Abhinandana 2026 Women Leadership Awards Excellence Recognition reflects a remarkable journey of celebrating women who have transformed society through leadership, innovation, and service. For over two decades, Abhinandana has evolved into a prestigious platform that honours exceptional women achievers across industries while promoting ethical leadership, resilience, and nation-building.
As the milestone edition arrives in 2026, the initiative reinforces its commitment to recognising individuals whose contributions inspire future generations and create meaningful social impact.
Abhinandana 2026 Women Leadership Awards: A Legacy of Honour
Abhinandana has consistently recognised women who have demonstrated extraordinary excellence in their respective fields. What began as a ceremonial recognition programme has grown into a respected platform celebrating leadership, perseverance, and positive societal change.
The initiative acknowledges women who have broken barriers and inspired communities through their achievements in business, education, healthcare, governance, innovation, entrepreneurship, and social development.
Its enduring legacy stands as a testament to the power of recognition in encouraging future leaders and strengthening inclusive growth.
A Milestone Edition for Leadership and Excellence
Abhinandana 2026 marks an extraordinary milestone by commemorating:
- 20 years of the Abhinandana Foundation
- 57 years of the Indian Society for Training & Development (ISTD)
- 30 years of the Bangalore Education Trust and ISBR Group
Hosted at the ISBR Business School Campus in Electronics City, the event is envisioned as one of the most prestigious gatherings of leaders, innovators, policymakers, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.
The platform continues its mission of honouring outstanding women whose vision and determination have created measurable impact across multiple sectors.
Theme 2026: Pancha Sheela and Sapta Varna: The Leadership Philosophy
Five Principles of Ethical Leadership
The theme for Abhinandana 2026 draws inspiration from Pancha Sheela, representing five foundational principles that shape meaningful leadership:
- Integrity
- Responsibility
- Compassion
- Discipline
- Purpose
Together, these values establish the moral framework for balanced leadership and responsible decision-making.
Seven Colours of Human Excellence
Complementing these principles is Sapta Varna, symbolising seven dimensions of excellence:
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Resilience
- Vision
- Empowerment
- Service
- Transformation
The philosophy highlights that true success extends beyond professional accomplishments to include character, ethics, and positive societal contribution.
Empowering Women Leaders Across Industries
Abhinandana 2026 celebrates women who have significantly shaped industries and communities through their vision and dedication.
Award recipients represent diverse domains including:
- Business leadership
- Healthcare
- Education
- Public governance
- Innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Social impact
- Community development
Their achievements demonstrate that sustainable progress is driven by courage, resilience, and a commitment to empowering others.
Guests of Honour
Abhinandana 2026 is privileged to welcome an eminent panel of distinguished leaders as Guests of Honour, whose contributions to entrepreneurship, technology, and professional development continue to inspire innovation and nation-building.
- Mr. Venk Krishnan – President, TiE Bangalore, a respected leader in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and an advocate for innovation-driven growth.
- Dr. Samartha Nagabhushanam – Founder & CEO, Cubera Tech India, an accomplished entrepreneur and technology leader driving transformative digital solutions.
- Mr. Atul Sharma – National Vice President, Indian Society for Training & Development (ISTD), recognised for his commitment to advancing learning, leadership development, and professional excellence across India.
Address by Dr. Manish Kothari, President – ISBR Group of Institutions
In his keynote address, Dr. Kothari reflected on the true spirit of Abhinandana, emphasising that the platform celebrates not merely achievement but meaningful contribution to society. He highlighted how past honourees—from athletes and civil servants to diplomats, environmentalists, and social reformers—have transformed lives through integrity, courage, service, and leadership. He reminded the audience that while achievements build careers, impact creates legacies, inspiring students and future leaders to measure success by the positive difference they make in the lives of others.
Address by Dr. Manohar C., Senior Director – ISBR Business School
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Manohar beautifully connected the celebration of Abhinandana 2026 with World Environment Day, emphasising that institutional excellence and environmental stewardship must progress together. He described the four Power Star Awardees as shining constellations representing innovation, wisdom, harmony, and success, while introducing the Five C’s of Character—Conscience, Compassion, Commitment, Continuity, and Collaboration as the guiding principles of ethical leadership. He further illustrated the Sapta Varna philosophy through the seven vibrant energies of VIBGYOR, portraying women as visionaries, nurturers, innovators, collaborators, and changemakers who collectively build a more inclusive and sustainable society.
