Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award – Season 6 (2026)
Final Award Recipients

The Short Film Mantra introduced the Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award in 2021 to honour outstanding individuals who have made remarkable contributions to society.

Since its inception, the award has been presented to 215 distinguished personalities, including the recipients of 2026.

Shri Pankaj Kapadia, a renowned philanthropist of South Gujarat, has dedicated the past 47 years to selfless social service. He has established numerous institutes, schools, colleges, and cultural halls, and has generously donated crores of rupees to support the needy and various social organisations. Every year, on his birthday, 2nd July, he donates generously to needy institutions as a gesture of compassion and commitment towards social welfare. His unwavering support for art, culture, and sports has positively impacted countless lives.

This prestigious award is presented annually to individuals from various fields of art, culture, and social service who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to society.

We are proud to announce the Final Award Recipients of Season 6 (2026) as follows:

 

1.Dr. Rupal N. Shah is the Managing Director and Consultant Gynecologist at Rupal Hospital, Surat, and a leading ART and IVF expert in South Gujarat. Through her excellence in women’s healthcare and fertility treatment, she has transformed thousands of lives. Her continuous efforts to spread awareness and empower women make her truly inspiring to society. She will be honored   Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026 for her outstanding contribution to society.

 

2.Mr. Krishnakant Unadkat, Editor of Sandesh, Surat, is a distinguished journalist and author whose four decades of dedicated service have significantly enriched Gujarati media and literature. Through his influential columns and 28 acclaimed books, he has profoundly shaped public thought and social awareness.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to journalism, literary excellence, and inspirational impact on society, he will be proudly honored with  Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026.

 

3.Mr. Rakesh Saini Akki, popularly known as the Iron Teeth Man of India, is a 9-time World Record Holder and a proud holder of the India Book of Records and Gujarat Book of Records. A renowned strength performer, stuntman, and professional athlete based in Surat, Gujarat, he has received several prestigious honors across India.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to athlete and stunt excellence, and for his inspirational impact on society, he will be proudly honored with Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026.

 

4.Mr. Rrumi Baaria, a well-known theatre artist, television actor, director, and music director from Navsari, Gujarat, is being honored for his outstanding contribution to Gujarati theatre and the performing arts. Through his artistic excellence and dedicated mentorship of aspiring artists, he has played a vital role in preserving and promoting our cultural heritage.

In recognition of his inspiring journey and unwavering commitment to cultural development, he will be proudly presented with  Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026.

 

5.Ms. Nandini Shah has shown exceptional dedication and artistic excellence in the performing arts. Through her theatre work and cultural initiatives, she has promoted social awareness and nurtured cultural values among children and youth.

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to education and cultural excellence, and for her inspiring impact on society, she is proudly honored with  Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026.

 

6.Dr. Vinod C. Shah is a respected medical professional from Surat, widely admired for his dedication to social service. Alongside his distinguished medical career, he actively contributes to education, cultural development, tribal health, and social awareness initiatives. As a key leader of Manav Kalarav Group Sanstha, his vision and commitment have positively impacted many lives.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to social awareness, health, education, and cultural excellence, he will be proudly honored with the Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026.

 

7.Mr. Ketan Rawal is a respected Mumbai-based industrialist and a visionary contributor to the Indian film industry. He is the first entrepreneur in India to own and operate over 70 vanity vans for Bollywood, significantly improving on-set infrastructure and working conditions for artists and technicians.

He also produced the Gujarati feature film Ram Bharo Se, supporting regional cinema and strengthening the Gujarati film industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he extended meaningful support to film industry workers, reflecting his strong sense of social responsibility.

In recognition of his contributions to cinema and society, he will be honored with the Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026.

 

8.Ms. Sandhya Bhatt is a distinguished poet, literary critic, and biographer with a long-standing dedication to literature and education.She started her career as an Associate professor in English in 1987 and has been serving at Arts and Commerce College, Bardoli.

 Her notable works include Sparsh Aakashno (2006), Shoonyama Aakaar (2017), Samay To Thayo (2020), and the acclaimed biographical work Jaybhikhkhu (2021), published by Delhi Sahitya Akademi. Her literary contributions have been widely recognized by leading institutions.

She currently serves as the Development Secretary of Gujarat Sahitya Parishad (2023–2026).

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to literature and education, Ms. Sandhya Bhatt will be honored with Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026.

9. Ms. Bhavna Hemant Vakil is a distinguished Gujarati litterateur, playwright, novelist, editor, lyricist, short filmmaker, and cultural activist whose multifaceted contributions to literature, theatre, cinema, and social development have made her an inspirational figure in contemporary Indian arts and letters.

She has authored more than twenty published books, including novels, short story collections, plays, and other literary works of significant social and artistic relevance.

Her acclaimed novel Sneh Sarovar Bhina Bhina achieved a rare milestone in Gujarati literature when a PhD was awarded on this work by Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, marking a unique and exceptional literary accomplishment.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to literature and education, Ms. Bhavna Vakil will be honoured with  Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026.

10.Mr. Rajesh Kava is a highly respected and celebrated voice-over artist in the Indian film industry. With a distinguished career spanning several decades, he has lent his powerful and versatile voice to South Indian, Hindi, English, and Gujarati films, as well as to OTT platforms and animated content.

In recognition of his remarkable contribution and lasting impact on voice acting in India, he will be honoured with  Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026.

