A Legacy of Impact.
A Vision for Tomorrow.
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE. EMPOWERING SOCIETY.
Uma Samman has evolved into one of India’s most meaningful cultural recognition platforms, celebrating women whose contributions have transformed society through leadership, literature, arts, education, social service, spirituality and humanitarian work.
Organised by Le Rythme, the 2026 edition will be hosted in both Kolkata and New Delhi, bringing together distinguished dignitaries, policymakers, artists, cultural icons and social leaders for an evening that celebrates courage, creativity and public service.
The programme combines prestigious award ceremonies with world-class artistic performances that showcase India’s rich cultural heritage while highlighting stories of inclusion and empowerment.
“Honouring the achievements of women who lead with compassion, courage, and commitment to a better world.”
TWO PRESTIGIOUS EDITIONS
NEW DELHI
CSOI, Vinay Marg
27th September 2026
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for Delhi Event
Registration is FREE
KOLKATA
Mahajati Sadan
8th October 2026
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for Kolkata Event
Registration is FREE
Honouring the achievements of women who lead with compassion, courage and commitment to a better world.
Awards
Honours
Recognition
Chief Guests
Performances
Tributes
Coverage
A HISTORIC ARTISTIC COLLABORATION
TASLIMA
NASREEN
Poetry Recital
WHERE LITERATURE
MEETS MOVEMENT
One of the defining moments of Uma Samman 2026 is an exclusive artistic collaboration featuring internationally acclaimed author and poet Taslima Nasreen and renowned choreographer Smt. Maitryee Pahari.
Taslima Nasreen will present a live recital of her powerful poems, each brought to life through an original dance production choreographed by Maitryee Pahari.
This unique presentation transcends conventional boundaries by weaving together literature, music, theatre, and classical movement into a single, immersive artistic experience.
A celebration of the strength, resilience and voice of women – the very essence of Uma Samman.
SMT.
MAITRYEE PAHARI
Dance Choreography
“An unprecedented fusion of poetry and performance celebrating the strength and spirit of women.”
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Recitation
Choreography
Production
ART BEYOND BARRIERS – OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION
ART BEYOND BARRIERS – DELHI
Inclusive dance performances by differently abled / special children, celebrating ability, confidence and the power of art.
EQUALITY. EXPRESSION. EMPOWERMENT.
ART WITH A PURPOSE – KOLKATA
Performances by the Durbar Musical Dance Troupe (Amra Podatik), featuring children from the community of sex workers – highlighting dignity, renewal and new beginnings through art.
DIGNITY. RESILIENCE. NEW BEGINNINGS.
WHY THIS PERFORMANCE MATTERS
“Every performance is their story. Every stage is a step towards a better tomorrow.”
OUR HONOUREES & AWARDEES
KOLKATA HONOUREES LIST
| Name | Designation / Role |
|---|---|
| Nilanjana Ray | Secretary, Sanskar Bharati |
| Papiya Adhikari | MLA – Tollygunge Constituency |
| Alokananda Roy | Dance Therapist & Reformer |
| Somdatta Banerjee | Professional Vocalist |
| Piyali Chandra | Entrepreneur |
| Piu Pal | Idol Artisan & Entrepreneur |
| Kalita Majhi | MLA – East Bardhaman (Ausgram) |
| Sarbari Mukherjee | MLA – Jadavpur Constituency |
| Tina Biswas | Entrepreneur |
| Dr. Anjula Binaykia | Gynaecologist & Surgeon |
| Mahuya Dhar | State Chief, Rashtra Sevika Samiti |
| Maya Bag | Social Worker |
| Ratna Debnath | Politician & Social Worker |
| Riya Banerjee | Distinguished Honouree |
| Mrs. Samit Ray | Distinguished Honouree |
| Priyanka Tibrewal | Advocate & Political Leader |
| Arati Dey | Social Activist |
RINI MUKHERJEE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2026 – KOLKATA RECIPIENTS
- Debaprasad Ray – Former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Former MLA, West Bengal.