Abhinandana 2026 Awardees
Power Star Awardees
The Power Star Award is the highest honour of Abhinandana, conferred upon iconic women leaders who have demonstrated exceptional vision, influence, and transformative leadership at national and global levels.
Ms. Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar, Founder of PRK Productions and Director at Sri Vajreshwari Combines, for her remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry and creative leadership.
Dr. Vani Kola, Managing Director of Kalaari Capital, is honoured for her pioneering role in venture capital and entrepreneurship.
Renowned classical vocalist and music composer Dr. Sangeeta Katti receives the award in recognition of her outstanding achievements in Indian classical music and cultural preservation.
Ms. Yeshasvini Ramaswamy, CEO of Culturelytics, is also celebrated for her innovative leadership and significant contributions to organisational culture and business transformation.
Shining Star Awardees
The Shining Star Awards recognise accomplished women leaders who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, entrepreneurship, education, social impact, healthcare, governance, innovation, and community development.
| Awardee | Designation | Organisation |
| Ms. Chayaa Nanjappa | Founder & MD, Social Entrepreneur & Change Catalyst | Nectar Fresh Pvt Ltd |
| Dr. Meera Shivalingaiah | Secretary, S.B Education Trust; Chairman, Indian Red Cross Society Mandya | Mandavya Group of Institutions |
| Ms. Swati Rustagi | Vice President, Adobe India & President, NHRD Bangalore | Adobe |
| Ms. Nanda Girish | President (2025–26) | Innerwheel Club of Bangalore SouthWest |
| Dr. Bhargavi V.R. | Director | Seshadripuram College, Bengaluru |
| Ms. Vijayalakshmi S | Senior Regional Head – HSE | Infosys Limited |
| Dr. Usha Malini | Principal & Professor of Botany | Government First Grade College, Channapatna |
| Smt. K. Shamala Anandram | Hindustani Instrumental Classical Musician | Independent |
| Ms. Amrita Tiwary | Head – Karnataka & Founder, Kreative Minds | Indo-American Chamber of Commerce |
| Dr. Sheelan Misra | Founder & CEO | Unithink Education International |
| Smt. Haripriya Pettem | Principal & Director | Avighna Abhyasa Institute of Fine Arts |
| Ms. Srividya Nagaraju | Leadership Trainer & Mentor | Srividya Nagaraju |
| Dr. Aarti Mehta Sharma | Director | Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies |
| Dr. Anuradha Mahesh | Professor & Vice President, Career Management Centre | Welingkar Institute of Management |
| Dr. Geetha Rajaram | Professor & Dean | Ramaiah Institute of Management |
| Ms. Meghana S. Belavadi | Founder & CEO | Samvida Communications (OPC) Pvt Ltd |
| Ms. Sowmya Keshava | Founder & CEO | Nilah Advisors |
| Dr. Sneha Rao | Founder Director | Ananya – A Foundation for Happiness |
| Prof. Rashmi Bhandary | Dean | Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management |
| Dr. Smitha J.N | Dental Surgeon | Dream Craft Dental Clinic & Implant Center |
| Dr. Shruthika Mahajan | Dental Surgeon & Entrepreneur | Independent |
| Wg Cdr Jasmine Kaur | Wing Commander | Indian Air Force Veteran |
| Ms. Hemavathi Sanjay | India Representative | PUM Netherlands |
| Ms. Abirami V K | Founder | LearnMore Ventures |
| Ms. Rashmi Gururaja Rao | Senior Manager, Product Owner | Standard Chartered Bank |
| Ms. Amrita Tripathi | Partner | SDNA Global |
| Ms. Shobha Srinivas Managoli | Head – Parenting Practice | Parentof Solutions Pvt Ltd |
| Ms. Rajashree Das | Co-Founder | Parentof |
| Dr. M.R. Jhansi Rani | Professor & Director – Research Centre | ISBR Business School |
| Dr. Veena Shenoy | Professor & Head – SDG | ISBR Business School |
| Dr. Noor Firdoos Jahan | Professor & Head, Department of Marketing | RV Institute of Management |
| Dr. Ratna Sinha | Professor | ISBR Business School |
| Dr. Poornima Anilkumar | Research Supervisor | ISBR Research Centre |
| Dr. Soundravalli D | Senior Faculty | XIME |
| Ms. Lakshmi A.L | Educator | Sri Vidya Mandir Education Society |
| Dr. Bharathi Ravishankar | Associate Professor & HOD, Computer Applications | International School of Management Excellence |
| Dr. Smita Manohar Gaikwad | Associate Professor | CMS B School, Jain (Deemed-to-be University) |
| Dr. Deepthi S | Associate Professor | Government First Grade College, Channapatna |
| Ms. Kirti Goenka | Philanthropist & Social Founder | MANTHANX |
| Ms. Ramya R | Senior Associate – Procurement Services | WNS |
| Ms. Shubha Krishna | Manager – Purchase & Commercial | Ittiam Systems Pvt Ltd |
Rising Star Awardees
The Rising Star Awards celebrate emerging women professionals and entrepreneurs who are creating meaningful impact through innovation, leadership, research, technology, healthcare, education, and community service.
