Abhaya Dasabhuja Award 2026 to Honour 20 Women Achievers in Bengaluru

Event dedicated to children rescued from trafficking; women’s safety and empowerment take centre stage

BENGALURU: Team Abhaya, the women-centric initiative of the Bangalore Sports Lovers Association (BSLA), will host the Abhaya Dasabhuja Award Ceremony 2026 on Sunday, October 11, from 3 pm onwards at the Alliance Française de Bangalore Auditorium in Vasanth Nagar. The event will recognise 20 women whose professional achievements, social contributions, resilience and ability to balance multiple responsibilities have made a difference in society.

Team Abhaya, part of the Rape-Free India Movement, is a people-driven initiative focused on women’s empowerment, social welfare and building a safer environment for women and children. The award ceremony seeks to celebrate women who have turned challenges into opportunities and used their skills and experiences to contribute to their communities.

Tribute to Children Rescued from Trafficking

This year’s ceremony will be dedicated to children rescued from trafficking through the collective efforts of non-governmental organisations, government agencies and other organisations working for their safety, rehabilitation and future. The dedication highlights the need for sustained public awareness and collective responsibility towards protecting vulnerable children.

20 Women Recognised for Their Contributions

The awardees, selected through an interview and selection process, are Anitha Selvan, Anindita Ghosh, Aarti Malpani, Anwesha Ghosh, Bindu Madhavi, Harika, Dr Shilpa T. N., Deepashree Makam, Greeshma Bernad, Praveena Muwala, Peali Choudhury, Sujata Solomon, Sindhuja V. B., Sakshi Kamath, Smitha Olety, C. S. Ashwini, Jareena A., Shirin Ara, Baneeta Nag and Saramma Mathew.

Dr Saramma Mathew, an activist and media professional, has been selected as the Face of Abhaya in recognition of her association with social causes and commitment to public awareness. The awardee selection interviews were conducted by Niveditha Muddappa, an artist and art therapist associated with social initiatives.

Fashion Show to Promote Women’s Safety

A key attraction will be a fashion show featuring 11 Abhaya volunteers, carrying a social message on women’s safety. The presentation aims to use a public platform to reinforce the importance of dignity, awareness and a safer society.

Support from Organisations and Media

The initiative has received support from De-Dezine, Rawley Associates and Law Offices, LNM Landscape, Hiyar Majhe Kolkata, Karnataka Milk Federation, ASG – The Travel India Pvt. Ltd., Fortis Hospital and Aslam Pasha, Vice-President of KPCC Social Media.

Media support has been extended by India Now, News Karnataka, Udayavani, Udaykala, B9 News and other Karnataka-based television channels.

The Abhaya Dasabhuja Award 2026 aims to go beyond celebrating achievement. By recognising women’s contributions and dedicating the event to rescued children, Team Abhaya seeks to bring women’s empowerment, child protection and social responsibility into sharper public focus.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 3 pm at the Alliance Française de Bangalore Auditorium, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru.