The 18th International Women’s Day Awards, organised by Mrs. Ratan Kaul, Founder President of the Public Diplomacy Forum, in association with Dr. Aruna Abhry Oswal, was a celebration of womanhood. Held at the Le Méridien Hotel in New Delhi, the event was a perfect blend of grace, empowerment, and inspiration.
From the moment I entered the venue, I could sense the vibrant energy in the air. The décor was nothing short of breathtaking—pink flowers adorned every corner, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. On the tables, adorable pink cupcakes waited to be indulged in, adding a touch of sweetness to the evening. The setup was fresh as a daisy, a fitting tribute to the essence of the event—celebrating the power and resilience of women.
The interactive segment initiated by the master of ceremony—Nikita Arya brought out the playful side of the audience. Questions like,“Who is carrying the most number of credit cards in her wallet?” had the guests in splits, adding an element of fun to the evening. Gifts and prizes were distributed generously, and I was lucky enough to get my hands on one lovely gift too.
She kept the energy high, engaging both the awardees and the audience. One question echoed throughout the hall: “What do women want?” The responses ranged from quirky to deeply profound. Some playfully said, “We want diamonds, jewellery!” while others gave powerful answers: “We want to be heard.” “We want equality.” “We want freedom and safety.”
Though the answers varied, one sentiment was unanimous—the utmost respect and appreciation for Mrs. Ratan Kaul. Time and again, voices in the room acknowledged her efforts in bringing accomplished women to the forefront. She was the driving force behind this recognition, ensuring that their contributions did not go unnoticed.
As I settled in, I took a good look at the list of awardees. Each name represented accomplished women from various fields, from business and fashion to arts and heathcare. These were women who had broken barriers, challenged stereotypes, and carved a path for themselves in a world that often demands more from them.
Awardees and Their Categories:
· Bhawna Rao – Luxury Fashion
· Dimple Jangda – Diet & Wellness
· Divya Bhatt Mishra – Fashion
· Jaykirti Singh – Bespoke Heritage Clothing
· Jayshree Misra Tripathi – Poetry
· Kamakshi Khanna – Music
· Pallavi S. Wahal – Medicine
· Pragya Tiwari – Media
· Preeti Panigrahi – Film
· Ritu Khanna – Heritage Jewellery
· Sangeeta Ratra – Dynamic Women Leadership
· Shivani Varma – Shastriya Nritya
· Swasti Rao – International Relations
· Uttara Singh – Education
Adding to the grandeur of the evening was none other than the charismatic and eloquent Dr. Shashi Tharoor, the chief guest for the event. His mere presence electrified the room. As expected, his charm and wit had everyone captivated, proving once again why he remains a crowd favourite.
But the real stars of the evening were the women who received the awards—leaders, change-makers, and visionaries who continue to redefine success. Their stories were moving, their achievements remarkable, and their journeys an inspiration to all present.
The event was supported by Savoir, Royal Fables and Roosemore.
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