Kolkata: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Aarya Awards 2026 was held at the prestigious Satyajit Ray Auditorium of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in Kolkata. The event celebrated inspiring individuals from diverse fields who have made meaningful contributions to society.
Organised by the Parichay Foundation, the ceremony was led by social worker Dr Rosalin Patasani Mishra, whose dedication to social service and cultural initiatives continues to empower communities and encourage positive change.
The evening opened with a captivating dance performance by renowned choreographer Avirup Sengupta and his talented troupe. Known for his expressive storytelling through dance and strong artistic vision, Sengupta once again mesmerised the audience with a performance that beautifully blended rhythm, emotion and cultural richness. His continued work with young performers and specially-abled children has earned him deep respect in the cultural fraternity.
Among the distinguished personalities honoured during the evening was filmmaker Shrestha Ganguly. Known for her creative vision and meaningful storytelling, Ganguly has steadily carved a niche for herself in cinema and the creative arts. Her work reflects sensitivity, depth and a strong voice for contemporary narratives.
Beyond filmmaking, Ganguly has also been actively involved in initiatives promoting mental health awareness and creative expression. Through her platform Florence, she has been encouraging dialogue and artistic engagement around emotional wellbeing and social understanding. Her dedication to storytelling and her commitment to socially relevant themes make her an inspiring voice among women creators today.
The Aarya Awards 2026 stood as a celebration of talent, resilience and leadership, honouring individuals whose work continues to inspire society and pave the way for a more thoughtful and creative future.
