Carnatic singer Sudha Raghunathan, Life time Achivment Award winner and Actor Radhika Sarathkumar, Entertainment Award and Chairperson Nirmala Lakshman at World of Women 2026 Awards in Chennai on March 27, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Velankanni Raj. B
The Hindu Group hosted the “World of Women (WoW) Awards 2026”, in Chennai on Friday, March 27, 2026.
Over the years, the WoW Awards have emerged as a powerful initiative that spotlights inspiring journeys of women who have broken barriers and created meaningful impact. The 2026 edition honoured distinguished achievers from diverse domains, reaffirming the platform’s commitment to recognising excellence and inspiring future generations. Themed “Breaking ceilings. Reaching for the Skies”, the edition celebrated women who continue to challenge norms, push boundaries, and build a more inclusive and progressive future.
The event brought together leaders, changemakers, and visionaries, who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also contributed to societal transformation.
The World of Women Awards 2026 was presented by GRT Jewellers and co-presented by Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University). The event was held in association with DRA Homes and Gold Winner.
The associate partner was Aqua Group and Gopuram, the banking partner was DBS Bank India Ltd, the beauty partner Mysore Sandal Soap, the television partners were Puthiya Thalaimurai and Puthu Yugam, and the industry partner was Madras Management Association.
The event can be viewed on newsth.live/THWOW
Here is the full list of winners:
Yogita Bhayana
Anti-rape activist
Contribution to Society
Yogita Bhayana is the founder of ‘People Against Rapes in India’. She spearheaded the campaign to lower the juvenile justice age limit for rapists from 18 to 16 years, a bill the Rajya Sabha passed in 2016.
Radhika Sarathkumar
Actor
Entertainment
Kalai Arasi R. Radikaa Sarathkumar had a remarkable career spanning 300 films across India. Six Filmfare Awards, four Tamil Nadu State Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Filmfare are among the many honours she has received.
Gowri Kailasam
Industrialist
Business Leadership
Gowri Kailasam built her foundations across three continents. Thirty years of working across diverse global business cultures gave her a perspective that few in Indian industry can claim.
Swathy Rohit
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurship
Swathy Rohit is a builder of institutions, a champion of children, and a relentless force for social good. Her work is transforming how India cares for its children.
Sudha Raghunathan
Carnatic vocalist
Lifetime Achievement
Sudha Ragunathan has established herself as one of India’s foremost Carnatic vocalists, carrying the classical form to concert halls, festivals, and audiences across every continent. The Government of India recognised her with the Padma Bhushan in 2015 and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2022.
Anuja Amin
Sexual Health Educator
Inspiring Influencer
Anuja Amin founded Circles of Safety Education, a social enterprise dedicated to ensuring no child becomes a statistic of sexual abuse. She has sensitised 15,000 students and 10,000 adults on body curiosity and safety. Her work has earned significant institutional recognition.
Dr. Revathi Raj
Paediatric Haematologist and Oncologist
Health & Hygiene
Dr. Revathi Raj laid the foundation for a career that would redefine paediatric haematology in India. She has performed over 1,500 paediatric bone marrow transplants, including the first successful unrelated donor transplant in the country.
Sheelu Francis
Social activist and founder of the Women’s Collective
Agriculture & Rural Development
Sheelu Francis has done three decades of determined work that has given over a lakh of Tamil Nadu’s most marginalised women a collective voice and a stronger future.
Anupama Ramachandran
Indian snooker player
Sports
Anupama Ramachandran, Chennai’s quiet champion, has carried India’s name to the top of the world snooker table. She is the first Indian woman to win the IBSF Women’s World Snooker Championship in November 2025.
Kasthuri Rajamani
Indian para power lifter
Achievement Surpassing Disability
Kasthuri Rajamani, a para powerlifter competing in the women’s up to 67 kg category, she has transformed what Indian para sports looks like on the global stage.
Shreeja & Raveena
Voice artists and actresses
Generational Pride
Sreeja Ravi has received the Kerala State Award for Best Dubbing Artist for Television, her fifth state recognition. Raveena Ravi has established herself as one of the most sought-after voice artists of her generation.
Geeta Dharmarajan
Writer, editor, educationist
Academic & Education
Geeta Dharmarajan carried her love of literature across continents. In 1990, she started the Katha Lab School in one of Delhi’s largest slum clusters. Today it is home to over 2,000 students and is recognised as one of the finest schools in India.
Kapila Venu
Dancer
Arts, Music & Culture
Kapila Venu has spent over two decades performing, teaching, and conducting workshops on Kutiyattam across continents. Her collaborations span cultures and disciplines.
Published – March 27, 2026 08:00 pm IST
