The night witnessed the crowning of three major international titleholders: Geetanjali Lenka as Mrs India Millennium World 2026, Rekha Paladee as Mrs India Millennium Universe 2026, and Meenu Singh as Woman of the Universe India 2026, who will represent India on global stages.

Behind the scenes, Mrinalini Bhardwaj, Saee Khalate, Mrunali Tayade, Madhavi Ghosh, and Paulyn Kasote worked tirelessly to ensure precision, elegance, and seamless execution of the grand finale.

Organisers stated that Mrs Maharashtra has evolved into a prestigious platform that nurtures confidence, leadership, and purpose, enabling women to step into global arenas with strength and authenticity.

Elite Category
3rd Runner Up: Smita Gulhane
2nd Runner Up: Rakhi Jain
1st Runner Up: Dr. Sunita Tondge
Winner: Shilpa Sudhakaran

Gold Category
3rd Runner Up: Megha Kendrekar
2nd Runner Up: Virja Shah
1st Runner Up: Dr. Shivani Naik
Winner: Pranjali Bhonde

Silver Category
3rd Runner Up: Bhupali Rane
2nd Runner Up: Lata Pandey
1st Runner Up: Ridma Kakani
Winner: Aarti Borole

Winner Curvy: Pooja Falor

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PUNE:  Cognizant Foundation India marked a significant milestone of 20 years of transformative social impact across the country with a commemorative event at Cognizant Technology Solutions India (Deccan Campus), Pune. The event brought together over 300 attendees, including partner NGOs, Cognizant leaders, associates, Cognizant Outreach volunteers, and key stakeholders to celebrate the Foundation’s enduring legacy of collaboration, innovation, and lasting social change.

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of The Light That Lives On, a commemorative book featuring real-life stories of individuals whose lives have been positively impacted through the Foundation’s initiatives in education, healthcare, and livelihoods. These powerful narratives highlight the transformative change that can happen when communities, technology, and purposeful action converge.

“Real change doesn’t happen overnight—it happens when people unite around a shared purpose and stay committed over time,” said Kasturi Balaji, Director, Cognizant Foundation. “For me, that’s what Cognizant Foundation stands for: two decades of unwavering dedication to transforming lives through healthcare, education, and livelihood initiatives. Today’s theme—Inclusive Education. Empowered Future is more than a statement; it’s a call to action.“

This commemorative event in Pune marks the successful conclusion of the Foundation’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, which spanned across India, beginning with Chennai, followed by Gurugram, and Bengaluru. These celebrations collectively recognized two decades of powerful impact, during which Cognizant Foundation implemented over 600 projects in collaboration with more than 300 NGO partners, touching the lives of millions across India.

“The Light That Lives On is more than a commemorative book—it’s a testament to our shared purpose and progress,” said Narayanan T, General Counsel, India & APAC, Cognizant, and Director, Cognizant Foundation.  “As we unveil it today, we reaffirm our commitment to building inclusive futures and ensuring that the light we celebrate continues to shine.”

The event featured inspiring personal stories from individuals whose lives have been positively transformed through the Foundation’s initiatives.

The event culminated with a special ceremony –Celebrating Shared Impact – honoring partner NGOs and agency partners for their outstanding contributions to the Foundation’s mission of enabling access, equity, and excellence in education. Participating organizations included:

Tata Institute of Social Sciences, College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan, Bright Future, Pratham Education Foundation, Y4D Foundation, Committed Communities Development Trust, Hyderabad Eye Institute (LV Prasad), PBMA’s H V Desai Eye Hospital, Pune, R Jhunjhunwala Sankara Eye Hospital, Sankara Jyoti Eye Institute, SGS India Private Limited, Lok Bharti Education Society, Muktangan Education Trust, Helen Keller Institute for Deaf & Deafblind, Room To Read India Trust, Vidnyanvahini, SoulAce, SGS, Adsvita, Shobiz, AVIAN We.

Distinguished dignitaries in attendance included Narayanan T, General Counsel, India & APAC, Cognizant, and Board of Directors, Cognizant Foundation, Kasturi Balaji, Board of Directors, Cognizant Foundation, and Abhijit Datar, Global Delivery Head, IOT Practice, Cognizant.

