🏆 🎉 Heartiest Congratulations to Gayatri Sakharkar and Parents | Winner of ‘Marathi Paaul Padhate Poodhe’ 2026
Emerging Trailblazer (Youth / Young Adult) Category
The Calgary Marathi Association (CMA) is immensely proud to announce and celebrate Gayatri Sakharkar and her proud parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sakharkar, on winning the prestigious “Marathi Paaul Padhate Poodhe” Award 2026!
On behalf of the Calgary Marathi Association (CMA) Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and the entire Calgary Marathi community, we extend our warmest and heartiest congratulations to Gayatri Sakharkar and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sakharkar, on receiving the 2026 Marathi Paaul Padhate Poodhe Award in the Emerging Trailblazer category!
Gayatri was felicitated in front of over 700 attendees at the Calgary Cha Raja – Ganesh Mahotsav, creating a moment of immense pride for our entire community.
🏆 Major National & Regional Recognition
- Top 10 Young Scientists in Canada: Named in her age category.
- Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF 2026): Gold Medalist, Agriculture, Fisheries & Food Challenge Award, and Youth Can Innovate Award.
- National Youth Climate Activism Award (2026): Recipient.
- CWSF Silver Medalist (2025): National recognition for environmental innovation.
- Ingenious+ Scholarship (2026): Presented by the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Salma Lakhani.
- Youth of Distinction (YODA) Award: Winner in the Environment Category (2026).
- Additional Honors: ACPA Rick Dillen Memorial Award in Chemistry (2026), CYSF Travel Award (2025 & 2026), and CYSF Top Intermediate Runner Up (2026).
🧪 Breakthrough Environmental Research at UCalgary
Gayatri’s scientific journey at the University of Calgary focuses on solving urgent, real-world environmental challenges:
🌊 “Bye-Bye Blooms!” (2025)
Researched nature-based scalable methods to remove excess nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from water systems, mitigating harmful eutrophication and protecting aquatic biodiversity.
🌱 “Bye-Bye Plastic Mulch!” (2026)
Developed a novel, low-toxicity biodegradable plastic film for agricultural use to eliminate toxic leaching from conventional plastic mulches.
Her pioneering research has been featured in major news media outlets including CTV News, LiveWire Calgary, and BTV News.
🌱 Community Leadership: Bhumii Initiatives
Beyond her laboratory research, Gayatri is the founder of Bhumii Initiatives, uniquely bridging environmental sustainability with Indian arts. Through this platform, she gives aspiring singers and young artists a stage to perform while inspiring actionable environmental awareness across our community.
To Gayatri’s parents: An achievement like this is a testament to your unconditional support, guidance, and values. Raising a young visionary who represents our culture and community on provincial and national stages is a blessing to the entire Marathi diaspora!
With Lord Ganesha’s blessings, we are confident that Gayatri will continue to break barriers, innovate solutions for a better planet, and ensure that our Marathi Paaul keeps moving Poodhe!
Congratulations, Gayatri!
Warmest regards,
Director, Special Events
Calgary Marathi Association (CMA)