Sharing my experience at the IWAA 2024! This was an award function that happened on Friday, January 19th in a place near Pune. 

Well awards mean different things at different stages in life. Have received several during the first 23 years of my career which were mainly organizationally led. The first one being in 1989 and several others between 2005 and 2010. Friday’s award came after ten years hence seemed  extra special! The host said I was the first lady of HR who had made immense contribution to the corporate world and in the same breath also said I was a survivor* so left me wondering!

In the spirit of the moment, I thanked all concerned (the jury and the chairperson of the Group) reminding them that I had received an HR achiever award from them 18 years back (in 2006) and then after a pause, I thanked myself. I said “I thank myself because no one knows what it takes to be me! My struggles, my challenges, my strength and my courage are all mine) so I celebrate me today”, ☺️

( * this you know was in reference in my health challenges in the last decade with Breast Cancer and the subsequent Subarachnoid Haemorrhage) 

Several other very deserving distinguished women across all fields received the awards. 

It seemed the gliterrati had descended down at Chanakya Campus Parandwadi (outskirts of Pune) for the Indira Women Achiever’s Awards 2024! This was the Group’s 30th Anniversary and Dr Tarita Shankar the Chairperson of the Indira Group, an amazing personality had pulled all stops to put up a fantastic show!!!

Sandip Soparkar, the ace choreographer and Sunidhi Chauhan captivated the audiences with their live performances!  The energy was palpable with  six thousand students from all their colleges besides  the award recipients and other distinguished guests!

Haven’t received the official pictures yet but posting some pics with Padmashri and Arjuna Award winner Deepa Karmakar (gymnast), Latha Venkatesh, Executive Editor CNBC TV18, Jayanti Kathale (Owner of Purnabramha) and with Dr Tarita Shankar, Chairperson of the Indira Group of Institutes! 

Cheers to greater experiences ahead!

(This article first appeared on the WiP page on 22nd Jan, 2024. I am the founder of WiP which is a cohort of like minded talented women who help each other grow in a fun filled, judgement free manner!)