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BENGALURU: In keeping with the theme of International Women’s Day, “Accelerate Action,” DKMS Foundation India encourages empowering women to take leadership roles in creating awareness about stem cell donation and registering as potential stem cell donors.

The Foundation also celebrates three remarkable young women who dared to choose an untrodden path and, in doing so, gave patients battling life-threatening blood cancer and blood disorders a second chance at life! Three families experienced profound relief thanks to their compassionate stem cell donations.

Only 0.09% of the Indian population of the relevant age group is registered as blood stem cell donors. Only a few Indian female donors come forward to register as potential stem cell donors and donate due to family and societal restrictions. Misconceptions about health and fertility often prevent women from taking this step. Additionally, lack of awareness and misinformation about the stem cell donation process discourage them. DKMS Foundation India works to dispel such myths and misconceptions so that more patients can find matched unrelated stem cell donors.

Patrick Paul, spokesperson at DKMS Foundation India, says, “Women are now emerging as key contributors to the lifesaving donor pool. Their decision to register and donate is not just an act of kindness but a powerful statement of empowerment and change. 31% of potential blood stem cell donors registered with DKMS are female, and we hope more women will join our lifesavers squad.”

Navya Dhatri Vadde (22), a student from Hyderabad, registered as a potential blood stem cell donor approximately four years ago, inspired by her grandmother’s battle with leukemia. When she got the call in mid-2024 that she was a match, her initial reaction was disbelief. She embraced the opportunity to save a life. Navya traveled to Bangalore for the donation with her sister, overcoming her family’s concerns. After the procedure, her family beamed with pride, and her friends, moved by her act, showed interest in registering too. “A small act of kindness can change a life. Donating my blood stem cells was a moment of clarity—knowing that my pain was temporary, but my recipient’s hope could be lifelong. To every woman out there, I would say we have the power to heal, save, and inspire. Let’s take that step towards a better world, one donation at a time.” says Navya.

Jahnvi Parmar (36) signed up as a potential blood stem cell donor at a registration drive organized in Pune in 2020. A few months later,  She got the chance to donate her stem cells.  Jahnvi says, “When I first registered as a potential blood stem cell donor, I never imagined I would get the chance actually to save a life. But when the call came, there was no second thought—I knew this was my moment to help. The process was surprisingly simple and non-invasive, and knowing that my donation could give someone a second chance at life made it all worth it. If more people step forward, we can make a real difference. Every registration counts.”

Loni Lipsa Sahoo (24), a lawyer from Rourkela, Odisha, registered as a potential blood stem cell donor in 2021 after coming across an awareness post on social media during the lockdown. She traveled from Rourkela to Bangalore for the donation, supported by her mother and the DKMS Foundation India care team. “Registering as a blood stem cell donor was an instinctive decision—I didn’t overthink it; I just knew it was the right thing to do. When I was told I was a match, there was no hesitation. The process was simple and non-invasive, but the impact was life-changing. I stood my ground despite initial resistance; in the end, my family stood by me, too. Knowing that my donation could be a turning point in someone’s life is a feeling beyond words. If we can save a life, why shouldn’t we?” Loni asks.

“By sharing these real-life stories, we hope to inspire more women to take this powerful step,” says Patrick. “Every donor added to the registry increases the hope for patients desperately waiting for a match. Together, we can create a future where patients do not have to wait in uncertainty and give them a second chance at life!” he adds.

The Urgent Need for More Stem Cell Donors

Every five minutes, someone in India is diagnosed with a blood cancer or blood disorder. Many of them are children and young adults whose only hope for survival is a stem cell transplant from an HLA-matched donor. Unfortunately, India faces a significant shortage of registered stem cell donors, especially among women.

A successful transplant depends on finding a donor with a matching HLA type, which is determined by genetic markers. Since HLA types are inherited, patients are most likely to find a match within their ethnic community. However, with Indians being severely underrepresented in global and national registries, the odds of finding a compatible donor remain low.

On this International Women’s Day, DKMS Foundation India calls upon young, healthy individuals aged 18-55 to register as potential blood stem cell donors.

Registering is easy. Visit https://www.dkms-india.org/register-now to order your free home swab kit and join the movement to save lives.

