Impact to Inspiration! Women Shaping the Nation for Viksit Bharat 2047 Take Centre Stage at 5th NAREDCO Mahi Convention

Impact to Inspiration! Women Shaping the Nation for Viksit Bharat 2047 Take Centre Stage at 5th NAREDCO Mahi Convention

New Delhi [India], June 30: The 5th NAREDCO Mahi Real Estate Convention 2026 was held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, on June 20, in association with Bharat Buildcon 2026, bringing together women leaders, developers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry stakeholders to celebrate five years of NAREDCO Mahi’s journey in advancing women’s participation and leadership in the real estate sector. Held under the theme, “Breaking the Perception Ceiling: Women Shaping the Nation for Viksit Bharat 2047”, the convention highlighted the critical role of women in driving economic growth, sustainable development and nation-building.

The convention commenced with a ceremonial lamp-lighting ceremony graced by Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister of Labour & Employment, Govt of India; Hon’ble Shri Rana Suryawanshi, Founder of Rana Shipping Company and a distinguished businessman, philanthropist, and social activist known for his contributions across shipping, healthcare, wellness, and education; Her Excellency Ms Jacquline Mukanagira, High Commissioner of Rwanda to India; Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat, Former Chairperson, Khadi Village Industries Board (J&K), Govt. of India; Smt. Smita Patil, President, NAREDCO Mahi; Shri Parveen Jain, President, NAREDCO; Shri Rajan Bandelkar, Former Vice Chairman, NAREDCO; Dr. Ananta Raghuvanshi, Chairperson, NAREDCO Mahi, and Smt. Chitra S. Jain, President-Elect, NAREDCO Mahi; along with other eminent dignitaries.

The ceremony symbolized the collective commitment of industry leaders towards fostering greater inclusion, empowering women leaders, and creating meaningful opportunities for women in the real estate sector, while advancing the vision of a more equitable and progressive industry.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister of Labour & Employment, Govt of India, said that “women are not merely stakeholders in India’s growth story but architects of the nation’s future. He stated that the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 cannot be achieved without the full participation, leadership and economic contribution of women across sectors, including real estate. Women are not just stakeholders in India’s growth story; they are the architects of it.”

The convention also witnessed the presence of former Union Minister Smt. Smriti Irani, who addressed the gathering and spoke about the importance of women empowerment and the need for greater participation of women in leadership, entrepreneurship and decision-making roles. Her address encouraged delegates to continue breaking barriers and creating pathways for future generations of women professionals and entrepreneurs.

Welcoming the delegates, Smt. Smita Patil, President, NAREDCO Mahi, reflected on the organisation’s five-year journey from an initiative to a nationwide movement of women leaders in real estate. She highlighted NAREDCO Mahi’s focus on skill development, mentorship, sustainability, entrepreneurship and social impact, emphasizing that empowering women through confidence and leadership creates lasting transformation.”

A key highlight of the convention was the fireside chat, “Power of Possibilities: Breaking Barriers, Building Viksit Bharat 2047”, featuring former Union Minister Smt. Smriti Irani and Smt. Smita Patil, President, NAREDCO Mahi. The discussion focused on the transformative role of women in leadership, business and social development, while emphasising the need to create greater opportunities for women to contribute meaningfully to India’s growth story and nation-building efforts.

In another fireside chat titled “Empowerment or Expectation? Rethinking Gender Equality in Modern Society,” celebrated wrestler Smt. Geeta Phogat said that women must recognize their inherent strengths, break free from self-imposed limitations, and seize every opportunity with confidence. Sharing her personal journey of overcoming societal barriers, she said that determination, discipline, and self-belief are the key drivers of success. Underscoring the importance of gender equality and inclusive growth, Captain Shivani Kalra, Pilot, Etihad Airways who became the poster girl after successful completion of Operation Ganga, said that women must actively support and uplift one another to create a stronger ecosystem of leadership and opportunity. She stressed that societal perceptions need to evolve, adding that women are capable of excelling in every profession and leadership role when provided equal opportunities and encouragement.

