Nari Tu Narayani Awards 2025 Honour Women Leaders in Pune

Shri Mahalakshmi Mandir, Sarasbaug, Pune, a revered temple and cultural epicentre for lakhs of devotees since its establishment in 1972, has long been known not only as a place of worship but also as a beacon of women's empowerment and social responsibility. Among its most celebrated initiatives is the annual Nari Tu Narayani Awards, conferred during the Navratri festival to honour women who embody courage, compassion, and selfless service to society.

Member of Rajya Sabha Mrs.Medha Kulkarni, present at the event said “Women have always had talent, but in earlier times they were often held back and their skills remained hidden. Today, society has changed. As women, we must continue to support one another, celebrate each other’s strengths, and avoid unnecessary competition with each other.”

Speaking about the awards, Dr. Trupti Agarwal, Trustee of Shri Mahalakshmi Mandir and Chairperson of Vishwakarma Schools, said, "The idea behind ‘Nari Tu Narayani’ came from a simple but powerful belief, that every woman carries within her the essence of the Divine Shakti. Within us all resides Mahakali, Mahasaraswati, and Mahalakshmi. When we are learning, we embody Maa Saraswati. In managing our homes and businesses, we take the form of Mahalakshmi. And when faced with challenges, we summon the strength of Mahakali. Today, we honor three remarkable women who truly embody this spirit. They are an inspiration to us all, and even if we can follow just a fraction of their path, we will feel that our lives have been meaningful."

Celebrating a legacy of empowerment

Since its inception, the Nari Tu Narayani Awards have honoured women from diverse walks of life and socio-economic backgrounds. Past awardees include Saylee Agavane, a specially-abled Kathak dancer who has never let Down’s Syndrome dim her spirit, and ‘Warrior Aaji’ Shanta Balu Pawar, the octogenarian street performer who continues to fund the education of underprivileged children through her lathi-kathi and tightrope acts. These stories underline the award’s ethos: to spotlight extraordinary women whose journeys inspire society at large.

Honourees of 2025

This year, three exceptional women will receive the award for their transformative work:

Sister Lucy Kurien – Founder, Maher Ashram
In 1997, moved by the tragic plight of an abused woman who lost her life due to a lack of shelter, Sister Lucy founded Maher in Vadhu-Budruk near Pune with the support of Father Francis D’Sā. What began as a refuge for abused and traumatised women has now grown into a UN-registered NGO with 70 centres across seven states, offering shelter, education, self-help groups, and community empowerment initiatives. For nearly three decades, Maher has opened its doors and its heart to over 10,000 women, children, and men who had nowhere else to turn, irrespective of caste or religion, embodying inclusivity and compassion at its core.

Meera Badave – Founder, Niwant Andha Mukta Vikasalaya
Established in 1996, Niwant was born from Meera Badave’s belief that visually challenged youth deserved not just education but also family and dignity. From the modest warmth of her own home, Meera Tai has nurtured more than 3,500 visually challenged students through holistic development programs spanning academics, vocational skills, and emotional support, giving them not just education but a family. Her initiatives include TekVision, a software company led by visually impaired CEO Siddhant Chothe, and the creation of Swalekhan, an indigenous software enabling blind students to independently write in Devanagari and other scripts. Niwant has redefined inclusion, moving beyond charity to empowerment, and earned national recognition with over 100 awards.

Dr. Pooja Misal – Founder-Director, SMEF’s Brick Group of Institutes
A visionary edupreneur, Dr. Misal founded the Brick School of Architecture and Design in 2013 at the age of 25. Today, her institution has evolved into the SMEF’s Brick Group of Institutes, a globally recognised hub for creative education. With an MBA from Cardiff and additional studies at Harvard, she has introduced innovative programs in architecture, design project management, and ed-tech platforms such as BrickETC, while also engaging wider audiences through her weekly education column and podcast, Edcast. A TEDx speaker and board member at Vidya Sahakari Co-op Bank, Dr. Misal continues to bridge education, innovation, and leadership to empower India’s next generation of changemakers.

Minister for Urban Development, Maharashtra Madhuri Tai Misal, who graced the occasion, expressed: "During Navratri we keep vigil for nine nights to honour the Goddess, who fought tirelessly against evil, empowered by the strength and weapons given by all the Gods, we too must remember that our culture teaches us resilience, courage, and the power of collective strength. It reminds us that while science and progress are essential, preserving culture is our responsibility as well”

Saluting the inner goddess

The Nari Tu Narayani Awards 2025 not only honour these three women but also reaffirm the timeless message of Navratri: that every woman carries within her the strength of the divine. Through their journeys, Sister Lucy, Meera Tai, and Dr. Misal exemplify resilience, compassion, and innovation, inspiring countless others to rise above adversity and create meaningful impact.