Women entrepreneurs role critical in rapidly evolving world, say speakers at CII-IWN Shakthi – Sigaram Thodu 2026 event in Madurai

The Confederation of Indian Industry – Indian Women Network (IWN) Madurai organised Shakthi – Sigaram Thodu 2026 at Thiagarajar College of Engineering here on Friday.

The event brought together a cohort of industry leaders, academicians, entrepreneurs, and social changemakers to celebrate excellence.

In her address chief guest Meera Nagarajan, Managing Director and CEO of Kalyanamalai, reflected on the changing landscape of women’s leadership and highlighted the critical role of adaptability in a rapidly evolving world.

She noted that long term success depends on the ability to grow, embrace change, and remain resilient. Drawing from her entrepreneurial journey, she urged women to be confident, stay flexible, and lead with conviction while fostering inclusive, value-driven institutions that leave a meaningful and lasting impact.

In his keynote address, Venkatesh Prajna, Academic and Finance Director at the Aravind Eye Care System, reflected on leadership as a practice grounded in service, compassion and a commitment to lasting impact.

He highlighted that meaningful and sustainable change emerges when both institutions and individuals act with clear purpose and unwavering integrity.

Ashwin Desai, Chairman, CII Madurai Zone, delivered a special address underscoring the importance of recognising individuals who contribute meaningfully to community development and sustainable growth.

Poornima Venkatesh, Convenor of CII-IWN, Madurai, reaffirmed the network’s commitment to empowering women leaders and creating platforms that recognise impactful contributions across diverse sectors.

Convenor Visalakshi Kannan said that it was not a mere awards ceremony, but a movement celebrating resilience.

For their accomplishments, awards were conferred on Dr Uma Kannan, Premalatha Panneerselvam, Jerlin Anika, Rukmani Thiagarajan and among others who had excelled in fields ranging from art and culture, agriculture and rural development, technology, sustainability and climate action, hospitality and tourism, innovation, general health, education, among others. Dr Hema Satish, co-convenor proposed a vote of thanks.