They are already winners for us. They were shortlisted from 900+ nominees by our esteemed jury, which means they are special. Read about them and applaud them, we bow to them.

Medical Champion Nominee

1. Dr. Theertha Shetty

Dr. Theertha Shetty is a passionate advocate for accessible and non-judgmental healthcare for all. Guided by empathy and inclusivity, she strives each day to create safe, compassionate spaces where every individual—regardless of background, identity, or circumstance—can seek care without fear or shame. Through her initiative Gyneverse, Dr. Shetty champions a vision of modern gynecology rooted in understanding, equity, and respect. Her work reflects a deep commitment to dismantling barriers that prevent people from accessing vital reproductive and sexual health services, while promoting open dialogue around topics often considered taboo. In a world where stigma still silences too many, Dr. Shetty stands for a new model of care—one that listens before it diagnoses, supports before it prescribes, and treats every patient with dignity. Her mission is clear: to reimagine healthcare as a space of trust, compassion, and empowerment for all.

Instagram – @gyneverse

2. Dr. Esha Chainani

Dr. Esha Chainani is an OBGYN on a mission to make maternal mental health an integral part of women’s healthcare in India. Through her clinical practice, academic research, and large-scale advocacy, she works to break the silence surrounding postpartum depression—particularly in low-income communities where stigma and lack of awareness often keep mothers from seeking help. Her published research in the Journal of South Asian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology revealed that 34% of new mothers in a tertiary care hospital met the criteria for postpartum depression, with most receiving no support. Determined to transform evidence into impact, she advocates for routine mental health screening in postnatal care and uses her platform, @premaahealth, to share culturally sensitive education that reaches thousands of women. By uniting science, storytelling, and compassion, Dr. Chainani is building a healthcare ecosystem that honors both body and mind—ensuring that no mother faces postpartum challenges alone, and that mental wellness becomes a cornerstone of maternal care in India.

Instagram – @premaahealth

Care Champion Nominee

1. Salaam Baalak Trust

Salaam Baalak Trust is a beacon of hope for children surviving on the streets of Delhi, offering protection, care, and the chance to dream again. Every day, over 50 children arrive in the city, escaping poverty, abuse, trafficking, or broken homes. Many face homelessness, violence, and severe mental distress. Salaam Baalak Trust provides a safe haven—restoring their rights to shelter, education, health, and dignity. Among its many life-changing programs, its Mental Health Programme is dedicated to nurturing emotional resilience and positive well-being in children and adolescents under its care. For nearly four decades, the Trust has worked tirelessly to help street-connected children reclaim their futures. With continued support, including recognition from initiatives like the Kindness Practice Foundation, Salaam Baalak Trust aims to extend its reach—ensuring that every vulnerable child finds safety, healing, and opportunity in an environment built on compassion and trust.

Website – https://www.salaambaalaktrust.com

2. We Care Wellness Foundation

We Care Wellness Foundation is dedicated to building a world free from the chains of modern slavery—one life at a time. Guided by the principle of compassion in action, the foundation works to rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate survivors of human trafficking, providing them with safety, education, and opportunities to rebuild their lives. Through sustained advocacy and on-ground interventions, We Care Wellness Foundation sheds light on the hidden realities of exploitation and mobilizes collective action toward systemic change. At its heart lies a belief in the inherent dignity and resilience of every individual—especially those society has overlooked. By combining rescue operations with long-term empowerment programs, the foundation ensures survivors are not only freed but also given the tools to thrive. Its mission is a powerful call to conscience: to restore hope, justice, and humanity where they’ve been denied.

Website – https://wecarewellness.co.in/

Movement Champion Nominee

1. Parasmal Duggad

For over 28 years, Parasmal Duggad has dedicated his life to bringing the ancient wisdom of Indian wellness sciences—Yoga, Mudra Therapy, Aasan, Pranayam, and Prekshadhyan—to the grassroots. His mission is simple yet profound: to make preventive healthcare accessible to every individual, regardless of age, background, or financial means. Through thousands of free workshops and digital outreach, he has empowered lakhs to heal naturally, reduce dependency on medication, and adopt healthier lifestyles rooted in balance and awareness. Guided by the spirit of Seva—selfless service without expectation—Parasmal simplifies traditional practices with modern understanding, making them practical and relatable for everyday life. His journey reflects the harmony of tradition and innovation, proving that true wellness is both a science and a way of life. By championing holistic health as a public movement, he continues to build a healthier, self-reliant nation—one breath, one posture, and one person at a time.