The convention hosted a thought-provoking panel on “Global Pathways to Sustainable Social Development and Self-Sufficient Cities,” focusing on fostering international collaborations and building future-ready urban ecosystems. The discussion featured Shri Durga Shanker Mishra, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs; Shri Nitin Khade, IAS, Joint Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development; and Dr. Ananta S. Raghuvanshi, Chairperson, NAREDCO Mahi, with Mr. A. Shankar, India Head – Government Advisory & Infrastructure Solutions, JLL India, moderating the discussion. The panel deliberated on sustainable urbanisation, resilient infrastructure, international partnerships and inclusive growth as key drivers of future-ready cities. Addressing the gathering, Shri Nitin Khade called for exploring alternative development models that strengthen rural economies while supporting sustainable urbanisation.

A panel discussion on “Skilling and Sustainability: Building a Future-Ready Workforce for Real Estate” focused on empowering talent with future-focused skills and sustainable practices to transform the real estate sector. Another panel discussion on “Her Legacy, His Foundation: Redefining Leadership in Family Real Estate” explored the evolving dynamics of leadership, succession and innovation in family-run businesses, highlighting the synergy between tradition and modern business practices in shaping enduring real estate legacies.

The convention also marked the launch of the skilling initiative, “SkillHER by NAREDCO Mahi,” aimed at empowering women through capacity building and professional development. The initiative was launched by Smt. Smriti Irani, Former Union Minister; Smt. Geeta Phogat, Professional Wrestler; Her Excellency Ms. Jacquline Mukanagira, High Commissioner of Rwanda to India; Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat, Former Chairperson, Khadi Village Industries Board (J&K), Government of India; and Smt. Shilpa Sukumar, Vice President (South), NAREDCO Mahi. The convention also celebrated the spirit of women leadership by honouring the “Mahi Sheroes” for their exemplary contributions across diverse fields, with the awards presented by Smt. Smriti Irani, recognizing women whose achievements and leadership continue to inspire and drive positive change.

The convention was organised with the support of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. Adani Cement was the Presenting Sponsor, Rana Shipping Company the Title Sponsor, and TECHNOCRAFT the Powered by Sponsor. Signature Global and NBCC were the Gold and Silver Sponsors, respectively, while Saint-Gobain was the Lunch & High Tea Sponsor. ARQONZ.COM, Craft Group, Infracorp, MNB, PROPCHK, SPJ, and Square Yards joined as Supporting Partners, with BRICS as the Association Partner, JLL as the Knowledge Partner, and Magicbricks as the Communication Partner.

The convention concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing women’s leadership and fostering greater participation of women in decision-making across industries. Reinforcing the vision of an inclusive and sustainable India, the event underscored NAREDCO Mahi’s unwavering dedication to empowering women, nurturing future leaders, and creating meaningful opportunities that will contribute to the realization of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Dr. Nirmal Singh Leads Anmol Sewa Foundation’s Mission to Build Sustainable Villages Through Agriculture and Community Leadership

Dr. Nirmal Singh Leads Anmol Sewa Foundation’s Mission to Build Sustainable Villages Through Agriculture and Community Leadership

From overcoming childhood adversity to leading a grassroots movement, Dr. Nirmal Singh is helping farmers, empowering women, inspiring rural youth and promoting climate-smart agriculture.

Success is often measured by wealth, titles or professional achievements. Dr. Nirmal Singh believes it should instead be measured by the number of lives improved. As the Founder of Anmol Sewa Foundation, he has dedicated his journey to creating sustainable opportunities for rural communities through agriculture, education and social development.

Early Life and Foundations of Leadership

Growing up in a village after losing his father at an early age, Dr. Singh experienced the realities of rural hardship firsthand. Daily responsibilities such as farming, caring for livestock and walking long distances for education shaped his character and strengthened his resolve. Rather than allowing those challenges to define his future, he transformed them into the foundation of his leadership.

Education became a powerful tool for change. While remaining deeply connected to his farming roots, Dr. Singh pursued higher studies and developed expertise in education, communication and rural development. Instead of leaving village life behind, he chose to bring his knowledge back to the communities that had shaped him.

Strategic Collaborations for Climate-Smart Agriculture

Since 2005, Dr. Nirmal Singh has maintained a close professional association with Dr. M. L. Jat and has worked in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). These long-standing collaborations have strengthened the promotion of climate-smart agriculture, water conservation, crop residue management and advanced farm mechanisation at the grassroots level.

