✨ Celebrating women, community and the power of lifting one another up. ✨
What a wonderful evening at The Opulence Gala & inaugural VEDA Awards 2026 a celebration of inspiring women, organisations, community leaders and allies creating meaningful change. VEDA’s first anniversary event was centred around recognising those uplifting and empowering women.
For us at the Peepul Centre, it was an absolute honour to receive two award nominations, the Peepul Centre for the Champion Organisation Award, and our Director and Head of Health, Dr Santosh Bhanot, for the Outstanding Woman of the Year Award.
These nominations recognise both the impact of our organisation and Dr Bhanot’s leadership, dedication and years of hard work. Her commitment to strengthening communities continues to inspire the work we do.
There was something particularly meaningful about sharing this moment in a room filled with women supporting, celebrating and championing other women.
Peepul’s own story is deeply rooted in women and community empowerment. Our beginnings grew from the vision of local South Asian women who created a space for connection, support and community a spirit that continues through our work in health, wellbeing, culture, education and opportunity.
That is why the work of VEDA Women’s Club CIC resonates so strongly with us. VEDA is building a sisterhood rooted in connection, confidence and impact, creating spaces where women can be heard, grow, lead and genuinely celebrate one another’s success.
A huge congratulations to Hasina Reshamwalla and Aliyana Reshamwalla DDRS for all they have created with VEDA.🌸
Congratulations also to every winner and every nominee. 🏆 Every recognition represents dedication, perseverance and impact and every woman celebrated helps inspire another woman or young girl to see what is possible.
It was a beautiful evening of celebration, connection and powerful stories, and above all, a reminder that when women support women, whole communities become stronger.
Here’s to continuing to create spaces where women are seen, heard, valued and empowered, while opening doors for the women and girls who come after us. 💗