New Delhi | March 8, 2026
The fourth edition of the Festival of Womanhood was held at Bikaner House, bringing together more than 250 women and over 25 distinguished speakers from fields including public service, royalty, entrepreneurship, arts, media and social impact to mark International Women’s Day. The day‑long gathering celebrated the strength, leadership and evolving role of women while creating a platform for dialogue, cultural exchange and collaboration.
The festival is organised by the World Womanhood Project, an initiative that is part of Mohanji International and founded by humanitarian and spiritual leader Mohanji. Reflecting on the purpose of the initiative, Mohanji said, “It is time we brought back respect and honor to women. They are naturally empowered to bring forth the next generation to earth. Their nature is to nurse and nurture another living being of their own kind. They are second to none. Their relevance can never be underestimated.” The World Womanhood Project aims to create a global platform where women can connect, heal, share experiences and support one another through initiatives that celebrate the strength of the feminine.
The gathering was graced by spiritual humanitarian Mohanji and Dr. Rashmi Singh, Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development, Government of NCT of Delhi. Addressing the audience, Dr. Singh shared powerful stories from her interactions with young women across India during her tenure in public service. She spoke about the emerging confidence and leadership among young women who are actively driving change within communities and institutions.
One of the most distinctive highlights of the festival was a unique and engaging panel discussion featuring women from royal lineages, including queens and princesses who brought the wisdom of heritage together with modern perspectives on leadership and responsibility. Their conversation reflected on the balance between tradition and contemporary roles, offering rare insights into how royal women are contributing to cultural preservation, social initiatives and public leadership in modern India.
The event was also attended by several distinguished Guests of Honour including Dr. Sanjeevan Sawhney, Rani Vinita Singh, Annie Joseph, Gauri Sarin and Dr. Kunwarani Ritu Singh of Jammu and Kashmir, whose presence added further depth to the gathering.
A significant moment of the festival was the recognition of twelve exceptional women who were honoured for their remarkable contributions across diverse fields. Among the awardees was *Shovana Narayan*, one of India’s most celebrated Kathak dancers and a distinguished cultural ambassador who has dedicated decades to preserving and promoting classical dance. *Shahnaz Husain*, a pioneer of the global herbal beauty movement, was honoured for building one of India’s most iconic beauty brands and taking Indian herbal traditions to the world. *Dr. Niru Kumar*, social entrepreneur and founder of ASK Foundation, was recognised for her work empowering underserved communities and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. *Rajni Abbi*, educationist and former Mayor of South Delhi, was acknowledged for her leadership in education and public service. *Payal Jain*, renowned fashion designer known for blending Indian craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, was honoured for her contribution to the fashion industry. *Mille Aishwarya* was recognised for her work in nurturing literature and independent publishing. *Dr. Anjali Hooda*, a respected medical professional, was honoured for her service in healthcare and community well‑being. *Naghma Sahar*, senior journalist and television anchor, was recognised for her impactful voice in media and journalism. *Libas P Bhava*, entrepreneur and cultural patron, was honoured for her contribution to creative industries and cultural initiatives. *Anshu Khanna*, founder of the Anshu Khanna Institute of Fashion, was recognised for her role in shaping fashion education and nurturing young creative talent. *Princess Manja Mishra of Ayodhya* was honoured for her cultural and social initiatives that promote heritage and community welfare. *Prof. Dr. Shashi Bala*, noted academic and educationist, was recognised for her lifelong dedication to education and intellectual scholarship.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Tulika Singh, Founder of Ashwatha Tree Books and a volunteer of the Mohanji Foundation, said it had been an incredible experience to bring together such an inspiring group of achievers on one stage. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mohanji, Dr Rashmi Singh, Devi Mohan, all distinguished guests, performers, exhibitors, sponsors and the volunteers of the Mohanji Foundation. She also extended special thanks to core team members Bharatti Kapoor, Savi, Yelena and Palak for their tireless efforts in making the festival possible.
The post‑lunch cultural segment added artistic vibrancy to the event with conscious dance performances, live singing and a curated exhibition featuring creative entrepreneurs and women‑led initiatives. These performances and exhibits created a lively atmosphere where art, culture and awareness blended seamlessly.
The Festival of Womanhood continues to grow as a platform dedicated to celebrating feminine consciousness, collaboration and empowerment. The 2026 edition reinforced the message that when women’s voices, wisdom and leadership come together, they can inspire powerful shifts toward a more balanced, compassionate and sustainable world.
