The Nari Shakti Puraskar (Hindi: नारी शक्ति पुरस्कार) is the highest civilian honor conferred by the Government of India for the empowerment and achievements of women. Instituted in 1999 as the Stree Shakti Puraskar and renamed in 2015, the award recognizes individuals, institutions, and organizations that have made exceptional contributions toward the upliftment, protection, and empowerment of women across the country.
Purpose and Scope
The award aims to celebrate and promote gender equality, women’s leadership, and social progress. It acknowledges a wide range of fields, including education, health, social service, entrepreneurship, sports, arts, and advocacy for women's rights.
Administration
- Governing body: Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.
- Presentation: The President of India presents the award at a ceremony held on International Women’s Day (8 March) at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
Categories
- Individual Award – Conferred on women who have demonstrated outstanding personal achievement or leadership.
- Institutional Award – Conferred on organizations, NGOs, or institutions that have implemented impactful programs benefiting women.
Award Components
- A bronze medal bearing the emblem of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- A citation outlining the recipient’s contributions.
- A cash prize of ₹1 lakh (Indian rupees one hundred thousand).
Selection Process
Nominations are solicited from the public, state governments, and relevant ministries. A committee comprising government officials, subject‑matter experts, and past awardees evaluates nominations based on criteria such as impact, sustainability, and innovation in advancing women’s empowerment.
Historical Highlights
- 1999–2014: Known as the Stree Shakti Puraskar; awarded annually in multiple sub‑categories.
- 2015: Renamed Nari Shakti Puraskar to align with the broader national campaign “Nari Shakti” (Women’s Power) launched by the Prime Minister’s Office.
- 2020–2023: The award continued to recognize a diverse set of recipients, ranging from grassroots activists working on gender-based violence to entrepreneurs fostering women‑led enterprises.
Notable Recipients
- Kiran Bedi (2020) – Former Indian Police Service officer and social activist, recognized for her contributions to women’s safety and prison reforms.
- Kalpana Saroj (2021) – Entrepreneur and social worker noted for empowering marginalized women through skill‑development initiatives.
- Madhuri Singh (2022) – Founder of a rural health network that provides maternal and child health services to underserved women.
Impact and Significance
The Nari Shakti Puraskar serves both as a recognition of exemplary contributions and as a catalyst for further advocacy and policy development concerning gender equality in India. By highlighting diverse role models, the award seeks to inspire broader societal change and encourage participation of women in public, economic, and cultural spheres.
