Lt Gen Dr Madhuri Kanitkar Urges Fitness, Equality Through Teamwork at Punekar News Women Achievers Awards 2025

Pune, 7th December 2025: Inspirational stories of women breaking barriers took center stage as Punekar News presented the Women Achievers Awards 2025 during a grand ceremony at The Pride Hotel, Shivajinagar, on Saturday night. The event highlighted contributions of women from diverse fields including healthcare, entrepreneurship, education, sports, social work and public service.

Lt Gen Dr Madhuri Kanitkar (Retd), the Chief Guest for the evening, praised women for their resilience and encouraged them to prioritise their own wellbeing. “A woman multitasks endlessly, but she must remember to set aside time for her own fitness—because a routine keeps her physically fit and mentally strong,” she said in her motivational address.

Speaking on gender equality, she advised the younger generation to look beyond the idea of personal boundaries: “Don’t get trapped in the idea of a 50:50 division. The moment you say ‘yours’ and ‘mine,’ differences begin. Think of every challenge as our problem. Put the problem on one side, stand together on the other, and solve it as a team. That’s how relationships stay strong.”

The evening opened with a tribute to late Punekar News Bureau Chief Sumit Singh, whose commitment to fearless journalism continues to inspire the organization.

During his keynote address, Co-Founder and Managing Editor Mubarak Ansari said the awards reflect Punekar News’ mission to uplift local excellence. He stated, “This initiative is born from a simple, powerful belief – when women rise, society rises with them… Their stories deserve to be told loudly, proudly and continuously.” He added that the platform aims to inspire young girls to aim higher and contribute to shaping a more equitable society.

Several remarkable women were felicitated at the ceremony for their professional impact and service to the community. The list included achievers such as educators, real estate leaders, runners, chefs, security officers, and social activists. The award citations and recognitions were anchored through the ceremony by Saloni Mahadik, who introduced Punekar News’ journey as a leading digital news platform for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Amit Singh, Founder of Punekar News, felicitated the Chief Guest with a symbolic nest box for birds from Aarambh Foundation, highlighting the organisation’s support for nature and community-driven initiatives.

Ansari felicitated Associate Sponsor Godrej Properties by presenting a bird nest box to Wing Commander Arpita Mukherjee (Retd.), Brand Manager of Godrej Properties, P1 Region Pune.

Lt Gen Rajeev Kanitkar (Retd) was also present at the ceremony, where Punekar News Lifestyle Editor Ketaki Latkar hosted an engaging and candid conversation with the couple about their book Growing Together Without Growing Apart. The discussion offered the audience a heartfelt glimpse into their shared journey — a story of mutual support, respect and the ability to rise professionally while staying deeply connected personally.

Each awardee was gifted a copy of the book.

The event was supported by Manikchand Oxyrich as title sponsor, Godrej Properties as Associate Sponsor and Zeal Advertising & Events as production partner.   

The ceremony concluded with a group photo session and a celebratory dinner, reinforcing the message of collective growth, empowerment and recognition.

As Ansari noted, this annual initiative aims not only to honour achievers but also to continue driving a “movement to acknowledge excellence, empower ambitions and encourage equality” — making women’s accomplishments a visible and celebrated part of Pune’s success story.

List of awardees:

Prachi Dhabal Deb is an internationally acclaimed cake artist from Pune whose royal-style edible creations have won global awards and admiration. Known for intricate structures and handcrafted designs, she has put the city on the map for luxury confectionery artistry.

Smita Patil, National President of NAREDCO Mahi, is a prominent voice in India’s real estate sector and advocates strongly for women’s participation in the industry. Based in Pune, she pushes for policy reforms, housing inclusivity and sustainable development while leading initiatives that uplift women professionals in construction and allied fields.

Reshma Hajite is a land investment expert in Pune known for guiding investors through the complex landscape of realty acquisitions. With strong market knowledge and insights into emerging corridors around the city, she promotes ethical practices and helps clients make informed, growth-driven decisions.

Prachi Deshpande is a Pune-based Reiki Master who focuses on holistic wellness, emotional healing and energy therapy. Through her workshops and personal sessions, she has helped many individuals manage stress and regain balance using alternative healing techniques.

Shrvani Sainkar is an event management professional in Pune celebrated for crafting memorable corporate and social experiences. From design to execution, she focuses on creativity, precision and client satisfaction, building a strong reputation in the city’s vibrant events ecosystem. At 31, Shrvani Sainkar has swiftly risen to prominence in Pune’s branding, communications, and creative production space, proving that determination can rewrite destinies.    

Sister Lucy Kurien, founder of Maher, has spent decades providing refuge and support to women and children in distress. Her organization offers shelter, rehabilitation and dignity to survivors of violence and abandonment, making her one of the city’s most respected social changemakers.

Deepashree Pawar is a real estate advisor in Pune helping homebuyers and investors navigate the evolving property market. Her client-first approach and understanding of local trends make her a trusted name in both residential and commercial transactions.

Anuja Wagholikar is a food storyteller, documenting culinary culture through narratives that celebrate traditions, local eateries and the people behind them. Her work brings visibility to regional flavors while preserving food heritage for future generations.

Rubina Fahim Tirandaz is the Principal and Owner of EuroKids Undri, known for nurturing young learners through modern preschool education in Pune. Her focus on safe learning environments and foundational development has earned trust from parents in fast-growing neighborhoods.

Prof. (Dr.) Shobha A. Waghmode, Head of Chemistry at MES Abasaheb Garware College, is a renowned researcher in nanomaterials, CO₂ conversion, and microplastic waste solutions. With 73 publications, 23 patents, ISRO-funded projects, and multiple awards, she is known for driving innovation and mentoring young scientists. She has also launched startups and impactful outreach initiatives, promoting sustainable science for societal benefit.

Taru Mateti is an ultra-marathon runner from Pune who inspires many as a fitness advocate and endurance athlete. She promotes running as a lifestyle, especially for women, and participates in national and international events showcasing determination and sportsmanship.

Aruna Gorakh Gaikwad, Assistant Matron at Sassoon Hospital, contributes significantly to Pune’s public healthcare system with her tireless work in nursing administration. She supports clinical teams and patients alike, ensuring quality care in a demanding environment.

Dr. Girija A. Patil is an onco-surgeon in Pune dedicated to diagnosing and treating cancer with advanced medical expertise. She is known for her patient-centric approach, guiding individuals and families through complex care journeys with empathy and scientific precision.

Sandhya Kumari, a loco pilot with Central Railway based in Pune, stands as an example of women breaking barriers in high-skill operational roles. She operates trains across busy routes while maintaining strict safety standards, inspiring more women to join the rail sector.

Dr. Priyanka Sharma (RPF), serving as Senior Divisional Security Commissioner (Pune Division), plays a key role in ensuring railway security and passenger safety across the region. Her leadership in law enforcement operations reflects efficiency, responsiveness and strong public service values. 

Heena Grover Menon is a dynamic PR professional in Pune who works closely with brands, startups and organizations to shape strong communication strategies. She specializes in media outreach, brand positioning and storytelling, helping clients build credible public presence.

Some of our esteemed awardees could not make it to the felicitation ceremony today. They will be handed over the memento later on.