For over two decades, Dr. Singh has promoted environmentally responsible farming. His commitment to avoiding stubble burning, conserving water and adopting modern agricultural technologies demonstrates that productivity and environmental protection can go hand in hand. His work with national and international agricultural institutions has helped introduce innovative farming practices that benefit both farmers and the environment.

Core Pillars of Impact

Today, Anmol Sewa Foundation combines practical field experience with long-term community engagement to create measurable and lasting impact across several key domains:

  • Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting modern farm mechanisation, water conservation, and crop residue management to stop stubble burning.
  • Women Empowerment: Encouraging financial independence through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and livelihood training.
  • Youth Development: Motivating rural youth to pursue productive livelihoods and steer away from substance
  • Disaster Response: Actively engaging in emergencies from flood relief and rescue operations to rebuilding damaged homes and restoring community dignity.

Amplifying the Grassroots Movement

The Foundation was co-founded with renowned Punjabi singer Resham Singh Anmol, who also serves as its Brand Ambassador. His strong public connect and commitment to social causes help amplify awareness around sustainable agriculture, rural development, youth empowerment and community welfare, enabling the Foundation to reach wider audiences across India and the global Punjabi diaspora.

Unlike many development initiatives that remain limited to planning, the Foundation focuses entirely on implementation at the grassroots level, turning strategic frameworks into real-world change.

A Credible CSR Implementation Partner

As India places increasing emphasis on sustainable development and responsible corporate citizenship, Anmol Sewa Foundation has emerged as a highly credible implementation partner for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The Trust holds valid 12A, 80G, and CSR1 registrations, backed by robust audited financials. Its programmes align closely with Schedule VII priorities, offering companies transparent, community-driven projects in agriculture, livelihoods, environmental sustainability, women empowerment and rural development.

Anmol Sewa Foundation is a Registered Trust (Est. 21/10/2022).

Founder: Dr. Nirmal Singh (MA, M.Ed, M.Phil, PhD).

Co-founder & Brand Ambassador: Renowned Punjabi Singer, Mr. Resham Singh Anmol.

Nari Shakti Awards 2026 Honour Women Achievers; Nari Shakthi Forum Launched in Hyderabad

Nari Shakti Awards 2026 Honour Women Achievers; Nari Shakthi Forum Launched in Hyderabad

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], June 6: Women achievers from across India were felicitated at the Nari Shakti Awards 2026, jointly organized by GOADH Foundation and Bharat Ke Anmol at Hotel Marigold, Hyderabad, on Friday evening. The event celebrated women who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, resilience, and social impact across diverse sectors, while underscoring the vital role of women in nation-building and community development.

The chief guest of the programme was senior BJP leader and former MLC Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy. Distinguished guests included Amita Desai, Honorary Consul of Germany in Hyderabad; Shabana Sultana, Honorary Consul of Tunisia; Dr. Rohit Gupta, President of the Eurasia Afro Chamber of Commerce; and Dr. Geeta Singh, Director, University of Delhi.

During the ceremony, 35 women achievers from across India, representing fields such as public service, healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, media, social service, and community leadership, were honoured. Senior journalist and media entrepreneur Indrani Sarkar was honoured with the Nari Shakti Award 2026 for her contribution to journalism, women empowerment, leadership, and social service. The award recognised her commitment to women-centric reporting and community-focused journalism.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred upon former Karnataka Chief Secretary Ratna Prabha and Indukuri Nirmala Devi in recognition of their distinguished contributions and exemplary service.

Awards were also presented across various categories, including Corporate Leadership, Courage & Resilience, Community Service, Women Empowerment, Journalism & Media, Entrepreneurship, and Social Impact.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the launch of the Nari Shakthi Forum by Dr. Mohammad Nizamuddin, Founder of Bharat Ke Anmol. The forum has been envisioned as a dedicated platform to promote women’s leadership, empowerment, mentorship, and active participation in social and developmental initiatives.

The programme commenced with a special audio-visual presentation showcasing the vision, journey, and social initiatives of Dr. Mohammad Nizamuddin and Bharat Ke Anmol, followed by his keynote address.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Nizamuddin stated that the Nari Shakti Awards were instituted to recognize women whose courage, determination, and service inspire positive transformation in society. He emphasized that women’s empowerment is not merely a social objective but a national imperative and reaffirmed his commitment to creating platforms that recognize excellence, encourage leadership, and amplify the voices of women from all walks of life.