| Awardee | Designation | Organisation |
| Dr. Sharmistha Mondal | Co-founder & CTO | Be.ing Painfree |
| Dr. Bhavana Devanahalli Ramesh | Integrative Physiotherapist & Wellness Practitioner, Founder | Body & Mind PhysioPilates Studio |
| Dr. Padmalini Singh | Associate Professor | BNM Institute of Technology |
| Dr. Kanchan G. Rajput | Senior Assistant Professor | Dayananda Sagar Business School |
| Dr. Devadrita Jayakumar | Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Consultant | IQVIA |
| Ms. Prateeksha Praveen Kamath | BioTech Engineering Professional | RV College of Engineering |
| Ms. Vrusha Raghu | Director – Learning & Development | Nineleaps Technologies Pvt Ltd |
| Ms. Amita Parwal | Founder Director | Your Friendly Coach |
| Ms. Arpita Mandal | Senior Client Partner | Morgan Stanley |
| Ms. Prerna Singh | Founder & Entrepreneur | HomeShomme |
| Ms. Riti Singh | HR Leader | Softtek India Pvt Ltd |
| Ms. Mamata Shashidhar | Manager – Administration | FANUC India Pvt Ltd |
| Ms. Vidushi Bhavani KN | Bharatanatyam Artist, Teacher & Cultural Ambassador | Independent |
| Prof. Vennella Maratha | Assistant Professor | ISBR Business School |
| Prof. Dona Jude | Assistant Professor | ISBR Business School |
| Ms. Ananya Pratap | Team Lead | JP Morgan |
| Ms. Geethanjali G | Psychologist & Research Enthusiast | Independent |
| Ms. Meenakshi Tallam | Entrepreneur & Community Service Leader | Independent |
| Dr. Manasa H. Raju | Surgeon & ICMR Scholar | Independent |
A Celebration Of Impact
Abhinandana 2026 will honour an exceptional group of women leaders whose contributions have significantly shaped industries and communities. The awards recognise not only professional excellence but also a deep commitment to social leadership, nation-building, and the empowerment of future generations. The event serves as a powerful platform for collaboration and inspiration, bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, academicians, and institutions to celebrate the pivotal role of women in building a responsible and economically strong society.
Abhinandana 2026 is not merely a celebration; it is a salutation to excellence, values, and vision, a tribute to women who are not just participating in progress but leading it.
About ISBR Business School: ISBR Business School, located in Bangalore, India, is a premier institution dedicated to providing world-class education in business and management. Accredited by the NBA and recognized by the Association of Indian Universities and the Ministry of HRD, Government of India, ISBR has consistently been ranked as a platinum institute by AICTE-CII. With a diverse student body, a strong emphasis on industry collaboration, and a curriculum designed to foster innovation and leadership, ISBR Business School is committed to shaping the business leaders of tomorrow. The school’s robust placement record and partnerships with top global companies underscore its commitment to excellence and career readiness for its students