Lucknow: A livelihood development workshop organised by Let’s Give Hope Foundation proved highly inspiring for women, as skilled and motivational professionals from diverse fields shared insights on entrepreneurship and self-reliance. The event was held at Sant Gadge Ji Maharaj Auditorium, Gomti Nagar, where 35 distinguished personalities, including talented young women, were honoured with the Saksham Bharat Award–2026.
The workshop focused on livelihood development opportunities for women, encouraging them to identify their skills and transform them into sustainable professions. Experts shared practical knowledge and real-life experiences to motivate women towards financial independence.
Among the recipients of the Saksham Bharat Award were educationist Manju Sinha; ophthalmologist Prof. Dr. Pooja Kanodia; renowned Kathak dancers Ratan Sisters Isha and Misha Ratan; Ayodhya-based singer and lyricist Sanjoli Pandey; gynaecologist Prof. Dr. Ekta Chaudhary; Dr. Asha Singh of Seva Niketan Ashram Trust; entrepreneur Archana Mishra; public speaking expert Kavita Chaubey; company secretary and handicraft artisan Preeti Sharma; educator Dr. Afia Bano; Sarita Gautam, Sangya Sharma, Rizwana Parveen; social worker Poonam Kumari; Anjali Srivastava; and self-defence trainer Diksha Saini.
Other awardees included Preeti Kashyap, Vanshita Rawat, Anita Saroj, Shivani Prajapati, Simran Yadav, Shalini Kashyap, Priyanka Pal, Akanksha Tiwari, Aneesha Bisht, Pragya Sahu, Shabana, Manya Singh, Nagendra, Vasan Giri, Himanshu Singh and Ajay. Additionally, Dr. Gaurav Mishra of KGMU, entrepreneur Vishal Singh, Assistant Professor Kunal Dixit, State Law Officer (High Court) Shiv Prasad Kushwaha, Social Audit Committee member Kundan Saini, Senior Eye Consultant Ashish Srivastava, entrepreneur Prashant Rai, and storyteller Jitesh Srivastava were also honoured.
The programme began with a Ganesh Vandana dance performed by Mansi Sharma and Priyanshi. Foundation founder and president Ashish Maurya outlined the organisation’s activities and stated that the foundation aims to establish Saksham Skill Centres across Uttar Pradesh to provide skill-based education to women and youth from middle and lower-income groups.
During the workshop, zari-zardozi and chikankari expert Toshani, make-up artist Manjari Jaiswal, graphic and video editor Ritu Pandey, photographer Shubhangi Maurya, and innovative chef Anita Sharma shared their professional journeys. They explained how women can recognise their talents, convert them into successful businesses, and achieve growth while working from home. The speakers also shared practical business tips to help women become self-reliant.
Participants actively engaged in the interactive session by asking questions and sharing experiences. A documentary showcasing the foundation’s activities was also screened on the occasion. The workshop was described by attendees as highly motivating and informative, reinforcing the importance of skill development and entrepreneurship for women’s empowerment.
