preservation, the awardees represent a broad spectrum of influence and leadership.
Addressing the audience, Nirav J. Shah, Founder of Dream Foundation, emphasised the strategic importance of empowering women in nation-building. “Women empowerment is not just a social imperative but an economic necessity. Through the Shakti Awards, we aim to spotlight individuals whose work exemplifies resilience, leadership, and tangible community impact,” he said.
Diverse Excellence Across Sectors
The Shakti Awards 2026 honoured the following achievers:
- Sonali Mohanty – HR & Soft Skills Development Excellence
- Dr. Mitali Vasavada – Healthcare Excellence
- Lipi Goyal – Voice & Performing Arts
- Happy Rabari & 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
- Khushboo Vaidya – EdTech Startup & Innovation Excellence
Each awardee was recognised for driving meaningful change, reflecting a broader shift towards women-led innovation, community development, and inclusive growth models.
Marking a Milestone for Dream Foundation
The 2026 edition also marked two years of Dream Foundation’s journey in social impact. Over this period, the organisation has focused on key areas such as education, healthcare access, self-reliance, and women empowerment.
Its flagship initiative, “Pasti Se Padhai Tak,” continues to expand educational access for underserved communities, aligning with the Foundation’s long-term vision of sustainable development through knowledge and opportunity.
A Growing Movement
With participation from volunteers, partners, donors, and community stakeholders, the Shakti Awards 2026 signal the emergence of a larger movement centred on recognising and scaling women-led impact. As India continues to prioritise inclusive growth, such platforms play a critical role in amplifying voices that are shaping the future from the grassroots up.