This year’s Awards Night was as good as a theatre production with its slick programme starting at the proposed time and ending equally early leaving those attending to stay on if they wished to enjoy the music and the camaraderie that followed.

With the National Anthem taking its pride of place and an opening song by the Muslim Chorale Ensemble directed by Haadia Galely – a winner at last year’s event, the welcome address was made by Fathima Aziz the Founding Director of the IMRA Foundation and brainchild where recognition and felicitating Muslim Women Achievers who go unnoticed was born. Mrs. Aziz emphasized the fact that quote “Empowered women, empower women” and that you can’t be, what you can’t see” unquote was mainly to encourage young women.

The Chief Guest that evening was the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya who was warmly welcomed to the podium. Thereafter she made a heartwarming and thought provoking address to the gathering. The emcee for the evening Rezani Aziz (an award winner herself at the inaugural celebration) continued thereafter with the awards presentation where the Prime Minister handed out the awards to the deserving, excited and nervous recipients. Photo opportunities were soon grabbed making this a memorable evening for all.

The Shibly Aziz Memorial award for Legal and Advocacy went to Shaheeda Barrie, while the IMRA (Arabic word for woman/wife) Excellence Award for Arts and Culture was won by Ameena Hussain. The next Excellence Award for Scholarship and Education was awarded to Dr. Ramola Rasool followed by the Award for Health and Medicine which was given to Professor Faseeha Noordeen.

The Excellence Award for Architecture was awarded to Architect Shehla Latiff, the IMRA Award for Achievement in Media Communications to Shyama Yakoob, the IMRA Rising Star Award for Entrepreneurship was awarded to Himna Kizar, the proprietress of Wedding Artisans. Himna created the stunning and elegant table décor placed amidst crystal clear glass edged in black showplates, accessorized with dark metallic cutlery and black napkins creatively folded and placed on top of the side plate. The table also was lit with beautiful candles, with the stands decorated with a thin black ribbon adding an abundance of grace to the occasion. In addition, IMRA souvenirs were placed on the tables for every guest.

The Rising Star for Sports went to Sajida Razick and the Rising Start Award for Education went to Rizka Naushad. Four Lifetime Achievement Awards were also made to Anberiya Haniffa, Sandra Wanduragala, Shivanandi Duraiswamy and Sunela Jayewardene. Comments by Mr. Faisal Salieh the Chairman of the Panel of Judges were viewed on the video wall as he was overseas at the time. Concluding statements were made by Farzana Jameel PC (a winner from last year’s event). KPMG the knowledge partner was also given due recognition for their involvement for the second consecutive year.

To add excitement to the evening, Naomi Wijemanne and Umara made their renditions followed by a fashion show curated by Gayantha Perera showcasing clothes by Sara Deen Ismail of Fusion 14 who was the winner at last year’s event for the category Young Entrepreneur Award for 2024. The show was presented by Yasmin Cader an Awardee at IMRA 2024.

Dinner was soon announced where a steaming bowl of soup for every guest was brought to the table, and a fabulous buffet awaited those who attended the evening’s celebration. A combo of desserts beautifully plated was a fitting finale to the dinner which was also brought to the table. During dinner live music kept everyone’s toes a tapping with the ever poplular Sohan Weerasinghe making a guest appearance together with a trio backing him on keyboard, vocals and guitar.

The entire lighting, sound and video presentation was created by Imran Saibo of Fun Times creating the perfect ambience that evening. Indeed the work of a dedicated team headed by Mrs. Fathima Aziz, ably assisted by Nazli Zuhayle, Bushra, Rezani Aziz and Farzana Jameel was a clear testament of the success of another wonderful evening that celebrated Muslim Women Achievers.