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The fourth phase of the ‘Asmita’ program, focusing on girl empowerment, was inaugurated on International Girl Child Day by the Rotary Club of Bibwewadi. The event took place at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Kharadi. Since its inception in 2019, supported by the CSR department of GTPL, the program has helped over one lakh girls across five states.

During the event, B.P.K (Bob) Shah, a senior entrepreneur, and philanthropist, was honored with the ‘Vocational Service Award’ from the Rotary Club of Bibwewadi in the august presence of Sonali Kulkarni, Divya Momaya- Director of CSR GTPL, Saurabh Banerjee – CFO, GTPL, Sheetal Shah – District Governor 3131, Nitin Dhamale – Governor Elect, Mohan Palesha & Pankaj Shah – former District Governors, Manasi Shah – President, Bibwewadi Club, and project coordinators Dr. Jignesh Pandya and Dr. Prachi Pandya along with Bhavin Desai & Nikhil Bhalerao.

In her speech, Kulkarni reflected, “My generation was not even aware of the term mental health, let alone the concept. Today’s generation is lucky to be informed about these issues, and they have the knowledge and resources to address them. The presence of councilors in their schools is a significant change.”

Kulkarni expressed her gratitude for the solid support system she received from her parents, brothers, and a supportive husband throughout her career. She feels fortunate to have had great friends and colleagues in the film industry. Her mentors taught her to remain sensitive and act with integrity, allowing her to work honestly without comparing herself to male cofactors, which has made a significant difference in her journey.

Manasi Shah, while providing details about the initiative, stated, “For the past five years, our club has been working to raise awareness among girl students about menstruation, sexual violence, self-defence, cyberbullying, and financial literacy. We have successfully reached out to about one lakh girls across 200 locations and aim to reach an additional fifty thousand in the coming year. Considering the importance of mental health, the fourth phase will focus on the mental well-being of college girls and provide both theoretical and practical knowledge to them.”

Divya Momaya emphasized the need for women to become financially independent and highlighted the challenges women face in corporate settings. She noted, “When a woman in the household is educated, the entire family benefits, but when she ventures into business and becomes financially independent, she shapes the next generation.”

B.P.K (Bob) Shah shared insights about his journey and the global work done with Rotary. The event began with a prayer by Ahana Bhalerao, followed by the opening remarks from Manasi Shah. Dr. Jignesh Pandya hosted the proceedings, and Bhavin Desai presented the vote of thanks.

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Pankaj Sharma, President, of The Lexicon Group of Institutes, Chairman & MD, Pune Times Mirror, Civic Mirror, and MultiFit, remarked, “At Lexicon IMA, we believe in nurturing not just technical skills but also fostering thoughtful leadership and a commitment to social progress. ‘Charting Paths – Insights from Trailblazers’ exemplifies this philosophy by showcasing the journeys of these remarkable women. Their stories not only inspire our students but also equip them with valuable insights and a broader perspective on the media industry. This event emphasizes the importance of continuous upskilling and empowers our students to become the changemakers of tomorrow.”

The event was graced by the presence of exceptional women who shared their journeys and invaluable advice:

• Ms. Pratibha Chandran, Multimedia Editor, Navabharat Digital, who is on a mission to train 1,00,000 individuals in mobile journalism (MOJO) and content marketing, urged students to choose mentors wisely and embrace lifelong learning.
• Ms. Saina Ruzbeh Bharucha, Permanent Trustee, India Vision Foundation, highlighted the importance of celebrating uniqueness, supporting other women, and staying resilient in the face of challenges.
• Ms. Prachi Dabhal Deb, an International Cake Artist, encouraged patience, hard work, and consistency as essential virtues for success.
• Ms. Sheetal Agarwal, Founder, of Clownselors Foundation, remarked that bringing smiles to others’ faces is a process of self-healing.
• Ms. Preeti Roongta, Co-Founder & COO, of Lex Visas, India, urged individuals to break the mold and dream big.
• Ms. Leena Saldanha, Founder, of The Red Tree Design Studio, emphasized the integral role of communication, stating, “Wanting to Listen is the most important part of communication. Learn why to communicate and how to communicate.” Ms. Saldanha further elaborated on the 3 R’s of Commercial Communication: Reach, Regard, and Return.
• Dr. Caroline Audoir de Velter, Founder, of Hope for The Children Foundation, emphasized the importance of education for all and working towards making women independent and self-reliant.  