Instagram – @parasdugad

2. Harishita Tater

Harishita Tater embodies resilience, excellence, and the transformative power of sport. A national record-holder and multi-time gold medallist in para-sports, she has defied every limitation—overcoming hemiplegia, enduring seven surgeries, and even leaving her dream college to train at an elite level. Her mission transcends personal achievement; she strives to inspire a generation of athletes to see strength in adversity and ability in difference. As an assistant coach and motivational speaker, she uses her story to empower others, advocating for inclusivity and equal opportunity in sports. Harishita’s journey is a testament to courage and perseverance—proving that true victory lies not only in medals but in the lives one touches along the way. With continued support, she is poised to bring greater glory to India on the international stage, while championing a future where para-athletes stand tall as symbols of national pride and possibility.

Instagram – @harshita_tater

3. Raj Husnain

Raj Husnain is redefining the meaning of ability through the art of dance. A celebrated wheelchair classical dancer with over 15 years of experience, he has transformed movement into a medium of empowerment and inclusion. As the founder of We Are One (WAO), Raj leads a community of 70–80 differently-abled artists who use performance to challenge perceptions and celebrate talent beyond physical boundaries. What began with just nine individuals has evolved into a global platform, with WAO performers showcasing their artistry in the USA, UK, Canada, Russia, Italy, Singapore, and Japan. Under his leadership, the group earned a place in the Guinness World Records for executing the highest number of wheelchair spins—an extraordinary feat of discipline and grace. Through every performance, Raj sends a powerful message: a wheelchair is not a symbol of limitation, but of strength, dignity, and artistry. His vision is rooted in equality, inclusion, and the belief that every individual, regardless of ability, can rise to greatness.

Instagram – @wao_unity
Website – https://www.weareone.org.in/

DEI Champion Nominee

1. Ishaara

Born from a deep desire to merge purpose with enterprise, Ishaara stands as a testament to what happens when business becomes a force for social good. Founded on the belief that organizations must generate wealth not just for individuals, but for society at large, Ishaara is more than a brand—it is a philosophy of empowerment. Through its innovative hospitality model, Ishaara creates inclusive employment opportunities, particularly for the deaf community, proving that true success lies in shared growth. Each experience within Ishaara’s spaces reflects a culture of empathy, collaboration, and excellence—where every interaction transcends language and celebrates human connection. At its heart, Ishaara redefines what it means to serve—with dignity, joy, and purpose—and continues to inspire other enterprises to align profit with progress.

Instagram – @ishaaraindia

Earth Champion Nominee

1. Sneha Shahi

Sneha Shahi’s work bridges ecology, community, and justice through the lens of freshwater conservation. A researcher and environmentalist, she studies how relationships between people and rivers are shifting in response to ecological, social, and institutional change. Her fieldwork in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district explores the profound role of the Tamiraparani River—not only as a water source but as a lifeline for livelihoods, culture, and identity. Through immersive dialogues with farmers and local communities, Sneha illuminates how declining fish populations, altered flows, and policy decisions shape resilience and sustainability. Beyond research, she actively leads restoration efforts—reviving the Bhukhi stream in Vadodara, Gujarat—working hand-in-hand with local stakeholders to restore ecological balance and traditional knowledge. Sneha’s work transcends academia; it is rooted in reciprocity, co-creation, and grounded action. By amplifying community voices, she advocates for just and inclusive water governance—ensuring that science serves society and that sustainability becomes a shared story of stewardship.

