On March 23, 2025, Centre for Civil Society (CCS) hosted Samanvita 2025 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi - a powerful celebration of women’s voices, achievements, and journeys of transformation. The event was dedicated to honoring the contributions of women leaders who have been part of CCS’s ecosystem through various initiatives. It felicitated the achievements of street vendors, educators, Betiyan Scholars, and CCS alumni, recognizing their resilience, impact, and role in driving social change.
Samanvita 2025 brought together over 120 participants from across India, including grassroots leaders, teachers, scholars, policymakers, and civil society representatives. Attendees came from diverse regions including Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Telangana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur - making it a truly national gathering of changemakers and supporters of women-led development.
The event opened with a vibrant musical performance that set the context and mood, weaving together themes of resilience, empowerment, and unity. The program was anchored by Krupa Thakkar, Consultant at CCS, who welcomed the audience and introduced the broader vision of Samanvita - bringing together diverse yet powerful stories of women changemakers.
Among the most moving segments of the event was the tribute to women street vendors empowered through CCS’s Jeevika initiative. A compelling video documented their journeys, followed by deeply personal stories from vendors such as Renu Ji, Kiran Ji, and Kavita Ji, who spoke about their battles against discrimination and the critical legal support provided by the Jeevika App. Their courage and determination received heartfelt applause from the audience.
In a moment of pride, the event also felicitated the Betiyan Scholars, young women who have excelled in academics despite significant socio-economic hurdles. Veena, Palak Thakur, Ankita Sharma, Kanika Thakur, Karen Mitzi Mendes, and Pooja Thakur shared stories of grit and ambition, highlighting the transformative impact of the Betiyan Scholarship program in enabling their dreams and building their confidence.
The celebration also honoured educators who have played a key role in improving students’ spoken English skills, recognizing their efforts in creating meaningful classroom impact through CCS’s Language Learning Lab Initiative under the Bolo English Project. Teachers such as Sheela Gogoi from Cardinal Gracious School, Sandhya Goswami from Hari Vidya Bhawan, Preeti Sharma from SD Vidya School, along with Prachi Dixit, Neetu Garg, Uma Rani, Shilpa Sharma, and Babita Pundir, shared how the intervention has helped students communicate with confidence and improved classroom outcomes.
Ms. Delina Khongdup, Member of the National Commission for Women, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and congratulated the honorees. She emphasized the critical role of education and skill-building in women-led development, aligning with India’s vision for 2047 and commended CCS’s efforts in catalyzing grassroots change.
In the concluding segment, CCS alumni - Rajul Jain, Daphne Vallado, Deepti Mishra, and Swati Aggarwal reflected on how CCS shaped their journeys in public policy and leadership, reinforcing the long-term value of nurturing young changemakers.
The event closed with a formal vote of thanks by Anamika Pathak, Senior Fellow at CCS, who expressed gratitude to all speakers, guests, and partners who made Samanvita 2025 a meaningful and memorable gathering.
Through stories, recognition, and community, Samanvita 2025 exemplified the spirit of collective action and empowerment. It reinforced CCS’s mission to build an ecosystem that supports women in achieving their full potential - whether through education, legal empowerment, or leadership development.