The organizers stated that both the Nari Shakti Awards and the newly launched Nari Shakthi Forum reflect the broader vision of Dr. Mohammad Nizamuddin to create sustainable platforms that recognise achievement, foster inclusion, and strengthen women’s leadership across society.

The ceremony concluded with the felicitation of dignitaries, presentation of awards, group photographs with awardees, and a collective pledge to advance the cause of women’s empowerment, leadership, and equal opportunity.

Founder Ritika Vinay caught Global media attention at Cannes 2026 as Ambassador of World Peace at closing ceremony under Mrs India Queen of Substance banner

Founder Ritika Vinay caught Global media attention at Cannes 2026 as Ambassador of World Peace at closing ceremony under Mrs India Queen of Substance banner

New Delhi [India], May 25: In a remarkable moment for India on the international stage, Ritika Vinay — Founder of Mrs India Queen of Substance, IIM Bangalore NSRCEL alumna, former Mrs Asia Pacific, and women empowerment entrepreneur — invited to walked the prestigious Cannes red carpet with a deeply meaningful message of World Peace, beautifully woven into an extraordinary couture creation celebrating Indian craftsmanship.

At a time when the world is witnessing conflict, unrest, and humanitarian challenges across nations, Ritika Vinay chose to use the globally celebrated Cannes red carpet not merely as a fashion platform, but as a voice for humanity, unity, and peace.

Her appearance is being celebrated as a proud moment globally as she has been covered by all international media as Peace Ambassador from India, where an Indian woman entrepreneur and pageant leader brought together fashion, Indian craftsmanship, and a global humanitarian message on one of the world’s biggest international red carpets.

The couture creation, conceptualized by Ritika Vinay herself under her brand MIQS Couture, Ritika appeared in a magnificent handcrafted white couture gown with a dramatic sculpted cape carrying the bold message “WORLD PEACE”, accompanied by an intricately hand-embellished Earth motif symbolizing global unity and harmony. The entire ensemble was conceptualized by Ritika Vinay herself and brought to life through detailed Indian hand craftsmanship, showcasing the richness, precision, and artistic excellence of Indian artisans.

The gown featured extensive hand embroidery, crystal embellishments, intricate beadwork, and couture detailing executed using traditional Indian karigari techniques. Every shimmer, motif, and embellishment on the gown and cape was handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail by skilled artisans, reflecting the legacy of Indian couture artistry on an international platform.

The Earth emblem on the cape was entirely hand-embellished with stones, crystals, and detailed embroidery work, requiring countless hours of craftsmanship. The structured couture silhouette combined modern global fashion aesthetics with the soul of Indian handmade luxury fashion.

The choice of white symbolized peace, hope, purity, and healing, while the dramatic couture cape transformed the red carpet into a storytelling canvas carrying a humanitarian message beyond fashion.

“The current situations of war across the world deeply moved me,” shared Ritika Vinay. “I felt that if fashion has the power to capture global attention, then it should also have the power to spread awareness, compassion, and peace. Cannes gave me an international platform, and I wanted to represent India not only through fashion, but through purpose and meaningful storytelling.”

As the founder of Mrs India Queen of Substance Ritika Vinay has consistently advocated for empowered women with purpose, encouraging married women to embrace leadership, identity, and social impact. Her Cannes appearance further reinforced her vision that beauty becomes truly powerful when it stands for something greater than itself.

The couture creation quickly gained attention for its artistic execution, cultural richness, and emotional message — positioning Indian craftsmanship at the center of global luxury fashion conversations.

Through couture, craftsmanship, and conviction, Ritika Vinay delivered India’s message to the world — Peace, Humanity, and Unity Beyond Borders.

About Mrs. India Queen of Substance Mrs. India Queen of Substance is one of India’s leading beauty pageants for married women, founded with a vision to empower and celebrate women beyond conventional standards of beauty. With a strong focus on confidence, purpose, and individuality, the platform has successfully completed 15 seasons, inspiring thousands of women across the globe.

