International Women’s Day is globally recognised as a celebration of women’s achievements and a call to strengthen gender equality across sectors. In Guwahati, one of the most prominent celebrations of International Women’s Day 2026 took place at GNRC Hospitals Dispur, where distinguished personalities, healthcare professionals, and women leaders gathered to honour excellence, compassion, and dedication.

The grand programme was organised by GNRC Hospitals in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Nursing Education (AINE) and brought together eminent cultural icons, healthcare specialists, and women employees under one roof. The event highlighted the powerful role of women in healthcare, arts, sports, and community service, while also reinforcing the importance of accessible healthcare initiatives designed specifically for women.

Held at the GNRC Hospitals Dispur Auditorium in Guwahati on March 8, 2026, the celebration showcased inspiring stories of resilience, recognition of outstanding women achievers, cultural performances, and the announcement of special healthcare packages aimed at improving women’s wellbeing across Assam and the Northeast.

GNRC Hospitals Leads Women’s Empowerment Initiatives in Northeast India

Healthcare institutions today play a vital role not only in medical care but also in social leadership. GNRC Hospitals has consistently positioned itself as a pioneer in promoting women’s empowerment within the healthcare ecosystem of Northeast India.

The International Women’s Day celebration at GNRC Hospitals was designed to acknowledge women who have made meaningful contributions in their respective fields while inspiring the next generation of women leaders.

The event brought together:

• Healthcare professionals
• Cultural icons
• Athletes
• Nursing students
• Women employees from the GNRC ecosystem
• Community stakeholders

Such an inclusive platform reinforced the hospital’s commitment to recognising the multidimensional impact of women in society.

The auditorium buzzed with energy and pride as participants celebrated the courage, resilience, and achievements of women who continue to shape the cultural and healthcare landscape of Assam.

Felicitation of Eminent Women Luminaries of Assam

One of the most memorable highlights of the celebration was the felicitation of three distinguished women personalities of Assam who have made exceptional contributions in culture and sports.

Pokhila Lekthepi – Padma Shri Awardee and Karbi Folk Singer

Padma Shri awardee Pokhila Lekthepi has played a monumental role in preserving and promoting Karbi folk traditions. Her musical legacy represents the rich cultural heritage of Assam’s indigenous communities.

During the event, she was honoured for her lifelong contribution to folk music and cultural preservation. Her presence symbolised the importance of safeguarding traditional art forms while empowering women artists.

Manisha Hazarika – Eminent Singer and Cultural Icon

Another luminary honoured during the programme was Manisha Hazarika, a renowned singer and cultural figure whose contributions have enriched Assam’s musical landscape.

Her dedication to Assamese music and cultural identity has made her a role model for aspiring musicians and performers across the region.

Fariha Zaman – International Swimmer

Representing excellence in sports, international swimmer Fariha Zaman was also felicitated for her achievements in competitive swimming and her contribution to promoting sports among young women.

Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that women can excel on global platforms when given opportunities and support.

Together, these three icons symbolised the diverse domains in which women continue to break barriers and inspire society.

Inspiring Leadership and Vision for Women’s Progress

The programme began with a warm and thoughtful welcome address delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Ranju Rani Das, Principal of the Asian Institute of Nursing Education.

Her speech emphasised the critical role of women in healthcare and education. She highlighted the importance of nurturing compassion, leadership, and professional excellence among women in the medical and nursing sectors.

Dr. Das also reflected on the evolving role of nurses and healthcare professionals in shaping modern healthcare systems, especially in regions like Northeast India where community health initiatives remain vital.

The keynote address of the event was delivered by Dr. (Mrs.) Jayasree Borah, Non-Executive Director of GNRC Hospitals. Her speech resonated deeply with the audience, offering a powerful perspective on women’s contributions across disciplines.

Dr. Borah, a respected columnist and former Associate Professor of Cotton College in Guwahati, spoke about the transformative power of women’s leadership in society.

She emphasised that women continue to redefine excellence through their compassion, intelligence, and perseverance.

Recognising Excellence Among Women Healthcare Professionals

In addition to honouring external luminaries, GNRC Hospitals also celebrated the outstanding achievements of its own women employees.

Three prestigious awards were presented during the event to recognise exceptional contributions within the healthcare ecosystem.

Best Patient Outcome Award

The Best Patient Outcome Award was presented to Pulmonologist Dr. Farjana Begum.

This award recognises medical professionals who have achieved remarkable success in patient care, treatment outcomes, and compassionate service.

Dr. Begum’s work in pulmonology has significantly impacted patients suffering from respiratory diseases, making her a deserving recipient of the honour.

Best Academic Engagement Award

The Best Academic Engagement Award was presented to Neurologist Dr. Rupjyoti Das.

This award acknowledges contributions to medical education, research, and academic excellence within the healthcare system.

Dr. Das’s commitment to academic development and knowledge sharing has helped strengthen medical education within the GNRC ecosystem.

Best Swasthyamitra Award – Maximum Lives Touched

The Best Swasthyamitra Award was conferred upon Ms. Malaya Das for her exceptional work in reaching and supporting communities.

The Swasthyamitra initiative plays a crucial role in expanding healthcare awareness and accessibility in underserved areas.

Ms. Das’s efforts have positively impacted countless lives through community engagement and health awareness programmes.

These recognitions highlighted the essential role women play in delivering compassionate healthcare services across the region.

Cultural Performances Celebrate Diversity and Tradition

Beyond recognition and awards, the celebration also included vibrant cultural performances that showcased the artistic richness of Assam.

The audience was captivated by:

• Sattriya dance performances, representing Assam’s classical dance tradition
• Musical performances by the Hillphonic group
• Performances by the AINE student group
• Cultural presentations by the Swasthyamitra team

These performances added colour, emotion, and cultural pride to the celebration.

Cultural programmes during International Women’s Day events play an important role in celebrating identity, heritage, and creativity, reminding audiences that women contribute significantly to both cultural preservation and artistic innovation.

Announcement of Two New Memorial Awards for Women Achievers

One of the most significant announcements made during the event was the institution of two new memorial awards that will recognise extraordinary women each year.

Dr. Jayasree Borah announced the establishment of:

• Late Anupama Das Memorial Award
• Kanaklata Borah Memorial Award

These awards will be presented annually starting next year to honour women who have made remarkable contributions in various fields.

The awards commemorate two inspiring women whose legacies continue to influence society.

By instituting these awards, GNRC Hospitals aims to create a lasting platform that celebrates women’s achievements while encouraging future generations to pursue excellence.

Special Women’s Health Packages Announced by GNRC Hospitals

Healthcare accessibility remains a critical issue for women, especially in developing regions. Recognising this need, GNRC Hospitals announced special health packages for women, available for a limited period of one month.

The packages include:

Comprehensive Women’s Health Package – ₹7,000

This package is designed to provide holistic health screening for women, covering multiple medical parameters to detect early signs of health conditions.

Mental Health Package – ₹400

Mental health remains an often overlooked aspect of women’s wellbeing. This affordable package aims to promote awareness, counselling, and early intervention for mental health concerns.

PCOS Health Package – ₹2,000

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women worldwide. The dedicated PCOS package helps diagnose and manage hormonal imbalances and reproductive health issues.

These initiatives reaffirm GNRC Hospitals’ commitment to delivering affordable, accessible, and holistic healthcare services for women across Assam and the Northeast.

Importance of Women-Centric Healthcare in India

Events like the International Women’s Day celebration at GNRC Hospitals highlight the urgent need for women-centric healthcare policies and programmes.

Women often face unique health challenges such as:

• Hormonal disorders
• Reproductive health concerns
• Mental health pressures
• Lifestyle-related diseases

By launching targeted health packages and awareness campaigns, hospitals can significantly improve early diagnosis and preventive healthcare for women.

In regions like Northeast India, where healthcare access varies across communities, such initiatives become even more impactful.

GNRC Hospitals: A Trusted Healthcare Institution in Northeast India

GNRC Hospitals has established itself as one of the leading multi-speciality healthcare institutions serving Assam and the broader Northeast region.

The hospital group operates with a core philosophy centred on:

• Quality healthcare delivery
• Value-driven medical services
• Trust and compassion in patient care

With advanced medical facilities, skilled healthcare professionals, and community outreach initiatives, GNRC Hospitals continues to play a pivotal role in improving healthcare accessibility in the region.

The hospital network also extends beyond Assam, with services reaching Barasat in Kolkata, strengthening its regional presence.

Asian Institute of Nursing Education (AINE): Strengthening Nursing Leadership

The Asian Institute of Nursing Education (AINE), which co-organised the event, is a renowned institution dedicated to training and nurturing skilled nursing professionals.

With its guiding motto “Service with Healing Hands,” AINE emphasises compassion, professionalism, and patient-centric care.

Through education, training, and practical exposure, the institute prepares nurses who play a crucial role in healthcare systems across India.

Collaborations between hospitals and nursing institutions are essential in developing a strong healthcare workforce capable of addressing emerging medical challenges.

A Celebration of Courage, Compassion, and Contribution

The International Women’s Day celebration at GNRC Hospitals concluded on a powerful and inspiring note.

The event successfully brought together women achievers from diverse fields, celebrated healthcare professionals, and introduced meaningful initiatives aimed at improving women’s health.

More importantly, the programme reminded everyone present that women’s empowerment is not merely a symbolic gesture but a continuous journey that requires collective effort.

By honouring women who have touched countless lives through art, sports, medicine, and community service, GNRC Hospitals reaffirmed its commitment to building a more inclusive and compassionate society.

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