Chennai, Feb 16: CavinKare, in partnership with the Ability Foundation, celebrated extraordinary achievements in the disability sector at the 24th CavinKare Ability Awards 2026, honouring five exceptional individuals whose journeys have redefined perceptions and driven meaningful change across India.
The awards ceremony, held at Chennai, brought together eminent dignitaries including Deepika T.C, captain of the World Cup-winning blind women’s cricket team, and Thanya Nathan, poised to become Kerala’s first blind judge, to felicitate the awardees and reinforce the importance of inclusion in all spheres.
A special musical performance by Purushothaman, winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2023, and classical musician Abinaya Shenbagaraj, accompanied by sign language interpretation, highlighted the spirit of total inclusion in the arts.
Established in 2003, the CavinKare Ability Awards have recognized over 100 individuals with disabilities for their outstanding contributions to society. This year, the awards continued under two key categories:
- CavinKare Ability Award for Eminence – Honouring individuals who have founded organisations creating lasting societal impact.
- CavinKare Ability Mastery Awards – Recognising excellence, distinction, and leadership in respective fields.
Awardees of 2026:
- CavinKare Ability Special Recognition Award: Sunil Jain, Bengaluru, Karnataka – Founder Trustee of ASTHA, championing education, career pathways, and sports access for persons with disabilities.
- CavinKare Ability Award for Eminence: Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Gurugram, Haryana – Founder of Sarthak Educational Trust, expanding inclusive education, skill-building, and employment opportunities.
- CavinKare Ability Mastery Awards:
- Arivuraja Thangavelu, Tamil Nadu – Entrepreneur creating technology-led work opportunities for persons with disabilities.
- Shiv Kumar Sharma, Punjab – Disability rights advocate and actor, advancing legal awareness and inclusion through theatre and film.
- Chandra Mouli Dwarapureddy, Andhra Pradesh – Professional and inspiration for overcoming adversity following a life-changing accident, empowering others through mentorship and example.
Mr. CK Ranganathan, Chairman & MD, CavinKare Pvt. Ltd., said:
“The CavinKare Ability Awards celebrate courage, determination, and exceptional talent. Honouring these individuals spotlights journeys that go beyond personal achievement to create a ripple effect of societal change, strengthening the conversation around inclusion.”
Ms. Jayshree Raveendran, Founder & Hon. Executive Director, Ability Foundation, added:
“For 24 remarkable years, we have showcased the true potential of individuals with disabilities. Each nominee represents the promise of growth and success, reinforcing our commitment to building a more inclusive future.”
The 24th CavinKare Ability Awards reaffirmed the shared vision of CavinKare and Ability Foundation to empower persons with disabilities, inspire communities, and amplify stories of excellence, resilience, and transformative impact.