Instagram – @snehashahii

2. Tree of Life for Animals (TOLFA)

For nearly two decades, Tree of Life for Animals (TOLFA) has been a sanctuary of compassion in the heart of rural Rajasthan. In a region where even human survival can be difficult, TOLFA extends life-saving care to thousands of stray and injured animals—embodying a mission of rescue, treatment, and education. Founded by Rachel Wright, the organization began as a humble act of service and has grown into a movement for animal welfare and community awareness. From birth control and rabies vaccinations to critical surgeries and emergency rescues, TOLFA has helped over 350,000 animals, sterilized 35,000 street dogs, and administered 40,000 rabies vaccines—saving countless animal and human lives. Through its tireless work, TOLFA promotes empathy, preventive care, and coexistence between people and animals. Each act of healing reaffirms its vision: that every life, big or small, deserves dignity, care, and a chance to thrive.

Website – www.tolfa.in

Nutrition Champion Nominee

1. Better Nutrition for All

Better Nutrition for All is on a mission to transform how India eats—one grain, one farmer, one household at a time. Guided by three powerful goals—to make nutrient-packed grains a part of every kitchen, to empower farmers with better seeds and fair incomes, and to build a future where nutrition is affordable, natural, and accessible—the initiative bridges health and equity. By promoting indigenous, bio-fortified, and climate-smart crops, Better Nutrition for All strengthens both human health and rural livelihoods. Its model unites innovation with inclusivity, ensuring that the journey from soil to plate uplifts everyone along the way. In a world increasingly burdened by processed foods and nutritional gaps, the organization’s mission is refreshingly simple yet revolutionary: to nourish people and the planet through better choices, rooted in science, sustainability, and self-reliance.

Website – https://betternutritionforall.in/

2. Break of Dawn

Break of Dawn was founded with a clear purpose—to make plant-based living fresh, convenient, and deeply nourishing. What began as a quest for preservative-free almond milk has evolved into a thriving movement for conscious, clean eating. Over eight years, this all-women-led enterprise has crafted a range of artisanal vegan products—creamy feta, indulgent burrata, rich cream cheese, and more—each made without stabilizers, sugar, or preservatives. Delivered daily at the crack of dawn, every product embodies the brand’s promise of taste, transparency, and total freshness. Beyond nutrition, Break of Dawn champions a lifestyle of balance—where health goals meet accessibility and sustainability is as important as flavor. In a fast-paced world of convenience foods, the brand offers a mindful alternative—proving that ethical choices can be joyful, and that what nourishes the body can also uplift the soul.

Instagram – @bybreakofdawn

Mental Health Champion Nominee

1. Rati Foundation

RATI Foundation stands at the forefront of gender justice, ensuring that survivors of violence—whether harmed online or offline—reclaim safety, dignity, and hope. Through its trusted helpline, Meri Trustline, RATI responds in real time to crises: removing harmful content, offering legal counsel, and providing compassionate, trauma-informed care. Its work rests on three pillars—Immediate Action, 360° Recovery, and Systemic Change—ensuring survivors not only receive urgent help but long-term healing through therapy, reintegration, and legal empowerment. Recognized with the Presidential National Award (2017) and the Social Innovation Award (2024), RATI has supported hundreds of victims, filed cybercrime reports, and reshaped national safety protocols. What sets the Foundation apart is its continuity of care—staying with each survivor until they truly thrive. For RATI, healing isn’t temporary; it’s structural. It’s about rebuilding not just safety, but confidence, justice, and community—a testament to the belief that kindness, when sustained, can transform lives.

Instagram – @ratifoundation
Website – https://ratifoundation.org/

2. Raahat Foundation

Raahat Foundation is transforming how queer youth in India access and experience mental health care. Through The Raahat Project, it builds community-led ecosystems that are inclusive, affirming, and rooted in lived experience. Centering LGBTQIA++ youth as experts of their own narratives, Raahat co-creates workshops, fellowships, and digital platforms in multiple Indian languages—bridging mental health literacy with cultural relevance. Its model integrates evidence-based tools with peer-led design, ensuring accessibility without alienation. In a landscape where queer individuals often encounter stigma or invisibility, Raahat stands as a sanctuary of compassion—where visibility meets care, and healing becomes collective. Guided by equity and intersectionality, the Foundation is nurturing more than a program; it is cultivating a movement—one where mental health is not a privilege, but a right, and where community care itself becomes a powerful act of justice.

Instagram – @theraahatproject