International Women’s Day Awareness & Mahila Gaurav Samman Ceremony 2026

Under the esteemed guidance and energetic leadership of Gokul President Shri Mohan Jaguri Ji, Gokul organized an Awareness Programme and Mahila Gaurav Samman Ceremony on the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026 at Hotel N.J. Portico, Dehradun.

The ceremony was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Smt. Geeta Dhami, Founder, Seva Sankalp Foundation, by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Geeta Khanna, Chairperson, Uttarakhand Commission for Protection of Child Rights, as the Distinguished Guest, and Smt. Sunita Manjkhola, Councillor, Dalanwala, Dehradun, as the Special Guest.

As part of the annual celebration, Smt. Sonali Rawat, a person living with Muscular Dystrophy, and Ms. Sonam Barnwal, a person living with Cerebral Palsy, presented beautiful musical performances that added warmth and inspiration to the occasion.

An informative session on the importance and need for physiotherapy was delivered by Ms. Prashita Chand, M.P.T., Physiotherapist, highlighting the role of physiotherapy in improving mobility, independence, and quality of life for persons with disabilities.

The Mahila Gaurav Samman was presented to talented women with disabilities who have demonstrated excellence and determination in various fields, including sports, self-employment, and other areas of achievement. The award celebrated their inspiring journeys and recognized the strength, courage, and resilience reflected in their lives.

Women who have emerged as inspiring examples of women’s empowerment in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand were also felicitated. Special recognition was given to women who have achieved self-reliance through self-employment in the hilly regions, contributed towards the preservation of traditional Uttarakhandi culture, and continuously supported the social and service-oriented initiatives of Gokul.

The event also featured stalls showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of women from Purola, Uttarkashi; Karnaprayag and Tapovan, Chamoli; and Dehradun. The stalls displayed a variety of traditional hill products, Ringal handicrafts, and traditional Pahadi jewellery, providing these women with an opportunity to showcase their skills and promote their products. Bajaj Capital Ltd. also participated in the event with an information stall.

The programme was conducted by Smt. Kanak Negi, educationist and senior member of Gokul; Smt. Charu Rana, a senior member of Gokul, educationist, multi-faceted personality, and dedicated exponent of classical dance; and Smt. Sushma Badthwal, educationist, theatre personality, and melodious singer.

The celebration was a meaningful tribute to the strength, talent, resilience, dignity, and achievements of women, particularly women with disabilities, while also highlighting the importance of empowerment, self-reliance, inclusion, and preservation of Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage.