Kalpana Soren receives Women Empowerment Trailblazer Award at BRICS summit

Gandey MLA Kalpana Soren was conferred the Women Empowerment Trailblazer Award at the BRICS CCI WE Annual Women Summit and Felicitation 2026 held in New Delhi. The award, presented by the women empowerment vertical of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recognises contributions towards women-led development and grassroots empowerment initiatives. Advertisement Accepting the award, Soren said it belonged to women contributing to families, communities and the nation. She said women are making strides across sectors and are emerging as key drivers of development. Emphasising inclusive growth, she said there is a need to ensure greater participation of women from marginalised communities and expand their access to opportunities. Referring to initiatives in Jharkhand, she said women are increasingly emerging as entrepreneurs and agents of change through self-help groups and local enterprises. Soren also stressed the need for equal opportunities for women to lead and grow. Among those present at the event were former Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, NIC Director General Abhishek Singh, former BRICS Sherpa Sanjay Bhattacharyya, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Coal Rupinder Brar, actor Shabana Azmi and actor Bhumi Pednekar, among others.