By — Dilip Guha
The Bharat Gaurav Ratna Shri Samman Council (BGRSSC) hosted a prestigious felicitation ceremony at The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi, honouring over 150 distinguished individuals from across the country for their outstanding contributions to social service, entrepreneurship, education, the arts, public service, and community development with Bharat Gaurav Ratna Shri Samman.
The Bharat Gaurav Ratna Shri Samman Council (BGRSSC) is an organisation committed to recognising and honouring individuals who have made outstanding contributions across diverse fields. Through its initiatives and award ceremonies, the Council seeks to celebrate excellence, inspire leadership, and encourage individuals who work towards social, cultural, and national development.
The ceremony was graced by Shri Sunil Bharala, Former Chairman / Minister, Labour Welfare Council, Government of Uttar Pradesh, who attended the event as the Chief Guest. The event also witnessed the presence of several ambassadors and eminent dignitaries, who joined in recognising individuals making meaningful contributions to society.
Awardees representing diverse sectors and regions of the country were felicitated for their dedication and achievements. The ceremony celebrated inspiring individuals whose work continues to create a positive impact at the grassroots level and contribute towards social progress.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Tapan Kumar Rautary, Chairman, Bharat Gaurav Ratna Shri Samman Council, emphasised the organisation’s vision behind the initiative.
“At BGRSSC, our objective is to identify and honour individuals whose work embodies commitment, integrity, and service towards society. Through the Bharat Gaurav Ratna Shri Samman, we aim to build a platform that celebrates excellence and encourages a culture where contributions towards nation-building are recognised and valued.”
Highlighting the significance of the ceremony, Ms Kavita Bajaj, CEO, said:
“This event is a celebration of inspiring stories from across the country. Bringing together over 150 achievers on one platform reflects the incredible diversity of talent and dedication present in India. The ceremony not only honours their achievements but also creates a space where their journeys can inspire many others.”
With participation from awardees across multiple states, the ceremony emerged as a vibrant gathering celebrating excellence, leadership, and dedication. The event highlighted the importance of recognising individuals whose work often goes beyond the spotlight but plays a vital role in shaping communities and driving meaningful change.
Dr Dane Reeves, Chief Operating Officer of EducateMe Group Limited (UK), was honoured with the Bharat Gaurav Ratna Shri Samman for his significant contributions to global education. A recognised education strategist with over 15 years of experience, Dr Reeves has been at the forefront of transformative initiatives in communicative English, study abroad programmes, and employability training.
His work has played a pivotal role in bridging gaps in global education systems, enabling students and professionals to access better opportunities across borders. Through his leadership, he continues to drive impactful solutions that enhance learning outcomes and promote international academic collaboration.
Dr Fakeha Mazhar is deeply grateful to receive the Honorary Doctorate Award and the membership with the designation of National Vice President from the Honorary Doctorate Award Council and the World Human Rights Protection Commission.
She is honoured to be recognised for her dedicated work as an educationist with over a decade of experience, firmly believing that education is the foundation of change—shaping minds, building values, and empowering individuals. She said, “I have dedicated myself to the struggles I have faced and the deeds I have pursued with devotion and heartfelt sacrifice. As an educationist and social worker with more than a decade of experience, I strongly believe that education is the foundation of change — it shapes minds, builds values, and empowers individuals to stand for humanity.”
She credits her success to her parents for providing equal opportunities and constant support. With a strong belief in turning dreams into reality, she remains committed to working for the betterment of society and inspiring others through her journey. “I am especially thankful to my parents, who never discriminated between son and daughter, and gave me equal opportunities—just like my brothers—to spread my wings and fly through the power of education. This recognition motivates me to continue working with dedication, integrity, and purpose for the betterment of society.
I deeply believe in the quote “Some live in a dream world, some face reality, and then there are those who turn one into the other. So be a dreamer, face reality, and let your dreams come true.”
Md. Inamul Hoque, a recipient of the Bharat Gaurav Ratna Shri Samman from Assam, continues to strengthen his commitment to social service through legal aid and grassroots welfare initiatives. An alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, where he completed his M.A., Hoque is currently associated with Navashakti NGO, working extensively for underprivileged communities.
He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Law and Social Work. And also given the position of National Vice President of the World Human Rights Commission.
