Eight women honoured with Navdurga Awards 2026 in Pune, MLA Chetan Tupe chief guest

The Navdurga Awards 2026 ceremony was held in Pune recently, with great enthusiasm and a warm atmosphere. It was organised jointly by Manuski Foundation and Giants Group of Pune Main. Women who have done notable work in different fields were honoured with the Navdurga Award.

The women honoured for their contribution to art, sport, social work, business and other fields are film actress Asawari Tare, national swimmer and singer Shringeri Bhavsar, Shweta Limaye, social workers Rakhi Raskar and Jaya Joshi, Akanksha Wagh, entrepreneur and beautician Manjusha Deshmukh, Aarti Tai Karanjawane and Mansi Chandgadkar.

Pune's sitting MLA Chetan Tupe attended as chief guest. In his introductory remarks and address, he said, "Like the different forms of the goddess, today's Navdurgas are at the forefront of work in society. Despite ours being a male-dominated culture, women should get respect and recognition in every field and their participation should grow, and all of us should insist on this."

Former MLA Ulhas Dada Pawar, who is fond of literature and art, was also present as a chief guest. He recounted some inspiring episodes from the lives of the late former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, which set the audience thinking.

Dr Anil Mali, member of the central committee of Giants Welfare Foundation, past president Dr Suvarna Mali, Dr Rajendra Bhavalkar, founder president of Manuski Foundation, and Chhaya Tai Bhagat, founder of Suryoday Old Age Home, were on the dais. Suresh Dhanawade, Rasika Bhavalkar, Yuvraj Disle, Madhukarnika Saswade, Jitendra Barate, Suvarna Kane, Nisha Pachorkar, Ashok Jagtap and Dilip Karampuri were among the many others who attended in large numbers.

While receiving their honours, the awardees spoke and thanked the organisers. The programme was conducted by Suvarna Jadhav, and Rasika Bhavalkar proposed the vote of thanks at the end. The ceremony gave the women present fresh inspiration and positive energy.