The 5th NAREDCO Mahi Real Estate Convention 2026, held on June 20 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, in association with Bharat Buildcon 2026, brought together women leaders, developers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to mark five years of advancing women's participation in real estate. Under the theme "Breaking the Perception Ceiling: Women Shaping the Nation for Viksit Bharat 2047," the event underscored women's critical role in driving economic growth, sustainable development, and nation-building.
Inaugural Ceremony and Key Dignitaries
The convention began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting attended by Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon'ble Minister of Labour & Employment, Government of India; Shri Rana Suryawanshi, Founder of Rana Shipping Company; Her Excellency Ms. Jacquline Mukanagira, High Commissioner of Rwanda to India; Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat, Former Chairperson, Khadi Village Industries Board (J&K); Smt. Smita Patil, President, NAREDCO Mahi; Shri Parveen Jain, President, NAREDCO; Shri Rajan Bandelkar, Former Vice Chairman, NAREDCO; Dr. Ananta Raghuvanshi, Chairperson, NAREDCO Mahi; and Smt. Chitra S. Jain, President-Elect, NAREDCO Mahi, among others. The ceremony symbolized collective commitment to inclusion, empowering women leaders, and creating opportunities in real estate.
Ministerial Address and Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047
Shri Mansukh Mandaviya stated that "women are not merely stakeholders in India's growth story but architects of the nation's future." He emphasized that the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 cannot be realized without full participation, leadership, and economic contribution of women across sectors, including real estate. Former Union Minister Smt. Smriti Irani also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of women empowerment and greater participation in leadership, entrepreneurship, and decision-making roles.
NAREDCO Mahi's Five-Year Journey
Smt. Smita Patil, President, NAREDCO Mahi, reflected on the organization's transformation from an initiative to a nationwide movement of women leaders in real estate. She noted NAREDCO Mahi's focus on skill development, mentorship, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and social impact, stating that empowering women through confidence and leadership creates lasting transformation.
Fireside Chats on Leadership and Gender Equality
A fireside chat titled "Power of Possibilities: Breaking Barriers, Building Viksit Bharat 2047" featured Smt. Smriti Irani and Smt. Smita Patil, discussing women's transformative role in leadership, business, and social development. Another chat, "Empowerment or Expectation? Rethinking Gender Equality in Modern Society," featured celebrated wrestler Smt. Geeta Phogat, who said women must recognize their inherent strengths, break free from self-imposed limitations, and seize opportunities with confidence. Captain Shivani Kalra, Pilot, Etihad Airways and Operation Ganga veteran, stressed that women must actively support one another to create a stronger ecosystem of leadership and opportunity.
Panel Discussions on Sustainable Development and Skilling
A panel on "Global Pathways to Sustainable Social Development and Self-Sufficient Cities" included Shri Durga Shanker Mishra, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs; Shri Nitin Khade, IAS, Joint Secretary, Department of Land Resources; and Dr. Ananta S. Raghuvanshi, moderated by Mr. A. Shankar, India Head - Government Advisory & Infrastructure Solutions, JLL India. The panel discussed sustainable urbanization, resilient infrastructure, and international partnerships. Shri Nitin Khade called for alternative development models strengthening rural economies while supporting sustainable urbanization.
Another panel, "Skilling and Sustainability: Building a Future-Ready Workforce for Real Estate," focused on empowering talent with future-focused skills and sustainable practices. A third panel, "Her Legacy, His Foundation: Redefining Leadership in Family Real Estate," explored evolving dynamics of leadership, succession, and innovation in family-run businesses.
Launch of SkillHER Initiative and Mahi Sheroes Awards
The convention launched "SkillHER by NAREDCO Mahi," a skilling initiative aimed at empowering women through capacity building and professional development. It was launched by Smt. Smriti Irani, Smt. Geeta Phogat, Her Excellency Ms. Jacquline Mukanagira, Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat, and Smt. Shilpa Sukumar, Vice President (South), NAREDCO Mahi. The event also honored "Mahi Sheroes" for exemplary contributions across diverse fields, with awards presented by Smt. Smriti Irani.
Sponsors and Partners
The convention was supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. Adani Cement was Presenting Sponsor, Rana Shipping Company Title Sponsor, and TECHNOCRAFT Powered by Sponsor. Signature Global and NBCC were Gold and Silver Sponsors respectively, with Saint-Gobain as Lunch & High Tea Sponsor. Supporting Partners included ARQONZ.COM, Craft Group, Infracorp, MNB, PROPCHK, SPJ, and Square Yards. BRICS was Association Partner, JLL Knowledge Partner, and Magicbricks Communication Partner.
Conclusion and Commitment
The convention concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing women's leadership and fostering greater participation in decision-making across industries, reinforcing NAREDCO Mahi's dedication to empowering women and nurturing future leaders for Viksit Bharat 2047.