With thought-provoking ideas aimed at inspiring a more diverse and fair future, the speakers left a lasting impact on all attendees.

Nasir Shaikh, Group Chief Executive Officer, The Lexicon Group of Institutes, EduCrack, & EasyRecruit+, added, “At The Lexicon Group of Institutes, we cultivate more than just technical skills; we foster thoughtful leadership and a dedication to social progress. ‘Charting Paths – Insights from Trailblazers’ embodies this ethos by showcasing remarkable women who inspire and equip our students with invaluable insights. This event underscores the significance of continuous upskilling, empowering our students to become tomorrow’s changemakers. We are excited to announce the addition of Media & Animation as an elective subject of our PGDM program at Lexicon MILE. This addition will equip our students with specialized skills highly sought-after in today’s dynamic media industry.”

The event served as an amalgamation of thoughts, ideas, and inspiration, providing individuals with the tools and motivation to aspire and grow.

Dipta Joshi, Principal, Lexicon IMA, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “‘Charting Paths – Insights from Trailblazers’ underscored the vital importance of fostering an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender or background, can flourish professionally. The thought-provoking insights from the accomplished women served as a powerful call to action, aiming to inspire and empower the next generation to break down barriers and contribute to a more diverse and equitable media landscape.”

By cultivating an environment for discussion, inspiration, and the exchange of knowledge, Lexicon IMA is nurturing and upskilling its students with the necessary perspectives to contribute to a more representative and impactful media landscape.

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The comprehensive training focused on pivotal aspects such as situational awareness, effective communication, practical self-defense techniques, and the cultivation of presence of mind and mental and emotional stability. With a commitment to holistic education, The Lexicon Schools recognized the importance of empowering its community members with the tools to navigate the complexities of personal safety.

“The Women’s Safety Training Session at The Lexicon International School exemplifies the institution’s commitment to cultivating a community that thrives on empowerment. It underscores the belief that empowerment isn’t a passive state but an ongoing journey, urging all to embrace the skills and knowledge needed for personal safety with courage and conviction,” says Pankaj Sharma, President, of The Lexicon Group of Institutes.

The session fostered active participation as students and parents engaged in hands-on training, gaining essential skills to navigate various safety scenarios effectively. The notion that empowerment lies in proactive preparedness rather than reactive vulnerability was a key theme throughout the session. A significant takeaway from the event is the call to be safe, secure, and balanced and to spread awareness about women’s safety.

“Safety isn’t just a destination; it’s a mindset we cultivate. The Women’s Safety Training session served as a pivotal guide, empowering us to proactively prepare for any situation and ensuring we thrive in a secure and supportive environment. This commitment to safety fosters a culture where individuals can flourish with confidence,” says Nasir Shaikh, Group Chief Executive Officer, of The Lexicon Group of Institutes.

By championing these principles, The Lexicon Schools are not only nurturing academic excellence but also fostering a community that values and prioritizes the well-being of its members.

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The book, which translates to “Youth Enthusiasm,” aims to inspire and motivate young people to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. It is a collection of stories and anecdotes that highlight the struggles and successes of young people from different walks of life.

According to the author, the book is a tribute to the youth of Maharashtra and aims to encourage them to take charge of their lives and make a positive impact on society. The book has been well-received by readers, who have praised its inspirational content and engaging writing style.

Punnyut Jhallyut described the book as a “must-read for all young people who want to make a difference in the world.” Another reader, Mimlindaa Jashaa, praised the book for its “powerful message of hope and determination.“

The book has also received praise from prominent figures in Maharashtra, including Igrjaa Bhaasscyu and Rajadakshit himself. Bhaasscyu described the book as a “valuable resource for young people,” while Rajadakshit expressed his gratitude for the positive feedback and support.

