NEW DELHI: “Devi means shakti. And the manifestation of this shakti happens in various forms. Devi manifests herself in each being in different forms. Today these awardees here are a source of inspiration for the society at large. Other Devis would also be motivated by them,” said Union Minister for Home Rajnath Singh.
The cold chilly December evening, decked up in warm hues of black, red, and white, was a reminder to all the women that each of them is nothing short of a Phenomenal Woman. From going against tradition to fighting odds in life to giving to the society at large to envisioning a better tomorrow, the Devis who were felicitated proved that if you have a dream and are willing to go that extra length, everything is possible.
Amidst a galaxy of achievers, the Kamal Mahal at ITC Maurya reverberated with power as these enigmatic women from all walks of life came together to cheer each other at The Sunday Standard’s fourth edition of the Devi Awards on December 18. In his welcome address, Prabhu Chawla, Editorial Director of The New Indian Express (of which The Sunday Standard is a part), said, “I believe that without Devis, Devtas would not exist. That is the reason we are felicitating Devis today.”
In this 21st century, our country still battles many gender disparities, but the Devi perseveres. She walks tall with her head held high and is not cowered down by hurdles. She takes on the world in her own manner and proves her mettle every time. Little wonder then that former US First Lady Michelle Obama had said: “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”
Recipients of Devi Awards
Bharti Gandhi: Educationist
Her City Montessori School, Lucknow, is a Guinness World Record holder for being the world’s largest.
Gauri Shinde: Film Director
Made her directorial debut in 2012 with the much-acclaimed English Vinglish.
Hemalatha Annamalai: Entrepreneur
Founder and CEO of Ampere Vehicles. Her e-vehicles cater to the differently abled.
Kiran Chopra: Social Entrepreneur
Founder of Varishth Nagrik Kesari Club. She is working on the concept of ‘adopting the elderly’, and invites people to contribute.
Masaba Gupta: Fashion Designer
Her House of Masaba is a big brand in India, the Middle East, Silicon Valley & Singapore.
Neerja Birla: Educationist & Mental Hea. Activist
Founder-chairperson of Mpower. Hopes to alleviate the stigma about mental illness and provide care to affected ones.
Poonam Mahajan: Animal Advocate
The Lok Sabha MP’s efforts for animal welfare and environmental conservation are noteworthy.
Ritu Dalmia: Chef & Restaurateur
Co-owner of six restaurants in Delhi and a one in Italy. Was awarded Ordine della Stella d’Italia, Italy’s highest civilian honour.
Rohini Iyer: Celebrity Image Consultant
Founder and director of Raindrop Media. Has a team of over 50 in Mumbai and Delhi. Plans offices in London, Dubai and LA.
Sangita Jindal: Art Impresario
Set up The Jindal Arts Centre in 1992 NCPA, Mumbai. Helped in restoration work at Hampi temple complex in Karnataka.
Sonia Narang: IPS Officer
Accomplished IPS officer from 2002 batch of Karnataka cadre. Became the first female Superintendent of Police of Belgaum.
Sushmita Dev: Politician & Social Campaigner
She’s keen on the development of the North-East. This year, she started the ‘Women for 33%’ campaign.