In a powerful celebration of female empowerment, actor-activist Richa Chadha graced the “I Am Woman” Awards, where she was honored with the “Woman of Substance Award.” The event, presented by the Karan Gupta Education Foundation (KGEF) and IE University, marked its fifth edition with a focus on celebrating the achievements and leadership of women.
Dr. Karan Gupta, Founder of KGEF and Managing Director of IE University, opened the evening with heartfelt praise for Chadha, highlighting her as a true embodiment of the award’s spirit. “Richa Chadha is an amazing Woman of Substance, one who is never afraid to speak her mind. Her courage and conviction extend beyond her film career, as she passionately advocates for women’s rights and social justice,” Gupta remarked.
Dr. Gupta further explained the ethos behind “I Am Woman”: “The vision behind ‘I Am Woman’ is rooted in the belief that when women come together, they create an unstoppable force for change. This platform was conceived as a space where women from different walks of life can gather to support, learn, and inspire each other. It was founded on the idea that sharing stories of resilience and success can empower others to overcome their own challenges.”
The evening was a testament to this vision, featuring a series of panels and awards aimed at sparking impactful discussions and recognizing outstanding contributions. Topics covered included Women in Business, Women’s Safety in India, Social Impact, and Women of Substance.
The panels included notable figures such as Minal Deshpande, Managing Director at Deloitte; Advocate Mrunalini Deshpande, a prominent voice for women’s rights; and Swarnalatha J, a disability rights activist, Resham Chhabria, Vice Chairperson, ABDL among others. These discussions were moderated by influential personalities like Rohit Roy, Zayed Khan, and Madhoo Shah, who provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of women’s achievements and challenges.
Richa Chadha’s recognition as Woman of Substance celebrated her significant impact in the film industry and her relentless advocacy for women’s rights. Her work extends beyond cinema, using her platform to support underrepresented voices and address crucial societal issues.
The collaboration between KGEF and IE University highlights a shared commitment to advancing diversity, inclusion, and the empowerment of women, striving to create a more inclusive and supportive global community.
