- By Paresh B. Mehta
On 18 August 2026, the Women Graduates Union (WGU) in Colaba, Mumbai marked 111 years of empowering women by hosting its 'WGU Scholarship Launch 2026' and an Inter-College Ramp Walk Competition. Prafulla P Chhaged, a revered Chartered Accountant and former President of ICAI was the Chief Guest of the evening. He is widely respected for his immense contribution towards women empowerment.
Under the theme "Women in Professional Excellence," students from leading Mumbai institutions showcased confidence and leadership identity. The event successfully merged critical academic funding with a vibrant cultural celebration.
Maniben Nanavati Women’s College secured the first prize, while the Barrister A. R. Antulay College of Law taking the second. The participating women displayed various avatars of women professionals in law, science field, engineering, Technology, healthcare, entrepreneurship, corporate world and armed forces among various others.
Over 100 Scholarships for Working Women are announced by WGU every year
Highlight of the evening was the announcement of Scholarship Launch 2026. Continuing WGU’s tradition of supporting education, scholarships were announced for deserving students. "Empowering Women through higher Education is the prime motive of WGU," mentioned Advocate Gauri Chhabria, the Co-ordinating Trustee of WGU. She is known for guiding Women Graduates Union with Vision. With her background in law and advocacy, she brings clarity, discipline, and fairness to every role she undertakes.
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| Co-ordinating Trustee of WGU Advocate Gauri Chhabria, Chief Guest Shri Prafulla P Chhaged and Ila Dalal, President of WGU |
"For 2026 we will be releasing scholarship forms, flyers, WGU Brochure, distribution of T-Shirts and celebrating with our eminent Chief Guest Shri Prafulla P Chhaged. We announce scholarships for over 100 students annually," stated Advocate Gauri Chhabria, Chairperson, Scholarship Committee, under her leadership, WGU’s scholarship program has grown steadily, supporting over 100 students annually. She oversees the selection process, ensuring transparency and merit-based awards.
"Many past recipients of our scholarships, like BMC deputy commissioner Chanda Jadhav have later contributed back to the fund. The WGU also runs a counseling cell, study centers for municipal school children, and a balwadi (nursery) for toddlers, among various other activities," revealed Ila Dalal, President of WGU. She is a Mumbai-based dance educator and choreographer who runs the Ila Dalal Dance Academy in Churchgate and is closely associated with JB Petit High School for Girls, where she contributes to cultural and dance activities.
Legacy in Motion
The event reflected Women Graduates Union (WGU), founded in 1915's century-old mission — combining education with empowerment, and tradition with modern expression. Says Dr Raka Ghosh (Secretary), "It began as the Bombay Presidency Women Graduates Union and has grown into a landmark institution with a hostel, scholarships, and advocacy programs for women."
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| Team WGU 2026 - CA.Renu Kapur, Raka Gosh, Adv Gauri Chhabtia, ILA Dalal, Bharati Motwani, Havovi Gandhi, Chaitali Shah, CA. Tina Jain and Ms Zarien. |
"By blending scholarships with cultural celebration, WGU reaffirmed its role as a pillar of women’s progress in Mumbai," says Renu Kapoor, member of Managing Committee & Chairperson of Civic & Consumer Affairs. A Chartered Accountant with a Green Heart, Renu Kapoor has built her career on precision, discipline, and financial expertise. But beyond balance sheets and audits, she has chosen to balance something far more vital — the planet itself. Her association with Save the Planet, Mumbai reflects her belief that professional success must go hand in hand with social responsibility.
"Among the Creative Fundraising Initiatives of WGU are the Trustees and long-time supporters remain the backbone of WGU’s fundraising. Residents of Colaba and nearby areas also contribute generously, keeping the institution rooted in its community," stated CA Teena Jain (Treasurer of WGU Hostel).
Prominent office bearers of WGU - Bharti Motwani (Chairperson of Balwadi) and Mrs Havovi Gandhi (Trustee) while briefing the media with various activities of the WGU, stated, "Film screenings, theatre shows, and cultural evenings are organized to raise funds while engaging the public. These events celebrate art and culture while supporting education. One of WGU’s most popular initiatives is the Mid-Diwali Mela. Artists perform music and dance. Stalls by entrepreneurs showcase crafts, food and festive items. The mela creates a vibrant atmosphere where fundraising meets celebration."
Mission and Activities of Women Graduates Union
"WGU gave women graduates a platform to meet, exchange ideas, and enter public life. Since 1957, WGU has awarded scholarships to deserving students. In recent years, it has distributed ₹25 lakh annually to over 100 students," Chaitali Shah (Chairperson Accounts & Finance Committee) accounted this WGU activity with pride.
The WGU Hostel for Working Women was established in 1974, that was inaugurated by Pratibha Patil (then Minister for Social Welfare, later President of India). It has a capacity of over 100 working women housed in 80 rooms. The prime eligibility criteria is for working women earning between ₹20,000–₹50,000 per month, including PhD scholars.
Further details and mandatory requisites for Scholarships for Working women are available at: