Aparna Sharath First Woman from Tulunadu to Win Nari Shakti

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 14 January 2026

• Aparna Sharath becomes the first woman from Tulunadu, Karnataka, to receive the Nari Shakti Samman
• This is one of India’s most honored awards given to women
• The honour was awarded to by the Indian embassy in Qatar

Aparna Sharath has made history by being the first woman from the Tulunadu region of Karnataka to receive the award of Nari Shakti Samman, which is considered one of the most prestigious awards awarded to women in India by the Indian Government.

The prestigious award has been awarded at the Indian Embassy in Qatar, in the celebration of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, in the country of Doha.

Aparna received this prestigious award as part of the 12 women from India who were honored for her contributions to community service, leadership, and efforts put into the empowerment of Indians abroad from her country.

This prestigious award also honors her efforts to improve people-to-people interactions and the endeavors put into furthering the relationship between India and Qatar.

The conferment of the title of Nari Shakti Samman has been identified as an important milestone in the history of Tulunadu, which comprises Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

Leadership qualities and social service rendered by women in the region at the national and global level were stated to be acknowledged by social leaders through this title.

It has been observed that it symbolizes the growing contribution of women from coastal Karnataka, particularly in the Gulf nations.

High-ranking government officials, ambassadors, Indians, and representatives of the Indians residing in the country attended this ceremony, which was held to celebrate the contributions of Indian women in different sectors such as social services, leadership, business, and development.

She has remained actively engaged with the initiatives pertaining to the Indian diaspora, especially the women and families residing outside the country.

Her initiatives and leadership have contributed to the support systems for various social welfare schemes and exposure to Indian culture, which has helped the Indian diaspora feel included and experience the Indian values of inclusivity and seva.

The Nari Shakti Samman also credits her with such contributions as developing stronger ties between India and Qatar through community-based initiatives.

This has been achieved by her collaborating with local bodies, cultural events, and expat communities as methods of facilitating stronger ties between the two nations differently than through official channels.