Media Release

Mangaluru, Mar 12: The inaugural edition of the IRA Awards 2026, celebrating inspiring women achievers, was successfully held on March 8 at TMA Pai International Convention Centre, Mangaluru, marking the occasion of International Women’s Day.

The awards were organized by Dream Catchers Events, founded and directed by Prithvi Kamath, with the vision of creating a platform to recognize and celebrate women who have made remarkable contributions across various fields. The event received an overwhelming response with over 250 nominations submitted through the official website, highlighting the growing impact of women achievers across the region.

The evening honoured 25 Women of Excellence for their dedication, leadership and inspiring journeys.

S L Shet Diamond House, Ladyhill, represented by Sharath Shet and Deepthi Shet, supported the event as the title sponsor, in association with KMC Hospital, while Glitz Entertainment & Transit joined as the power sponsor along with other supporting partners. Popular blogger and influencer Laxmi Shenoy served as the brand ambassador for the event.

Distinguished guests of honour included ACP Geetha Kulkarni, ACP Nazma Farooqui, Ushaprabha Nayak (Expert Group of Institutions), Tashma Chethan (founder, Naksha Enterprises), Dhiraj Shetty (regional influencer), and Eshwar Shetty (founder, Yatharth Social), who appreciated the achievements of the awardees.

The winners were selected by an eminent jury panel comprising Dr Ashajyothi Rai, Reshma Nayak Sujir, Walter Nandalike, Dr Jeethu Radhakrishnan, Waseem R, and Dion Monteiro.

The programme featured a power talk by Dr Basila Ameer Ali, a book launch by Prajwal N D, vibrant performances by Sizzling Guys Dance Studio, and a power walk by Mantra IXE Fashion. The event was gracefully hosted by emcee VJ Dixon.

Awardees – IRA Awards 2026

Art, Culture & Creativity

• Creative Visionary – Shraddha

• Performing Artist of the Year – Shwetha Arahole

• Fashion & Style Icon – Shreya Harish

• Digital Creator of the Year – Sandhya Kamath

Education & Academia

• Inspiring Educator – Sharmila Mukesh Rao

• Young Achiever – Ayshwarya K

Fitness & Wellness

• Fitness & Wellness Influencer – Nayana Shetty

• Healthcare Woman – Dr Durgashree Shetty

Technology & Innovation

• Tech Innovator of the Year – Sahana Mahalinga

Social Community & Impact

• Sustainability Champion – Alka Manoj

• Woman of Impact – Rajani Damodar Shetty

Sports

• Sportswoman of the Year – Tanvi Jagadish

Personal Excellence & Resilience

• Phoenix Award – Shwetha Kotian

• Woman of Courage – Dr Sajeela Kola

Leadership & Business

• Business Trailblazer – Laxmi Shetty

• Emerging Woman – Gaana Bhat

• Corporate Woman of Excellence – Sonali Mallya

• Woman Entrepreneur of the Year – Komal Prabhu

• Business Innovator – Deepa Kamath

IRA Signature Awards

• Inspiring Mother – Amritha Shetty

• Inspirational Woman – Mercy D’Souza

• Lifetime Achievement – Dr Malini Hebbar

• Mentor of the Year – Nafisa Afnan

• People’s Choice – Jyothi Shetty

• Rising Star – Wencita Dias

The IRA Awards 2026 concluded on an inspiring note, celebrating stories of resilience, leadership, and empowerment while encouraging the next generation of women to pursue their dreams with confidence.