Nagpur: Dr. Panna Akhani, a distinguished figure of Nagpur known for her tenure as Director & Secretary of the Women’s Education Society and former Principal of L.A.D. & Smt. R.P. College for Women, as well as her role as past President of the Indian Federation of University Women’s Association, was honoured with the prestigious Sushil Bhardwaj Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. This esteemed recognition took place during the International Conference of UWA ASIA on March 1, 2024, in Pune. The award was conferred by Purnima Kashyap and Dr Ranjana Banerjee.
The award, which included a splendid plaque, a certificate, and a cheque of Rs 100,000, was initiated by Dr. Purnima Kashyap in memory of her late mother, Dr. Sushil Bhardwaj. Nominations poured in from across the nation, underscoring Dr. Akhani’s profound impact and dedicated service to humanity, making the event truly iconic.
Following the ceremony, Dr. Akhani showed her commitment to empowering women by generously donating the award amount to the University Women’s Association, Nagpur. Her selfless gesture furthered the cause of women’s empowerment, reflecting her ongoing dedication to community welfare. Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Akhani has actively engaged in various welfare projects through organizations like the University Women’s Association, Nagpur, and IFUWA, setting exemplary standards for future generations.
The award ceremony was attended by esteemed members of the UWA Nagpur chapter, including Dr. Shyamala Nair, Dr. Sheela Kulkarni, Dr. Harsha Jharia, Dr.Nandita Sapra, Dr. Meenakshi Kulkarni, and Gayathri Vatsalya. Their presence further highlighting the significance of Dr. Akhani’s remarkable achievements and her enduring contributions to society.