New Delhi, Aug 5: What began as a heartfelt vision on 1st January 2021 has blossomed into one of India’s inspiring movements dedicated to women’s mental health awareness. Having positively impacted and brought together more than 10,000 women across 21 states, Ear to Hear celebrated its remarkable five-year milestone with the Ear to Hear Annual Meet – Edition V on 26th July 2026 at the prestigious India International Centre, New Delhi.
More than an annual gathering, the event celebrated compassion, resilience, hope, and the extraordinary power of listening. It brought together eminent dignitaries, celebrities, social changemakers, mental health advocates, achievers, and supporters from across the country, united by a shared commitment to creating a world where every woman feels heard and valued.
The event commenced with a warm welcome by Arpita Mitra, State Ambassador – Uttar Pradesh, who gracefully served as the Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon. With warmth, confidence, and an engaging presence, she seamlessly guided the audience through the various segments of the celebration while reflecting upon Ear to Hear’s inspiring five-year journey. She was joined by Madhu Sharma, Regional Leader – Bhopal, as the Guest Anchor, who added warmth and energy to the proceedings.
Their heartfelt words reminded everyone that healing often begins when someone simply chooses to listen with empathy.
Founder Richa Mehta then addressed the gathering, sharing how Ear to Hear was born from a simple dream—to ensure that no woman ever feels unheard during her most vulnerable moments. Over the last five years, that dream has grown into a nationwide movement promoting emotional well-being, mental health awareness, and women’s empowerment. Her inspiring words encouraged everyone to become ambassadors of compassion and positive change.
The celebration was graced by Chief Guest Tannaz Irani, celebrated actress, transformational coach, and motivational speaker. Speaking about resilience, reinvention, and emotional strength, she applauded Ear to Hear’s efforts in normalising conversations around mental health and encouraged everyone to continue spreading kindness within their communities.
A defining moment of the afternoon was the traditional Lamp Lighting Ceremony, symbolising hope, wisdom, and positivity. The ceremony was led by Tannaz Irani, Richa Mehta, Suman Mehta, Vineeta Malik, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Lt. Dr. Rita Gangwani, Dr. Sharad Kohli, Ratnadeep Lal, and Vandy Mehta, formally inaugurating the landmark five-year celebration.
Adding a spiritual dimension to the event, Simmi Kapoor, Regional Leader – Uttar Pradesh, presented a soulful Shiv Stotram. This was followed by the unveiling of the inspiring Ear to Hear anthem, “Shabashiya.” Featuring members from across India, the anthem celebrated courage, hope, and resilience. It became one of the most emotional moments of the event and beautifully captured the spirit of Ear to Hear’s five-year journey.
One of the most heart-touching attractions was the Tree of Hearts, thoughtfully conceptualised by the Ear to Hear Uttar Pradesh Team. Guests wrote heartfelt messages of appreciation and gratitude for fellow members, creating a beautiful display of love and encouragement. Alongside it, Team Delhi’s creatively designed Selfie Point encouraged participants to celebrate memories while spreading awareness through social media. The event also included a serene guided meditation session, reinforcing the importance of inner peace, mindfulness, and emotional well-being.
The organisation honoured its dedicated leadership team, recognising the contributions of Geeta Ahuja and Arpita Mitra as State Ambassadors, along with Regional Leaders Madhu Sharma, Dr. Pooja Dikshit Joshi, Poonam Upadhyay, and Simmi Kapoor, whose tireless efforts have helped strengthen Ear to Hear’s presence across India.
Distinguished guests, including Deepak Gupta, Gaurav Gupta, Abdirisak Seid Nur, Dr. Ayat Saad Ahmed, Subhash Jindal, Jasvir Singh Sinda, and Parul Singh, were also felicitated for their remarkable contributions to society.
A major highlight of the event was the Ear to Hear Inspiring Women Achievers Awards 2026, honouring exceptional women from diverse professions whose inspiring journeys embodied leadership, resilience, and social impact. The awardees included Nikita Prarit Sikka, Shivani Khajuria, Jasmine Kakkar, Pankhuri Malhotra, Dr. Poonam, Shruti Agarwalla, Suddha Babbar, Sumathi Morgan, Dr. Neha, Anjali Matharu, Vandana Yogen Vaidya, Advocate Anju Kumari, and Ritu Sakshi Dwivedi.
Adding cultural vibrancy to the celebrations, talented children from NGO Prayas delivered a captivating dance performance celebrating the many forms of womanhood. Their performance earned heartfelt appreciation and applause from the audience.
The much-awaited Walk for a Cause once again became one of the defining highlights of the celebration. More than a fashion walk, it symbolised women’s empowerment and mental health awareness. Participants Dishi Bhatnagar, Ruchi Agarwal, Ritu Bhardwaj, Anchal Jain, Rekha Kumar, and Jasmine Kakkar walked the ramp with confidence and purpose. Beautifully styled by Djewels and Hema Thakur Makeovers, they transformed the runway into a powerful platform for social change.
Another thought-provoking segment was the panel discussion on “Women’s Mental Health: Five Years of Change,” moderated by Dr. Sharad Kohli. The distinguished panel comprised Indu Ahuja, Aartii Yaajnik, Dr. Suchitra Prasad, and Anjali M, who shared valuable insights on emotional resilience, workplace well-being, parenting, self-awareness, and the changing conversations surrounding women’s mental health.
The event also recognised dedicated and active Ear to Hear members, including Indu Ahuja, Hima Mishra, Advocate Parveen Arya, Dr. Shafali Gupta, Manndeep Kaurr, Dr. Vartika Rao, Aartii Yaajnik, Dr. Snehlata Umrao, Sheetal Koul, Suprity Dahiya, and Suddha Babbar.
Special Certificates of Appreciation were presented to several members in recognition of their valuable contributions and continued support towards the Ear to Hear movement and the successful execution of the event.
The success of the celebration was made possible through the support of esteemed partners, including Sirona, Benson Trophies & Awards, Djewels, Zal by Banaras, Hema Thakur Makeovers, IIFT, Raavi Homes, FPII, Nanuchii, NGO Prayas, We Together, Bhandare Walas, Shivani Bake Box, Ayuth Veda, and Udit Soni. The stall partners included Hexagon Investments, Samyama R Candles, Oliari by Oram Jewels, and Transcendental Meditation.
As the curtains came down, the event celebrated not just five successful years, but a movement built on empathy, hope, and human connection.
With more than 10,000 women associated across 21 states, Ear to Hear continues to demonstrate that lasting change begins with a compassionate heart and a listening ear. As it embarks on its next chapter, the organisation remains committed to touching many more lives, empowering women, and ensuring that no voice ever goes unheard.
Five years may have been completed, but for Ear to Hear, this is only the beginning.