- Jagannath Chattopadhyay – Honourable MLA & Cabinet Minister, Government of West Bengal.
- Biva Sengupta (92 yrs) – Legendary Rabindra Sangeet artist; senior disciple of Debabrata Biswas.
- Anilabha Chattopadhyay – Senior Sports Journalist, Grey Mind Communication.
- Shyamal Biswas – Senior Educator in Accounting & Costing.
- Padmashri Samrat Purna Das Baul – Indian musician and singer, in Baul tradition.
- Dr P. Mishra – Educationist.
DELHI HONOUREES LIST
| Name | Designation / Profile |
|---|---|
| Dr. Mallika Nadda | Chairperson, Special Olympics Bharat |
| Arpita Sarkar | Distinguished Honouree |
| Bansuri Swaraj | Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) / Advocate |
| Sikha Roy | Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) |
| Taslima Nasreen | Writer / Feminist / Secular Humanist / Activist |
| Aradhana Jana | Producer |
| Indrani Dutta | Social Worker |
| Sadhna Shanker | Senior Officer, Indian Revenue Service (IRS) & Recognized Author |
| Tulika Singh | Author & Academician |
| Maitryee Pahari | Distinguished Cultural Artist |
| Joyita Pal | Distinguished Honouree |
| Mahasweta Mukherjee | Distinguished Honouree |
| Rupa Rani Das Borah | Community Representative |
| Jyoti Bahl | Devotional Singer |
| Prof. Nandini Sahu | Vice Chancellor & Professor of English |
| Joyeeta Basu | Editor, The Sunday Guardian |
| Rakhi Aswal | CFO of Saxo Bank |
RINI MUKHERJEE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2026 – DELHI
- Hon. MP Jagannath Sarkar – Member of Parliament, Raghunathganj constituency, West Bengal – Awarded for a lifetime of distinguished public service and leadership.
- Sh. Shantanu Dhamija – Ex-Income Tax Commissioner, Delhi.
- Dr. Shamalendu Niyogi – Former Director General, UP Power Corp. Ltd., Director (HR) of GAIL India Ltd.
- Sh. Gautam Bhattacharya – Social Activist, supporting Women Empowerment.
KOLKATA CHIEF GUEST & GUEST OF HONOUR
(CONFIRMATION AWAITED)- CHIEF GUESTShri Suvendu Adhikari – Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of West Bengal.
- GUEST OF HONOURDr. Swapan Dasgupta – Hon’ble Finance Minister, Government of West Bengal.
KOLKATA SPECIAL GUESTS
- Swami Kripakarananda Maharaj – Senior Monk, Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission; Medical Professional & Classical Hindustani Devotional Singer; Former Secretary, RK Mission Hospital, Itanagar.
- Smt. Malati Rava Roy – MLA from Tufanganj Assembly Constituency; Representative, Dept. of Women & Child Development & Social Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal.
- Smt. Agnimitra Paul – Fashion Designer & Politician; MLA from Asansol South; Former State President, BJP Mahila Morcha; Dept. of Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Govt. of West Bengal.
SPECIAL INVITEES
- Sri Sajal Ghosh – MLA – Baranagar
- Smt. Keya Ghosh – Former Journalist & Spokesperson, BJP
- Sri Rudranil Ghosh – MLA – Shibpur, Howrah
DELHI CHIEF GUEST
(CONFIRMATION AWAITED)- Dr. Mallika Nadda – Chairperson, Special Olympics Bharat.
HONOURING WOMEN. CELEBRATING CULTURE. INSPIRING SOCIETY.
Empowering Lives. Celebrating Talent. Building an Inclusive Society.
BE PART OF THIS ICONIC CELEBRATION
Celebrate Women. Celebrate Culture. Inspire Change.
Registration is FREE for all