Through his work, Hoque has been actively involved in distributing clothing, serving food to the needy, and providing free legal assistance to marginalised sections of society. In collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), he also facilitates access to essential legal services and medical assistance for those unable to afford them.
“Serving the underprivileged is not just a responsibility but a moral duty. Legal awareness and access to justice can transform lives,” Hoque said, underlining the importance of his work.
Looking ahead, Hoque has plans to establish a new NGO focused on creating a safe house and providing free shelter for the poor and orphans. He is currently seeking support and collaboration to bring the initiative to fruition.
“My vision is to create a space where no one is left without a roof over their head. With collective support, we can make this a reality,” he added.
In addition to his fieldwork, Hoque remains actively engaged with the “Educated Civil Society for Social Work,” contributing to broader social welfare initiatives alongside like-minded individuals.
Wing Commander Beena Pandey, a proud retired officer of the Indian Air Force, reflects on her 14-year service with immense pride and satisfaction. Post-service, she transitioned into the corporate world, leading edge data centre global operations at AWS, and now ventured into entrepreneurship, focusing on data centre security. She said, “I had the honour of serving my country for 14 years, and it gives me immense pride and satisfaction to reflect on that journey today. I have now transitioned into the corporate world and currently work as a Global Leader at AWS, managing data centre operations. Alongside this, I have returned to my roots in India and stepped into entrepreneurship. Through my own company, I am contributing to the nation by working in the field of data centre security, supporting government bodies, deal users, and management teams.
Receiving the Women Empowerment Award is humbling, recognising her journey and the potential of every woman. She encourages women to rise with strength, break barriers, and lead in critical fields, building a stronger, secure, and empowered nation. She said, “Receiving this award for women’s empowerment is truly humbling. It is not just a recognition of my journey, but a reminder of the potential every woman holds within her. I want to encourage every woman to rise with strength and confidence—as a Shashakt Nari—to step forward, break barriers, and take leadership roles, especially in critical fields like data centre security and national service.’ Let us continue to support each other and work towards building a stronger, more secure, and empowered nation.
Sonam Aggarwal, a certified Diet and Nutrition Coach, empowers families through accessible and practical nutrition. Through CSR programs, she educates children and mothers about balanced nutrition, helping foster healthy habits from a young age. She said I’m deeply passionate about making nutrition simple, accessible, and practical for everyday life. Through our CSR programs, I’ve had the opportunity to work with children and their mothers, educating them about the importance of balanced nutrition, especially during growing years. I strongly believe that healthy habits start early, and awareness within families can create a lifelong impact.
She also supports women in their post-pregnancy journeys, focusing on holistic healing and rebuilding confidence. For Sonam, nutrition is about empowerment—not dieting—helping people sustainably take charge of their health.
“I’ve guided many women through their post-pregnancy weight loss journeys, helping them heal, rebuild strength, and feel confident again, not just physically but emotionally too. For me, nutrition is not about dieting, it’s about empowering people to take charge of their health sustainably,” she added.
Another recipient, Mr S. M. Devanii, an architect by profession, has introduced an innovative advancement in the wellness sector with magnetic footwear, marking a significant step in bringing alternative health solutions into the Indian traditional market. The invention combines principles of magnetic therapy with modern footwear design, aiming to promote overall well-being through everyday use.
Built on the concept of harnessing the Earth’s magnetic field, the shoes are designed to support improved blood circulation, enhance natural energy levels, and provide relief from various health conditions without reliance on medication. The initiative reflects a growing interest in non-invasive and holistic approaches to health and wellness.
“Our vision is to empower lives through the natural power of magnetic energy,” said Devanii. “We are blending ancient therapeutic concepts with modern innovation so that people can experience wellness with every step they take.”
Highlighting the product’s potential impact, Devanii added, “These magnetic shoes are designed not just for comfort, but to support the body’s natural healing processes. We want people to walk with power and live with purpose.”
The magnetic footwear signals an emerging trend in integrating traditional wellness practices with contemporary consumer products, offering a new dimension to preventive healthcare solutions.
Gopa Roy Dasgupta from Mumbai was delighted to receive an honorary doctorate award in recognition of her outstanding social work through her NGO.
Neelu Kumaar received the Bharat Gaurav Ratna Shri Samman. Since 2012, she has been working in astrology, numerology, and Vastu services for society. She firmly believes that any person with a dream and an honest intention to do good for society will succeed in life.
