Celebrating the Unstoppable Spirit of Change

Recognizes Transformative Contributions of Foundations & Non Profits driving grass root impact.

Event on 20th March 2026
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Desi Dhaakad Impact

ETHERWIRE in Collaboration with the RB Foundation Presents the The Desi Dhaakad Social Impact Awards 2025-26.

Desi Dhaakad is a purpose-driven platform celebrating Indian women as powerful agents of progress and grassroots impact. Desi signifies rootedness in Indian culture, while Dhaakad represents courage, resilience, and a fearless spirit.

Through the Desi Dhaakad Social Impact Awards 2025–26, we honor individuals and organizations addressing India’s most critical challenges—healthcare, education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability—aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047.

More than an awards initiative, Desi Dhaakad connects changemakers with institutions and investors, fostering sustainable growth and amplifying voices that redefine leadership in social impact.

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The Desi Dhaakad Story

Program Structure

Everything you need to know about the Desi Dhaakad Social Impact Awards 2026

Open to individuals, NGOs, corporates, and social enterprises with verifiable impact in India.

Nominations reviewed by experts based on impact, scalability, and innovation.

In-person awards ceremony in Q1 2026 with keynotes and networking.

10 categories, 20+ awardees, supporting 50+ non-profits through visibility and partnerships.

Award Categories

The following categories reflect diverse areas of impact, designed to honor measurable, scalable contributions.

Social Upliftment Award
Social Upliftment Award

Initiatives tackling hunger, poverty, malnutrition, and inequality.

Healthcare & Sanitation Excellence
Healthcare & Sanitation Excellence

Efforts in healthcare, mental health, sanitation, and clean water access.

Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Sustainability

Climate action, forest conservation, and wildlife protection.

Cultural Heritage Preservation
Cultural Heritage Preservation

Protecting national heritage, art, and culture.

Sports Development & Inclusion
Sports Development & Inclusion

Rural sports, Paralympic, Olympic, and national programs.

Social Enterprise Incubation
Social Enterprise Incubation

Supporting non-profits and social enterprises.

Financial Inclusion Advocate
Financial Inclusion Advocate

Financial empowerment for underserved communities.

Digital Inclusion & Data Protection
Digital Inclusion & Data Protection

Bridging digital divide & combating misinformation.

Innovative & Technology Impact
Innovative & Technology Impact

Pioneering STEM & emerging tech initiatives.

Special Category Award
Cyber Security & Data Protection

recognizes efforts in cybersecurity and addressing misinformation/data protection.

Your award journey starts here

Submit Entry
Why-these-awards-matters

Why These Awards Matter

Desi Dhaakad Social Impact Awards celebrate fearless individuals and organizations shaping a stronger, inclusive India. These awards spotlight real stories of courage, service, and change that deserve national recognition.

Celebrate Excellence

Honoring grassroots leaders creating real social transformation.

Inspire Future Generations

Powerful stories that motivate youth and future leaders.

Foster Collaboration

Transparent evaluation ensuring fairness and integrity.

Promote Inclusivity

Connecting heroes, institutions, and communities nationwide.

Objectives of the Awards

Celebrate Excellence
Inspire Generations
Foster Collaboration
Promote Inclusivity
Global Narrative

JUST THE BEST

Our Members of the Commitee

Roma Balwani

Chair Jury | Co-Founder Roma Balwani Foundation | CEO IDCA | Ind. Dir. GPIL | JCIL | TEDx Speaker | Advisory Board Teamlease Edtech | President Comms Vedanta | EVP Mahindra

Nandini Dias

Advisor - Media, Advertising, Brand, Entertainment | Former CEO of Lodestar UM | Independent Director Bandhan AMC | Hon Secretary International Advertising Association | Governing Board Member Mumbai First

Sarittaa Hegde Roy

President 3C India Collective; Advisor at The Barefoot College Tilonia

Vaisshali Babu

Managing Director & CEO of Indian Clearing Corporation Ltd. (ICCL)

Bhavesh Kothari

Entrepreneur | Startup Mentor | Author - Eves Against The Odds | Ecosystem Builder | Rated as top 1% influencer by LinkedIn 2017/18/19 | Building a Global Investment Platform for Women Entrepreneurs via Billennium Divas!

SHILPI THAPAR
Shilpi Thapar

Ifsca & Giftcity Sez Advisory Founder Shilpi Thapar & Associates(Sta), Company Secretaries/sta Global (Ifsc) Llp

Nomination Committee

Pre-Selection Panel

Rohan
Rohan Kanchan

Senior Director - Corporate Lead,
India & South Asia, APCO

Committee Member
Madhura Das Gupta
Madhura Das Gupta

Founder & CEO – Aspire For Her
UN Awards | Stanford Seed

Committee Member
Divya Momaya
Divya Momaya

Co-Founder – Mentor My Board
Independent Director

Committee Member
Ranjana Maitra
Ranjana Maitra

Chairperson – CII IWN WR
Global Education Strategist

Committee Member
Minal Kothari
Minal Kothari

Co-Founder
– Billennium Divas

Committee Member
Sarita Bahl
Sarita Bahl

Independent Board Director
CSR | ESG | Corporate Governance

Committee Member

Management Committee

Jyoti Rai
Jyoti Rai

Founder
Etherwire.Ai

Management Committee
Jacinta
Jacinta Dsouza

Imapct study
Chief of OPS Etherwire

Management Committee
Ranjana Maitra
Shikha Jain

Brand Strategist and
communications leader

Management Committee
Dr.Anupama
Dr.Anupama Vaidya

HC | F.IOD
– Business & People Strategist

Management committee
DR. RAJANI TIWARI
Dr.Rajani Tiwari

Pprogressivist in
people strategy author

Committee Member
Eligibility

Who Can Apply

The Desi Dhaakad Social Impact Awards are open to changemakers who demonstrate courage, consistency, and measurable social impact across India.

  • ✔ Individual Social Leaders & Change-makers
  • ✔ Registered NGOs & Foundations
  • ✔ Social Enterprises & Startups
  • ✔ Corporate CSR Initiatives
  • ✔ Grassroots Organizations Driving Local Impact

Take the next step →

Proceed to Nominate
Eligibility Desi Dhaakad
Nomination Process

Path to Victory

A transparent 4-step journey ensuring fairness, credibility, and excellence.

Nominate

Submit nominations for deserving candidates.

Review

Careful review of all submissions.

Selection

Shortlisting the most deserving candidates.

Awards Ceremony

Celebrating excellence and achievements.

Nominate excellence. Make your mark today. →

Submit Nomination
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