 

11.Mr. Parimal Vyas is a dedicated social activist who served as the President of the Lions Club of Surat North during 2004–2005. During his tenure, a Homeopathic Dispensary at the Lions Community Centre, Adajan, Surat, provided medical treatment to over 2,50,000 patients at highly subsidized rates, ensuring accessible healthcare for the underprivileged.

He also played a key role in donating a Medical Van to the Homeopathic Hospital in Vyara, Tapi District, strengthening healthcare services in rural and tribal areas.

In recognition of his selfless service, compassionate leadership, and commitment to social responsibility, he will be honoured with  Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026.

 

12.Mr. Ishwarlal Chandulal Patel is a dedicated social worker and literary contributor who has served society for over 50 years. He organized “Vichar Goshthi,” served as Chief Trustee of the Senior Citizens Club (Gorat), and founded D.G. Yuvak Mandal.

A recipient of the Best Senior Citizen Award (2003), his writings including nearly 3,000 haikus have been widely published. For decades, he distributed “Jan Kalyan” and provided free medicines to the needy.

He will be honoured with  Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026 for his lifelong service.

 

13.Mr. Kamlesh Masalawala  World’s First Laughter Therapy Teacher

Mr. Kamlesh Masalawala of Surat is recognized as the world’s first full-time Laughter Therapy Teacher, appointed in 2006. A Limca Book of National Records (2006) achiever, he has also delivered a TEDx Talk at IIM Kashipur, Uttarakhand, promoting laughter as a tool for mental well-being and social harmony.

He will be honoured with the Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026 for his outstanding contribution to education and mental wellness.

 

14,Dr. Hemang Vyas has dedicated his career to serving rural and tribal communities by spreading awareness about Sickle Cell Disease and improving healthcare knowledge.

A Certified American Heart Association Trainer, he has conducted over 100 CPR workshops and trained more than 5,000 individuals in life-saving skills. His Heart Saver and CPR Course is approved by Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, and he regularly empowers college students with emergency response training.

In recognition of his dedication and commitment to saving lives, he will be honoured with  Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026.

 

15.Mr. Gaurang Desai is a dedicated social activist and community benefactor. He serves as a Trustee of Jivanjyot, Amroli, and as Chairman of the Amroli Peoples Co-operative Credit Society, Amroli, contributing actively to social welfare and financial support initiatives.

He is also a committed member of the Mota varachha Anavil Mandal, working for community development and unity. Widely known for his humanitarian efforts, he regularly supports underprivileged families in education and medical care.

He will be honored with the Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026.

 

16.Shri Narendra Patel is a true example of lifelong learning and dedication. A retired soldier and social worker from Surat, he began his PhD in a stock market–related subject at the age of 72 and is now completing it at 74, while continuing to inspire youth toward education and national service.

In recognition of his perseverance and inspirational journey, he will be honored with the Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026.

 

17.Dr. Jayesh R. Shah is a renowned Surgical Oncologist known for his excellence and dedication to cancer care. After completing his Master’s in General Surgery from B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad in 1983, he trained at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, and later pursued a fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Canter, New York, specializing in Head and Neck Surgery.

18.Sona Mistry is a globally renowned mehndi artist and one of India’s leading names in luxury and celebrity henna. She has designed exclusive mehndi for celebrities including Rashmika Mandanna, Vijay Deverakonda, Kriti Sanon, Nupur Sanon, and Stebin Ben, and has showcased her artistry in over 17 countries. A TEDx speaker and entrepreneur, she has empowered more than 10,000 students through her professional academy, promoting women’s independence. In recognition of her artistic excellence and inspiring leadership, she will be honored with Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026.

In 1988, he founded Anand Hospital, Surat, now a 100-bed multi-specialty hospital. A pioneer of laparoscopic cancer surgery in Surat since 2006, he has conducted live workshops and inspired surgeons across Gujarat to adopt advanced techniques. He has also received prestigious honours, including a Gold Medal at AMASICON 2013 and the Best Video Presentation Award at IAGES 2017.

For his exceptional contributions and inspirational leadership in cancer surgery, Dr. Jayesh R. Shah will be honoured with  Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026.

 

19.Dr. Kapil Thakkar is a distinguished urologist known for his excellence in advanced urological care and laparoscopic surgery. He completed his MBBS and MS from M. P. Shah Medical College, Jamnagar, and earned his DNB in Urology from Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital (MPUH), Nadiad.

He has collaborated in research with the Cleveland Clinic, USA, presented papers at national and international forums including the World Congress of Endourology, and serves as visiting faculty at IMMAST, Mumbai, training surgeons in advanced laparoscopy.

Since 2007, he has been practicing at Excel Hospital, Surat, and is regarded as a pioneer of laparoscopic urology in South Gujarat. Alongside his medical achievements, he is actively involved in charitable healthcare services.

In recognition of his innovation, research, teaching, and compassionate service, Dr. Kapil Thakkar will be honoured with  Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026

20.  Mr. Ghanshyam Lakhani, a well-known singer, is being honoured for his outstanding contribution to Gujarati folk music and culture. Through his remarkable work, he has played a vital role in preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage. In recognition of his inspiring journey and unwavering commitment to cultural development, he will be proudly presented with  Shri Pankaj Kapadia Inspirational Award 2026.