Madurai's 'Shakthi: Sigaram Thodu 2026' Event Celebrates Excellence with 11 Prestigious Awards
The Confederation of Indian Industry-Indian Women Network, Madurai, organized the 'Shakthi: Sigaram Thodu 2026' event on Friday, distributing a total of 11 awards to honor outstanding contributions across multiple sectors. This initiative aimed to recognize and promote excellence in social impact, art and culture, agriculture, technology, sustainability, healthcare, education, innovation, and lifetime achievement, highlighting the diverse talents and efforts within the community.
Award Recipients and Their Notable Achievements
Jerlin Anika, a para Olympian and Arjuna Awardee, received the Rising Star award for her remarkable achievements in para sports, inspiring many with her dedication and success. The Social Impact award was presented to Priya Babu, founder and director of the Transgender Resource Centre, for her impactful work supporting and empowering the transgender community.
In the realm of art and culture, Sowmya Somanathan was honored with the Art and Culture Excellence award for her efforts in promoting traditional art through Silaii. For agricultural and rural development, Bhuvaneshwari received the award for her dedication to preserving indigenous paddy varieties, contributing to biodiversity and sustainable farming practices.
Technology, Sustainability, and Hospitality Recognitions
The Technology for Impact award went to Rebecca Khanna for her innovative rural outreach initiatives that leverage technology to improve lives. Senthil Shankar, managing director of Ecoline Clothing and Shree Renga Polymers, was awarded the Sustainability and Climate Action award for his commitment to promoting sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship.
In hospitality and tourism, Rukmani Thiagarajan was conferred the Hospitality and Tourism award for her exceptional work in heritage hospitality, enhancing cultural experiences for visitors.
Innovation, Healthcare, Education, and Lifetime Achievement
Anil Srinivasan received the Innovation award for his pioneering work in integrating music and education through the Rhapsody Music Foundation, fostering creative learning. The General Health and Impact award was presented to BKC Mahanprasad for his significant contributions to healthcare, improving access and quality of medical services.
Premalatha was honored with the Excellence in Education award for her dedication to advancing educational opportunities. The Lifetime Achievement award was bestowed upon Uma Kannan in recognition of her long-standing and impactful contributions to education and social development, marking a legacy of service and inspiration.
Insights on Women's Leadership and Adaptability
During the event, Meera Nagarajan, managing director and CEO of Kalyanamalai, delivered a keynote address on the evolving landscape of women's leadership. She emphasized the critical role of adaptability in today's rapidly changing world, noting that long-term success hinges on the ability to grow, embrace change, and remain resilient in the face of challenges. Her speech underscored the importance of fostering leadership qualities that drive positive transformation and sustainable progress.