@ritikavinay_asiapacific

@mrsindia.official

https://www.mrsindiaqueen.com

Indian Woman Sudha Shakywar Crowned Mrs. Tourism Ambassador for Education 2025 in Dubai — Promoting Unity Through Learning and Travel

Indian Woman Sudha Shakywar Crowned Mrs. Tourism Ambassador for Education 2025 in Dubai — Promoting Unity Through Learning and Travel

Dubai, UAE – October 2025: The global stage of the Mrs. Tourism International Grand Pageant 2025 in Dubai witnessed an inspiring moment of pride for India as Sudha Shakywar was crowned “Mrs. Tourism Ambassador for Education 2025.” The event celebrated women who are driving change through tourism, culture, and education.

Hailing from Indore, Madhya Pradesh and currently based in Mumbai, Sudha Shakywar emerged as a powerful voice for education and unity. Her advocacy theme, “A Heart that Nurtures the World,” beautifully combined her belief in the transformative power of education with the importance of building unity through tourism and cultural exchange.

A devoted mother to 12-year-old Aarnav Misra and wife of Lingaraj Misra, Sudha embodies balance — blending family, compassion, and purpose with remarkable grace. Her journey from a small-town dreamer to an international ambassador symbolizes hope and empowerment for countless women across India.

During the competition, Sudha captivated the judges with her intellect, authenticity, and cultural representation. Her emotional talent performance of the song “Tu Kitni Achi Hai,” dedicated to mothers around the world, moved the audience and received a standing ovation.

Speaking after being crowned, Sudha said,

“Education unites us beyond borders. Tourism helps us understand, respect, and celebrate our differences. When we combine both — learning and traveling with purpose — we build a world of peace, empathy, and progress.”

Her mission as Mrs. Tourism Ambassador for Education is to create meaningful change by promoting education as a bridge to unity and empowerment. Sudha aims to collaborate with schools, NGOs, and tourism boards to encourage “learning through cultural exposure” — inspiring young minds to see the world not just as travelers, but as global citizens.

Her husband, Lingaraj Misra, expressed his pride:

“Sudha’s success is not just hers — it’s a victory for every woman who dares to dream, lead, and lift others. She’s an inspiration for families who believe in togetherness and purpose.”

Sudha now plans to launch an initiative called “Travel to Learn, Learn to Unite,” connecting tourism and education to drive social awareness, empathy, and inclusion among youth and communities.

Her win at Mrs. Tourism 2025 reaffirms that true beauty lies in purpose, education, and unity — and through her new global role, Sudha Shakywar is determined to make a meaningful difference in society by bringing people together through tourism and learning.

Media Contact:

Team Sudha Shakywar

Email: sudhashakywar@gmail.com

Instagram: @sudha.shakywar

S. Amrit Pal Singh Sachdeva Re-Elected as President of Global Sikh Council for a Historic Fourth Term

S. Amrit Pal Singh Sachdeva Re-Elected as President of Global Sikh Council for a Historic Fourth Term

The Global Sikh Council (GSC) proudly announces the re-election of S. Amrit Pal Singh Sachdeva as its President for an unprecedented fourth consecutive term. The decision was unanimously approved during the GSC General Body Meeting held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM (IST).

In another significant development, S. Gulbarg Singh Basi has been elected as the first Chairman of the GSC Board of Directors, marking a new chapter in the Council’s governance and strategic direction.

Under S. Amrit Pal Singh Sachdeva’s leadership, the GSC has made remarkable progress in advancing Sikh values and global initiatives. The Council continues to drive impactful projects, including PEHEL, which now operates over 80 centers in Punjab, India, the Maa Boli Punjabi projects (India, UAE/Dubai & Kenya), Women Empowerment programs, Interfaith initiatives, and the Mool Nanakshahi Calendar campaign. In addition, Global Sikhi Scholars and the “Sikhi in the next 5, 10, 20 years and beyond” initiative are shaping the future of Sikh thought, education, and engagement worldwide.

The newly elected Executive Committee for the next term is as follows:

  • S. Amrit Pal Singh Sachdeva – President
  • Sdn. Mandeep Kaur – Vice President
  • Dr. Kala Singh – Secretary
  • S. Davinder Singh Eari – Treasurer
  • S. Charanjit Singh – Media and PR
  • S. Narinder Pal Singh – Assistant Secretary
  • S. Harinder Singh Bhatti – Media and PR Assistant

With members from over 30 countries, the Global Sikh Council remains committed to being the unified voice of Sikhs worldwide. It continues to promote Sikh heritage, language, and global solidarity, ensuring that Sikh values remain strong in the modern world.

For more information, please visit www.globalsikhcouncil.org.