Kisan Trust organized Aparajita Samman Samaroh 2026 on the occasion of International Women’s Day, bringing together hundreds of women from diverse backgrounds; From Delhi to Muzaffarnagar to celebrate courage, resilience and achievements while encouraging dialogue on women’s empowerment and rehabilitation of acid attack survivors. Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, who attended the program as chief guest, lauded the initiative, saying, “Such initiatives play an important role in encouraging women from diverse backgrounds, especially acid attack survivors, by extending appreciation and support to them.” She also highlighted several Government of India initiatives aimed at promoting women’s well-being, safety and economic participation.
Charu Chaudhary, treasurer of Kisan Trust and organizer of the programme, said the initiative aims to recognize the courage and determination of women who continue to overcome challenges. “Aparajita Samman Samaroh is not just an event, it is an effort to honor the courage, struggles and achievements of countless women who, despite facing challenges every day, continue to forge new paths to fulfill their dreams and for society,” she said. Emphasizing the Foundation’s commitment to empowerment, she added, “When women have respect, opportunities and resources, it enhances not only their future, but also the future of society and the nation as a whole.”
Founded by Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh, former Prime Minister of India and a staunch advocate for farmers’ rights, Kisan Trust has long worked to empower rural and underserved communities, especially farmers and women. As part of its social commitment, the Foundation has also provided support to acid attack survivors by providing financial assistance and encouragement to help them rebuild their lives. Chaudhry affirmed this vision and said that the organization “will continue to work for the economic and social empowerment of women.”
Highlights of the program included a panel discussion titled “Empowerment through Employment”, featuring Anna Roy, Principal Economic Advisor at NITI Aayog; Kanta Singh, UN Women Country Representative in India; banking and fintech expert Shinjini Kumar; and former Doordarshan news anchor Salma Sultan, moderated by Manisha Ahlawat of the Uttar Pradesh State Commission for Women’s Affairs. During the discussion, Roy stressed the importance of setting aside a day to celebrate women, saying it provides an opportunity to “celebrate women and reflect on their contributions to society,” while Singh paid tribute to acid attack survivors, noting that “the struggles they endure are far greater than many of the challenges others face.” The program also included an intimate chat with entrepreneur Pooja Sharma, popularly known as ‘Mother Millet’, and Padma Shri awardee Professor Mangala Kapoor, a classical singer, former associate professor at Banaras Hindu University and an acid attack survivor, who said she chose music as her path to resilience after facing years of difficulties following an acid attack at the age of 12. The program was moderated by Bhulashankar Sharma, Managing Trustee of Kisan Trust.
