and the other winners are...

Madhavi Kuckreja, Lakhnavi Andaz

Madhavi Kuckreja, a popular face of Lucknow who hosts Sanatkada festival, was honoured with the Lakhnawi Andaaz award. Madhavi has been working hard to revive the lost cultures of Lucknow. From dresses to cuisines to music and other aspects, she has been literally living the culture of Lucknow and making it popular among people. However, Madhavi couldn’t collect the award as she was in Mumbai. The award was received by a team member from Sanatkada.

Urmila Shukla, Purvanchal Tadka

As the 76-year-old Bhojpuri folk singer, who has performed in US, Canada and Thailand, was called on stage to collect the award for Purvanchal Tadka, the hall reverberated with applause. After receiving the award, Shukla sang a few lines of a Bhojpuri folk song on people’s demand.

Shalini Agarwaal, Animal Care

People clapped and motivated animal lover, Shalini, as she treaded through the audience to receive her award. With a broad smile and simple elegance, she said, “It is an overwhelming experience. The issue taken up by HT is very sensitive and we all need to work together”.

Seema Tomar, Khel Khiladi Award

“I’m feeling proud and happy, not for myself but for my mother who taught me the skill of shooting. All mothers should be supportive and cooperative towards the ambitions and aspirations of their daughters. Today is Mother’s Day and this award goes to the hard work and sacrifice of my mother”, said Seema.

Sarandeep Singh, Man Behind Successful Woman

Sarandeep collected the award with a warm smile while his wife clapped cheerfully. Impressed with the social initiative, Sarandeep said, “I’m thankful to HT for considering me for this award. Not only do we need to educate and inform our daughters but also, rather more importantly, educate and inform our sons. Boys need to know their limits and a lot has to be done in this direction’’.

Eco Friends Welfare Society (Agra), Green & Clean Crusaders

Three friends Maninder Kaur, Rekha Hassija & Anju Dialani formed Eco Friends Welfare society in 2013 to make Agra a clean and green city. Today this society comprises 11 executive members and 205 general members who work tirelessly in their drive to make Agra pollution free.

Shivi Kapil, Ideator

Mother’s Day became even more special for Shivi Kapil as her mother-in-law collected the award on her behalf. She became very emotional and with tears of happiness in her eyes , she said, “HT has given a great platform to people to express their talent and I’m very pleased and proud that Shivi has received this award. The tears you see are of sheer joy and pride”.

Nidhi Mishra, HT Sadda Haq

Nidhi was brimming with confidence when her name was announced for the HT Sadda Haq category as if she knew what was coming. Nidhi’s humble background and small town upbringing had no bearing as she confidently strode to the stage to receive the award. Her father followed her to capture the once-in-a-lifetime moment in his phone.

Rana Safvi, HT Write Choice

Rana Safvi, a Noida-based author, scholar, translator and an heritage enthusiast said, “I am feeling on top of the world. I am thankful to HT and for all those who showed faith in me and voted for me.” Safvi, who is presently engaged in many projects, said she would continue to write, translate or narrate to make people aware of their rich heritage and culture.

Farah Siddiqui Matin, HT Readers’ Choice

A poet Farah Siddiqui Matin was full of joy when she bagged the award. “This award comes as recognition of my efforts. Usually contribution of writers goes unnoticed that’s why this award means a lot ,” said Farah who shot into fame by her poetry collection The Bliss of Solitude. Farah mainly writes on social issues and is very concerned about the problems that women are facing in India.