Reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Taj Mahal, New Delhi marked the month of International Women's Day by hosting the Sheroes Awards 2025–2026 in partnership with the Chhanv Foundation. In line with Paathya, IHCL’s ESG+ framework, the event honoured women changemakers whose work continues to advance empowerment and social progress. Centred on this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” the celebration reinforced Taj Mahal, New Delhi’s continued support to acid attack survivors through their upskilling and training programmes.
The evening recognised inspiring individuals and organisations driving meaningful change across fields including journalism, cinema, healthcare, activism, digital advocacy and the arts. The awardees included Richa Anirudh, journalist and television host; Anusha Rizvi, filmmaker; Dr. Sujata Sarabhai, Head of Burns and Plastic Surgery at Safdarjung Hospital; Yogita Bhayana, founder of People Against Rape in India (PARI); Katkatha, an organisation transforming brothels of GB Road into classrooms; Indian Hotels Company Limited for promoting diversity and inclusion in the hospitality sector; Janhvi Singh, social media creator and motivational voice; Mansi Singh, digital advocate on gender discourse; Swastika Rajput, spoken word artist and storyteller and Dr. Tanu Jain, former civil servant and Assistant Director at DRDO.
As part of the ceremony, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL was felicitated with the Sheroes Award 2025–2026 in recognition of IHCL’s continued efforts to champion diversity and inclusion within the hospitality sector and create meaningful opportunities for women and underrepresented communities.
Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Anmol Ahluwalia, Area Director – Operations and General Manager, Taj Mahal, New Delhi, said "At Taj Mahal, New Delhi, we believe that hospitality carries a deeper responsibility to create spaces where dignity, opportunity and inclusion can thrive. Guided by IHCL’s Paathya framework, we remain committed to advancing diversity, equity and community empowerment through meaningful partnerships and initiatives. Our continued association with Chhanv Foundation reflects this shared purpose and it is an honour to celebrate individuals and organisations whose courage and leadership continue to inspire positive change and strengthen communities."
Speaking on the association, Mr. Ajeet Singh, Chief Operations Officer, Chhanv Foundation said, “We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for the constant support extended by Indian Hotels Company Limited and the team at Taj Mahal, New Delhi. Because of this meaningful collaboration, acid attack survivors associated at Chhanv Foundation have been able to receive training and valuable exposure in the field of hospitality. The survivors who underwent training at Taj Mahal, New Delhi have shown remarkable growth, confidence, and professionalism at the Sheroes Café, and they are performing very well in this field. These opportunities have played a crucial role in rebuilding their confidence and creating pathways for dignified livelihoods.”
Guided by a legacy of giving back, IHCL is dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can thrive with physical, mental, emotional, and financial wellbeing. Under its diversity and inclusion philosophy ‘She Remains the Taj’, which serves as a comprehensive framework to empower women across the value chain, Taj Mahal, New Delhi continues to translate the spirit of responsible hospitality into meaningful action.
