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The Bharat Dialogues Women Leadership Awards 2025 took place at India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi, emerging as a powerful platform to honour the resilience and achievements of women across diverse fields.
The event brought together a host of distinguished figures, including Bharat Express CMD and Editor-in-Chief Upendrra Rai, former Union Minister KJ Alphons, AAFT University Chancellor Dr Sandeep Marwah, ICMR-NICPR Chairperson Dr Shalini Singh, and renowned feminist and social activist Dr Ranjana Kumari.
Keynote Insights: Equal Pay & Cultural Wisdom
CMD Upendrra Rai delivered a compelling keynote, shedding light on global wage disparities. “At the current pace, it could take 130 more years for women to achieve equal pay,” he warned.
He emphasized how this economic gap forces women to conform to male-defined standards, thereby undermining their unique strengths.
CMD Rai highlighted Indian heritage and actively portrayed women as embodiments of knowledge, power, and wealth, Saraswati, Durga, and Lakshmi, who represent respect, prosperity, and security.
Radhika Rai Lifetime Achievement Award
A highlight of the evening was the conferring of the Radhika Rai Lifetime Achievement Award on Dr Ranjana Kumari, Director of Centre for Social Research and Chairperson of Women Power Connect.
The award, instituted in memory of CMD Rai’s late mother, Radhika Rai from Sherpur village, Uttar Pradesh, honours women exemplifying integrity and service without holding formal positions.
Enriching Panel Discussions
The event featured dynamic panel discussions:
“Traditional Power Structures and Women: Challenges and Victories” was moderated by Bharat Dialogues Co-founder & MD Pooja Priyamvada.
“Margins Within Margins: Women’s Leadership in Creative Fields” was led by Co-founder & CEO Vivek Satyamitra.
The panels included celebrated voices such as Padma Shri Prathibha Prahlad, scriptwriter Anu Singh Choudhary, BJP spokesperson Shazia Ilmi, IAS officer Ummul Kher, media heads Mahak Kasbekar and Sanghamitra Mazumdar, storyteller Fauzia Dastango, and others.
Recognising Diverse Achievements
Jury awards were presented to several exemplary women:
- Charu Pragya (BJP) – Political Leadership
- Dr Pooja Chauhan – Higher Education
- Mahak Kasbekar – Media
- Ummul Kher (IAS) – Public Service
- Dr. Rachna – Academic Research
MD Pooja Priyamvada stressed that leadership by a few does not imply full equality. “This platform recognizes women who’ve carved leadership roles despite adversity, becoming role models for others.”
CEO Vivek Satyamitra added, “Only 18.3% of senior roles in India are held by women. In sectors like real estate, it’s just 14%. These awards are not just recognition, they’re a call to action.”
About Bharat Dialogues
Bharat Dialogues actively fosters inclusive conversations and promotes transformative leadership across India.
Through initiatives like the Women Leadership Awards, it aims to spotlight stories of courage, innovation, and empowerment, inspiring a culture that uplifts women in all spheres.
Also Read: CMD Upendrra Rai Speaks On Womanhood, Wisdom, & The Future At Bharat Dialogues 2025
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