Hyderabad Techie Sana Mahmood Wins SIWAA 2026 Changemaker Award

A Hyderabad-based IT professional and Urdu poet, Sana Mahmood, has been honored with the prestigious South India Women Achievement Award (SIWAA) 2026 in the Changemaker category. The award was presented to her during a ceremony held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre Auditorium in Bengaluru.

The recognition celebrates Mahmood's significant contributions to the fields of literature, art, and culture. The organizers also highlighted her impact in inspiring other women to pursue their creative passions outside of conventional career paths.

Mahmood currently balances her creative pursuits with a corporate career, working as a project manager in the information technology industry. Despite her professional commitments, she has built a reputation as a published author, Urdu poet, stage performer, and a dedicated advocate for art and culture.

Her literary achievements include writing the poetry collection "Kuch Alfaaz." This book, which explores themes of emotions, resilience, and human relationships, previously won her the Golden Wings Book Award 2026.

Reflecting on her achievement, Mahmood expressed that the honors serve as a validation of her lifestyle. She noted that the awards are more than just a personal honor, as they reaffirm her belief that passion and profession can successfully coexist.