House of Commons Hosts IIW ‘She Inspires’ Dharma Dubey Special Awards 2026: A Celebration of Resilience and Self-Care

Hello Mumbai International Desk (London)

In a poignant ceremony held at the historic House of Commons on March 24, 2026, Inspiring Indian Women (IIW) hosted the She Inspires Dharma Dubey Special Awards. The event, presided over by Ms. Shivani Raja, the youngest Conservative MP for Leicester East, recognized the extraordinary contributions of 40-plus women from across the globe who have balanced professional excellence with profound social impact.

A Legacy of Love and a Wake-Up Call

These awards carry a deeply personal significance. Named in memory of Dharma Dubey, mother of IIW Founder Rashmi Mishra, the initiative serves as a tribute to a woman who, like many Indian mothers, prioritized her family’s well-being over her own health. Following her mother’s sudden passing from a massive heart attack, Mishra established this platform as a “wake-up call” for women to pause and prioritize self-care, and for families to cherish their elders while time permits.

“These women don’t need validation through a traditional nomination process,” Mishra stated. “Their work speaks for itself. We are here to provide a small acknowledgment to keep their passion alive—women who have risen despite life’s struggles without the need for influence or money

Honor Roll: The 2026 Award Recipients

The selection focuses on merit, struggle, and societal contribution. This year’s recipients represent a diverse tapestry of industries, from the NHS and STEM to the arts and grassroots activism.

Community Leaders & Cultural Ambassadors

• Hemalatha Manjunath (Chester): A presenter and cultural ambassador promoting Indian spirit through Rangoli Radio.

• Leena Deshmukh: Founder of Sahyadri CIC UK, supporting Indian artisans and community networks.

• Santi Gataura: A strategic mentor and social media pioneer known for her “Aao ji aao ji” interactive sessions.

• Vidhya Bharathidasan: A pillar of the Tamil community in Yorkshire.

• Shraddha Ballal: Founder of Namaste Kingston, fostering inclusivity through festivities.

• Geeta Borooah: A lifelong advocate for Assamese culture in the UK.

• Ananya Dutta (Sweden): Founder of Sanskriti, building cultural bridges through dance and musicals.

Health, Science & Global Leadership

• Dr. Kalpana Kundan: A humanitarian and corporate leader advocating for global economic empowerment.

• Dia Nag: A digital transformation leader and champion for women in STEM.

• Dr. Nisha Jha: An NHS psychiatrist specializing in compassionate care and women’s emotional resilience.

• Betania Fernandes: A dedicated NHS administrator and communication expert.

• Dipti Rewatkar: An engineer and breast cancer survivor championing early detection.

Entrepreneurs & Social Reformers

• Seema Saroj: A purpose-driven entrepreneur empowering rural tribal women through wellness products.

• Mina Thakkar: Founder of Chamak, uplifting artisan families through education.

• Pratibha Chaudhary: Founder of MOMmade Journey, helping mothers turn creativity into business.

• Neha Gupta: Founder of Vahini Fashions, empowering rural Indian women through heritage designs.

• Dr. Seema Datta: Founder of Keyajee Ayurveda, focusing on maternal care and holistic health.

• Shraddha Chauhan: Founder of Anew-i, an advocate for sustainable, eco-friendly design.

• Seema Datta (Alluring Silvers): Promoting sustainable luxury and Indian craftsmanship.

Media, Arts & Education

• Jyotsna D. R. Shah: A veteran journalist with Gujarat Samachar with over 40 years of service.

• Sangeeta Pillai: Award-winning creator of the Masala Podcast and author of “Bad Daughter.”

• Sonal Dave: Public speaking expert and celebrant empowering others to find their voice.

• Megha Jagawat (Paris): An internationally recognized Kathak dancer and choreographer.

• Geetika Sulekh: A gold medalist in Indian Classical Music and a symbol of cultural pride.

• Dr. Smriti Banerji: Renowned vocalist and music mentor.

• Rakhi Poddar: Artist and founder of Devtaru, celebrating female resilience through art.

• Sharanya Padmanabhan (Ireland): Founder of TATTVA, merging ancient wisdom with storytelling.

• Rashmi Bajaj: The creative force behind Meraki, featured in leading fashion publications.

Resilience & Public Service

• Sheila Charles Mohan: A social activist with a 50-year legacy in child welfare.

• Cllr Jeevitha Sampangi: A Parish Councillor and Hindu Culture representative for Kent.

• Arunima Roy: Former national hockey player and mental health advocate via the R. K. Roy Foundation.

• Rose Marok: Founder of AGLP Event Enterprise, empowering South Asian women’s confidence.

• Rakhee Sharda: A banking professional recognized for her leadership and mentorship.

• Divya Parakat: A survivor of extreme medical and personal trauma who rose to become a gold medalist in computer engineering.

• Dimple: A symbol of Naari Shakti, who overcame personal loss and marital hardship to raise her child with determination.

A Movement for the Future

The IIW continues to operate under its core ethos: Lift, Support, and Rise. By celebrating these “unsung heroes” in the corridors of power at Westminster, the organization ensures that the sacrifices and successes of the modern Indian woman are neither ignored nor forgotten.

For more information and to view the highlights of the ceremony, follow Inspiring Indian Women on their official social media channels.

“It is time for the ladies to pause and prioritize self.” — Rashmi Mishra, Founder, IIW