Archana Astitwa Awards 2017

~ a platform that celebrates women ~

Mumbai: The 8th edition of Astitwa Awards hosted by Archana Foundation was held in Mumbai today, on the eve of Women’s day. The Archana Astitwa awards make a delightful and impactful presentation to carry the Archana Foundation legacy forward.

Smt. Amruta Fadnavis graced the evening as the Chief Guest and we witnessed an amazing participation of eminent women including Smt. Rajashree Birla, Smt. Sangita Jindal, Smt.Vijaya Piramal, Smt.Nafisa Khorakiwala, Smt. Ruchira Agarwal, Zarine Khan,  Shruti Sancheti, Ms. Abha Narain Lambha etc.

The evening was a mélange of educative and informative talks, an elegant fashion show by Anju Modi & Farah Khan Ali, the awards presentation and some enjoyable music. The awards were organised celebrate women who have contributed to society in their own way. Archana Astitwa Award is a platform that celebrates women who have not only achieved accolades in their chosen fields, but have also used that as a means to give back to society and help the underprivileged through their efforts.  

Ms.Amruta Fadnavis presented the award to Dr.Malathi Krishnamurthy Holla for her contribution to the society despite being differently abled. She is a Padma Shri & Arjuna Awardee; Malathi is an international para-athlete from Bangalore. She is also the fastest Indian female on a wheel chair. She started participating in various games at college, and today she has taken part in various international events including the Para-Olympics. 

Ms.Nafisa Khorakhiwala presented the award to Ms Dilfaroze Qazi for passionately expanding the cause of education and vocational training for women in Srinagar, Kashmir, despite close shaves with death and the kidnapping of her family members in the valley.

Ms.Sangita Jindal presented the award to Ms Abha Narain Lambah for being involved with the restoration of the most iconic monuments in the country.

Smt.Vijaya Piramal presented the award to Ms Shruti Sancheti for working tirelessly to revive traditional Indian weaves and the indigenous handloom industry. Fashion for her is not just as a means for dressing up the affording but using it as a means to give back to the artisans and weavers who make our fashion possible.

Ms Upasana Makati was awarded the Archana Astitwa Award for using her management, enterprise and entrepreneurship skills to give back to society. Makati invented White Print, India’s only English magazine in braille as a service to the blind.

For their outstanding contribution to the society under the social services category, the following women were awarded:

· Ms. Pooja Taparia for her outstanding work on the issue of Child Sexual Abuse.

· Ms Elizabeth Mehta. - For her incredible contribution in the field of education for the underprivileged with     Muktangan over the last 13 years

· Ms Shalini Jatia for her noteworthy contribution to cancer victims via the Tata Memorial Hospital.

· Ms Priti Patkar - For her remarkable efforts on the issue of human trafficking and her dedication to change      and touch lives working in the red light districts of Mumbai.