Recognising Visionaries, Leaders and Achievers : Meet Bharat Shreshtha Ratna Sanman 2026’s Awardees – List 1

Tanya Choudhury has been honoured with the Bharat Shreshtha Ratna Sanman 2026 for her contributions to the entertainment industry and social impact initiatives. Known for her work as an actress and model, she has earned recognition through accolades including the Pride Indian Icon Award, the Tax Filling India Business Leader Award, and the ANR Centenary Pan India Award for Best Actress. Beyond her professional achievements, Tanya actively supports charitable causes, fundraising efforts, and community welfare programs. Her commitment to using her platform to inspire confidence, empowerment, and positive change makes her a deserving recipient of this prestigious national honour.

Dr. Nishant Sawant

Cybersecurity Visionary of the Year.

Dr. Nishant Sawant has been conferred with the prestigious Bharat Shreshtha Ratna Sanman 2026 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cybersecurity and digital trust. With over 25 years of experience, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening security frameworks across banking, healthcare, enterprise, and governance sectors. A highly certified cybersecurity expert, Dr. Nishant Sawant is known for his work in data protection, regulatory compliance, Zero Trust Architecture, and AI-driven security solutions. Through his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to digital safety, he continues to help build a secure and resilient digital future for India.

Meet Parekh | Founder, NAMO 9 Tea

India’s Leading Tea Taster 2026

Meet Parekh, Founder of NAMO 9 Tea, has been honoured with the Bharat Shreshtha Ratna Sanman 2026 for his contribution to India’s tea industry through quality-focused entrepreneurship. Combining an MBA in International Marketing from Singapore with professional certification as a Tea Taster, he has built NAMO 9 Tea into a trusted tea brand known for consistency and craftsmanship. Personally involved in tea tasting, blending, and quality evaluation, Meet believes that “Quality is King.” His dedication to maintaining high standards while modernising traditional tea expertise has earned him recognition as a respected entrepreneur and industry leader.

Ramya Nagraj

The Real Women Warrior of the Year.

Ramya Nagraj has been honoured with the prestigious Bharat Shreshtha Ratna Sanman 2026 for her remarkable resilience and social impact. The first woman graduate from her village, Ramya overcame personal and professional challenges before facing the devastating loss of her daughter to cancer and later battling cancer herself. Instead of giving up, she chose to inspire others through her journey. Today, she uses social media to spread hope, support cancer patients, and guide families through difficult times. Her recognition reflects not only her strength as a survivor but also her commitment to helping others find courage and purpose.

Vidhi Agarwal Kotap

India’s Fitness, Martial Arts & Youth Development Icon 2026.

Vidhi Agarwal Kotap has been conferred with the prestigious Bharat Shreshtha Ratna Sanman 2026 in recognition of her remarkable contribution to martial arts, women’s empowerment, youth development, and community service. A dedicated member of TCMAA and an accomplished martial artist, she has trained numerous students in Kung Fu, Wushu, Kickboxing, and Gymnastics while promoting discipline, confidence, and self-reliance. Through free self-defense camps for women and complimentary training for underprivileged children, she has used martial arts as a tool for social change. Alongside her husband, National Wushu Coach Ramkrishna Kotap, she has also served society during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Her recognition celebrates both sporting excellence and her commitment to empowering communities through education, fitness, and mentorship.

Neera Paritosh

Empowering Families, Inspiring Generations – Bharat Shreshtha Recognition 2026.

Neera Paritosh has been conferred with the prestigious Bharat Shreshtha Ratna Sanman 2026 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to education, emotional development, and conscious parenting. An educator, author, and parenting mentor with over three decades of experience, she is widely known for her transformative initiative, “Parenting the Parent,” which encourages parents to focus on self-awareness and personal growth as the foundation of effective parenting. Through her books Ripple of Words and Parenting the Parent, along with podcasts, workshops, and mentorship programs, she has inspired countless families to build stronger emotional connections and healthier relationships. Her work continues to promote emotional intelligence, resilience, and mindful parenting, making a meaningful impact on individuals, families, and communities across generations.

Tushar Gupta – Mr.Foodiiie

India’s Visionary Business & Influence Leader.

Tushar Gupta, popularly known as Mr.Foodiiie®️, has been conferred with the prestigious Bharat Shreshtha Ratna Sanman 2026 in recognition of his contribution to digital entrepreneurship, content innovation, and creator-led business leadership. Widely regarded as one of India’s emerging digital influencers, he has successfully transformed content creation into a thriving entrepreneurial venture through MR.FOODIIIE®️ Production House Private Limited. From creating engaging food and lifestyle content to delivering strategic digital campaigns for over 500 national and international brands, Tushar has established himself as a visionary in the creator economy. His collaborations with leading brands and his focus on high-quality storytelling have earned him recognition as a trusted digital leader. This honour celebrates his impact on India’s evolving digital landscape and his ability to inspire a new generation of creators and entrepreneurs.

Shalu Khandelwal

Woman of Art, Culture & Creative Legacy – Bharat Shreshtha Recognition 2026.

Shalu Khandelwal has been conferred with the prestigious Bharat Shreshtha Ratna Sanman 2026 in recognition of her contribution to preserving and promoting India’s traditional art and cultural heritage. Through her platform Linesofdestiny, she has championed folk and Madhubani art, using creativity to celebrate India’s rich traditions, spirituality, and storytelling. Her acclaimed Ramayana-inspired artworks have helped connect contemporary audiences with timeless cultural narratives. With participation in various exhibitions and a growing digital community of over 15,000 followers, Shalu continues to inspire cultural appreciation and artistic awareness. This honour recognises her dedication to keeping India’s artistic legacy alive for future generations.

Harshal Patil

India’s Inspiring Young Literary Voice.

Harshal Patil has been conferred with the prestigious Bharat Shreshtha Ratna Sanman 2026 in recognition of his contribution to literature and community development. Known for his thought-provoking books Love: A Mystery, An Emotion and Much More and Shadows of Redemption, Harshal has emerged as a promising literary voice whose writing explores human emotions with authenticity and depth. Beyond literature, he serves as a Trustee of the Shree Shyam Kashi Trust Foundation and is the co-founder of Tressaa, an initiative that supports self-help groups by creating opportunities for visibility and growth. Through his creative work and social initiatives, Harshal continues to inspire positive change, making a meaningful impact on both readers and communities.

Tarot Yash Bhargava

Dynamic Young Astrologer and healer

At just 23, Tarot Yash Bhargava has emerged as a trusted name in tarot reading and numerology, backed by over eight years of experience. Beginning his journey at the age of 15, he has helped individuals gain clarity in areas such as career, relationships, and personal growth through practical and easy-to-understand guidance. Known for combining tarot insights with numerology, Yash offers a holistic approach to decision-making. Serving clients across India, the UK, and Canada through online consultations, he continues to make spiritual guidance more accessible, relatable, and relevant for today’s generation.

The Bharat Shreshtha Ratna Sanman 2026 by India Times Now honours individuals whose dedication, resilience, and achievements continue to inspire others. Their journeys reflect the power of vision, perseverance, and purpose-driven action. As role models and changemakers, these awardees exemplify excellence and remind us that meaningful impact begins with commitment to one’s goals and values.