Our Award Winners 2026

Mr. P. Sekar – Social Development Leader and Champion of Women’s Empowerment

Individual Award

Mr. P. Sekar is the Managing Director of TREES Trust, a grassroots organisation based in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. With over 19 years of experience in social development, he has dedicated his work to empowering marginalised women, Dalit communities and small farmers.

Under his leadership, TREES Trust has established over 250 Women’s Self-Help Groups, supporting more than 4,000 rural women in achieving greater economic independence. His initiatives have also contributed to preventing 45 child marriages and supported 18 women in being elected to local government positions.

Beyond these achievements, Mr. Sekar is committed to combating gender-based violence, promoting access to justice and strengthening women's leadership. His work reflects the belief that women should be recognised not merely as beneficiaries, but as leaders and agents of change.

In recognition of his longstanding commitment to gender equality and grassroots empowerment, Mr. Sekar received the P. Lalidamballe Memorial Award 2026 – Individual Award.

Ms. Sarika Wankhade – Gender Justice Advocate and Champion of Women’s Empowerment

Individual Award

Ms. Sarika (Abhaynavita) Wankhade is the Founder of Sukhaya Foundation in Maharashtra, India. With more than 25 years of experience in the social sector, she has dedicated her work to the safety, welfare and empowerment of women, adolescent girls and children, with a strong focus on gender equality, child protection and access to justice.

As Chairperson of the District Local Complaints Committee in Amravati under the POSH Act, and as an External Member of Internal Committees in 10 organisations, she has played an important role in promoting safe and dignified spaces for women. Through Sukhaya Foundation, she also works extensively on gender sensitisation, child rights, menstrual health awareness and life skills education.

Since 2023, the Foundation has supported interventions in more than 175 cases of sexual violence against women and girls and has reached 21,587 people across rural and urban communities.

In recognition of her longstanding commitment to gender justice, child protection and women’s empowerment, Ms. Sarika (Abhaynavita) Wankhade received the P. Lalidamballe Memorial Award 2026 – Individual Award.

Ms. Rocky Mol Selvaraj – Visual Artist, Feminist and Dalit Voice in Contemporary Art

Individual Award

Ms. Rocky Mol Selvaraj is a South Indian visual artist whose work explores caste, gender, identity and social inequality through painting, installation, photography and performance. Drawing from her lived experiences as a Dalit woman, Rocky transforms personal narratives into powerful artistic expressions that challenge social inequalities and question the expectations imposed on women’s bodies, identities and lives.

Her ongoing project Hairy-tales combines fantasy, humour and fairy-tale narratives to challenge conventional ideas of femininity, beauty and women's freedom. Through her work, she encourages women to reclaim their identities and become the authors of their own stories.

Rocky's recent presentations include Our Marian at Backlit Gallery in Nottingham, UK (2026), Ulmei, The Whole Story at the Vaanam Arts Festival in Chennai (2026), and a performance at Aspinwall House during the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (2026). Her artistic practice demonstrates how creativity can challenge social norms, celebrate marginalised identities and inspire self-expression.

In recognition of her distinctive artistic voice and contribution to feminist expression, social inclusion and women's empowerment, Ms. Rocky Mol Selvaraj received the P. Lalidamballe Memorial Award 2026 2026 – Individual Award.

GUIDE – Women's Empowerment and Grassroots Leadership

Organisational Award

Founded in 1985 by young graduates inspired by Gandhian principles, the Gandhian Unit for Integrated Development Education (GUIDE) has dedicated nearly four decades to advancing human rights, gender equality and social justice in Tamil Nadu. The organisation works with marginalised communities, particularly Dalit and tribal women, to strengthen their access to education, livelihoods, justice and political participation.

Through its extensive grassroots network, GUIDE has trained thousands of women leaders and supported hundreds of women in contesting local elections, many of whom have become elected representatives. Its initiatives also address gender-based violence, legal awareness and adolescent girls' empowerment.

One of GUIDE's distinctive initiatives is its Gender Lab, which encourages men to challenge traditional gender roles and become allies in advancing women's rights. Beyond gender justice, GUIDE promotes sustainable livelihoods, education and environmental protection across rural communities.

In recognition of its longstanding commitment to women's empowerment, human rights and grassroots leadership, GUIDE received the P. Lalidamballe Memorial Award 2026 – Organisational Award.