From first woman snake rescuer to Down syndrome affected Kathak dancer, 29 outstanding women achievers were conferred with the Nari Shakti award by President Ram Nath Kovind on the occasion of International Women's Day.

28 awards (14 each for 2020 and 2021) were presented to the 29 women in recognition of their exceptional work towards the empowerment of women, especially the vulnerable and marginalised. Among the awardees are Vanita Jagdeo Borade, the first woman snake rescuer, who founded 'Soyre Vanchare Multipurpose Foundation' for nature and wildlife protection and promoting pollution-free environment. She has rescued and released over 50,000 snakes to their natural habitat.