Women Empowerment Key to Inclusive Growth and Nation Building: Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh
Women’s Education, Safety and Empowerment Remain Government’s Top Priorities: CM Nayab Saini

Chandigarh, May 30: A distinguished gathering of women achievers from across India was honoured at the ‘Mompreneurs – Matri Shakti Samman 2026’ ceremony organised by the PHDCCI Fashion Tex Tech Forum in collaboration with Fempreneurs Rising Star at Lok Bhavan, Haryana.

The event celebrated women who have excelled in entrepreneurship, arts, media, sports, education, healthcare, social service and leadership while successfully balancing their roles as mothers and change-makers in society. The awards were presented under the leadership of Ms. Himani Arora, Chair, Regional Fashion Tex Tech Forum, PHDCCI ( PCH region); Ms. Meetu Puri, founder Fempreneur Rising Star and Ms Bharti Sood, Sr Regional Director, PHDCCI. Notable awardees Padma Shri Nirmal Rishi, Padma Shri Malini Awasthi, renowned folk singer; Arjuna Awardee Geeta Phogat, India’s first Commonwealth Games gold medallist in women’s wrestling; Padma Shri Shovana Narayan, acclaimed Kathak exponent; and senior journalist Rubika Liyaquat. Rekha Sharma, former Chairperson of the National Commission for Women and MP Rajya Sabha.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Hon’ble Governor of Haryana, said that women are the foundation of a strong and progressive society. He lauded the awardees for their exceptional contributions in diverse fields and said that empowering women is essential for the nation’s inclusive growth and development. He emphasized that mothers and women entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in shaping families, communities and the future of the country.
Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Chief Minister of Haryana, said that PHDCCI has fulfilled a responsibility that every civilized society should uphold. He stated that the women being honoured today are symbols of sacrifice, determination, and leadership.

He said that over the past 12 years, women in India have reached new heights in every field. Today, women are actively participating in the nation’s development and assuming leadership roles across sectors.

The Chief Minister added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government has been giving top priority to women’s education, safety, healthcare, and economic empowerment. He further noted that the Haryana Government has also launched several schemes to encourage and support women entrepreneurs.

Nayab Singh Saini said that PHDCCI has recognized and celebrated the struggles, achievements, and aspirations of women. The success stories of the women honoured at the event will inspire millions of others to move forward and achieve their goals.

In her theme address, Ms. Himani Arora, Chair, Regional Fashion Tech Forum, PHDCCI, highlighted the importance of recognising and celebrating women achievers who inspire society through their leadership, resilience, and accomplishments. She emphasized that women who successfully balance motherhood with excellence in their respective fields embody the true spirit of empowerment and deserve greater visibility and appreciation.

Speaking on the occasion of Mompreneurs – Matri Shakti Samman, she noted that mothers are not only the nurturers of families but also changemakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders who contribute significantly to nation-building. She said that empowering women and recognising their achievements is essential for creating a progressive, inclusive, and self-reliant
Smt. Mitra Ghosh, First Lady of Haryana, praised the determination and resilience of women who successfully manage both professional and personal responsibilities. She said that initiatives like Mompreneurs – Matri Shakti Samman provide a meaningful platform to recognise women’s achievements and encourage many more to pursue their aspirations with confidence.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of eminent personalities, including Padma Shri awardees, sportspersons, journalists, entrepreneurs and social leaders. Other distinguished awardees included HK Babla Former Mayor Chd Anju Ahuja, Chief Retail Officer of Ahujasons; Upasana Arora, Managing Director of Yashoda Group of Hospitals; Nupur Sheoran, international boxer; Dolly Jain, renowned saree draping artist; and several entrepreneurs, educators and social activists.

Ms Himani Arora, Ms Meetu Puri and Ms. Bharti Sood, Senior Regional Director, PHDCCI were also felicitated by the Hon’ble Governor Haryana and the Hon’ble CM Haryana In Recognition of their Exceptional Leadership and Contribution to Women Entrepreneurship & Community Impact.
During the event, PHDCCI felicitated Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh Governor, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, First Lady Smt. Mitra Ghosh, Smt. Suman Saini, Harvinder Kalyan Speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Karan Gilhotra, Chair, Punjab State Chapter, PHDCCI, said that the platform is designed to acknowledge women who have broken barriers, demonstrated resilience and made significant contributions in their respective fields while promoting the vision of a progressive, inclusive and self-reliant India.

On this occasion, Naveen Seth, Deputy Secretary General of PHDCCI, congratulated all the awardees and appreciated their contributions across diverse fields. He said the Matri Shakti Samman celebrates women who have demonstrated leadership, resilience and excellence while inspiring future generations and contributing significantly to social and economic development.

On the occasion, Smt. Suman Saini, Harvinder Kalyan Speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly and Ms. Bharti Sood, Senior Regional Director, PHDCCI were also prese