Overall, “Yuvaakshobhag” is a timely and important book that offers valuable insights and inspiration for young people in Maharashtra and beyond. Its message of empowerment and motivation is sure to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

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PUNE: “When triggering cases like Nirbhaya happen, the immediacy to take faster, deeper, and long-term measures for women empowerment becomes of utmost importance,” opined Meenakshi Seshadri, a well-known actress. She also drew parallels between Goddess Durga wielding a weapon against Mahishasura to the initiative of Project ‘Asmita’ by the Rotary Club of Bibwewadi which helps to empower young daughters from diverse backgrounds to be confident and courageous against Physical and Mental Abuse.

Meenakshi Seshadri was present as the Chief Guest for the launch of the third phase of Project ‘Asmita’ organized by the Rotary Club of Bibwewadi on International Daughter’s Day at the O Hotel, Koregaon Park.

Dignitaries like Divya Momaya; Independent Director and CSR Head, GTPL Hathway Ltd, Hardik Sanghvi, Manjoo Phadke; District Governor RID3131, Jinal Shah; a nutritionist and TEDx Speaker, and others were present on the occasion. Divya Momaya from GTPL Hathway Ltd. was honored with a vocational service award.

“I have personally encountered a few incidents of physical molestation at different stages in my life. These experiences have not only shaped me and have become a testament to the strength and resilience within but have also ignited the fire of determination within me. I have assertively stood up for myself and have turned my vulnerability into self-empowerment. Over the years, I have also realized that I am my hero when it comes to self-protection,” shared Meenakshi Seshadri.

“In my school days, I used to be scared of coming in front of people and was petrified of public speaking. That is when I found my refuge in the Leadership Training Service (LTS), an organization based in Delhi, to bring a positive transformation to my personality. Similarly, Daughter Empowerment Projects like ‘Asmita’ also transform women from being vulnerable to confident and from proactive to empowered. I am happy to be associated with Rotary for this initiative, which is equipping daughters with knowledge, skills, and tools to defend themselves,” she further added.

“This year, our training program places an exclusive emphasis on empowering college daughters. Our comprehensive curriculum covers vital topics like Financial Literacy, Mental Health, Technological Proficiency, and Self-Empowerment through Self-Defense. Participants will not only gain valuable knowledge but also receive practical resources, including informative booklets and essential safety tools such as pepper spray, multi-vitamin supplements, and whistles. A noteworthy feature of this phase is the integration of technology to enhance the learning experience. Specially curated videos presented on tablets will add an engaging dimension to the training,’ said Nikhil Bhalerao, President of the Rotary Club of Bibwewadi while sharing the third phase plans of Project Asmita for the year 2023-2024.

Project Asmita was started in 2019 and has spread across 200 different locations in more than five states so far. It has benefited more than 80,000 daughters from various backgrounds until now. They are given education about Menstruation, Sexual Abuse, Social Media Bullying, Mental Health, etc. which empowers the young daughters.

Jinal Shah, a member of Team Rujuta Divekar, and also the Keynote Speaker for the event threw light upon the subject of “Taking care of your health while taking care of your community.”

The post It is necessary to have faster, deeper, and long-term measures for women empowerment – Meenakshi Seshadri appeared first on NRI News.

While Dr. Anindita Ghosh, put light on the facts and figures and changing scenarios of women empowerment in India, Yolanda Curry gave facts that over 60% of college degrees rewarded in the United States are earned by women in education, health services, and social security. She emphasized the difference between equality and equity. She believed women should support women – ‘each one, reach one’. Nikki Proutsos recognized MAFS for proving meals to seniors during the pandemic. She profusely thanked Mrs. Santosh Kumar and Roshita for doing all the public benefit programs, hot dinner programs, and social security for more than 30 years. She shared her favorite quote that says ‘A man is a head, and a woman is a neck, and she can turn the head anywhere she wants’.

The event showcased powerful dance performances on the theme of “Nari shakti” or “women empowerment” by MAFS/UMAS seniors ad staff. A humorous Hindi play with a moral/life lesson was also staged by the seniors. It had the audience in splits. The last and the most awaited segment was the giving away of the “Woman of Substance Awards”. The awardees were MAFS/UMAS staff and partners from across departments and roles. They were women who inspire others with their hard work, commitment, and passion for work, both on the professional and personal front. The audience cheered for all the awardees and overall, the event was a big success in celebrating the spirit of womanhood.

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