In a country where food is deeply woven into culture, tradition and everyday life, nutrition has evolved from a matter of diet to a cornerstone of modern wellness. As India navigates changing lifestyles, evolving health priorities and a growing awareness of preventive healthcare, nutritionists are playing an increasingly influential role in shaping how people understand food, health and well-being.

This National Nutrition Week, we turn the spotlight on 10 accomplished nutritionists from across India whose expertise, innovative approaches and commitment to healthier living are transforming lives—one informed choice, one balanced plate and one success story at a time.

Rujuta Diwekar, India’s leading public health advocate, Health Author

Rujuta Diwekar is India’s leading public health advocate and one of the most followed nutritionists globally. With a career spanning over two decades, she has played a defining role in shifting the conversation around health—from restrictive diet trends and Westernised food ideals towards sustainable, practical and deeply Indian approaches to nutrition.

A bestselling health author with more than 1.75 million copies of her books in publication and over 300 million video views, Rujuta has made the principles of eating local, seasonal and traditional accessible to millions. Her advocacy for everyday Indian foods and mindful eating has challenged misconceptions around fitness and wellness, bringing familiar foods and grandma-approved wisdom back into the spotlight.

Born into a middle-class Maharashtrian family, Rujuta grew up with a strong culture of continuous learning and excellence. She pursued postgraduate studies in Sports Science and Nutrition and later deepened her understanding of Yoga, Vedanta and Ayurveda.

Over the years, she has worked with people across professions and walks of life, including leading names such as Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Saif Ali Khan, Gautam Gambhir and Anil Ambani. Her success lies in making nutrition practical, culturally relevant and sustainable—proving that healthy living need not mean abandoning the food, traditions and lifestyles that are uniquely Indian.

Namita Thapar, CEO of Emcure Pharmaceuticals

Namita Thapar, CEO of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, is a renowned Indian entrepreneur celebrated for her impactful contributions to the healthcare sector. Her notable appearance on Shark Tank India has further cemented her status as an inspiring figure for budding entrepreneurs.

Hailing from Pune, Maharashtra, Namita Thapar belongs to a Gujarati family. Despite her affluent background, she has diligently carved a successful career path. Her academic journey includes a commerce degree from Pune University, a Chartered Accountancy degree from ICAI, and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

Namita began her professional journey as the Business Finance Lead at Guidant Corporation in the US. After gaining valuable experience, she joined her father’s company, Emcure Pharmaceuticals, as the CFO in 2007.

Under her leadership, Emcure Pharmaceuticals has seen remarkable growth, expanding its presence to 70 countries.

Ruju Thakker, Advocate and Counsel

Ruju Thakker is an Advocate and Counsel whose legal career is defined by purpose, perseverance, and a commitment to using the law as an instrument of social change. From representing public interest causes to providing legal aid for vulnerable communities, she has built a practice that extends beyond courtrooms to issues that impact society at large.

Interestingly, law was never part of her original plan. After completing her B.A. in Psychology from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, she found herself at a crossroads. Coming from a traditional conservative Gujarati family, she faced growing pressure to get married. When a family member remarked that she would only be left alone as long as she continued studying, she chose law—initially believing it would simply buy her a few more years of independence. What began as a practical decision soon became a lifelong passion. As she immersed herself in legal studies, she discovered her true calling and never looked back. She later pursued her Master’s in Law at the University of Southern California (USC), USA, where she was awarded a High Pass in Legal Writing and recognised as the Most Outstanding and Dedicated Student of the Year.

Over the years, Ruju has built a fulfilling litigation practice by taking on matters that create meaningful public impact. Since 2015, she has been actively fighting for better roads and civic infrastructure, advocating for issues that directly affect the everyday lives and safety of citizens. Her work has extended to public sanitation, civic accountability, and public safety, reflecting her belief that the law must serve as a tool to address real problems faced by society. Equally close to her heart is providing legal aid to POCSO victims, and she has also served as a Special Public Prosecutor in cases against drug traffickers alongside the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). For her, the greatest reward lies in knowing that her work contributes to a safer, more just, and better-functioning society.

Her biggest inspiration comes from women judges, whose intellect, courage, and integrity continue to motivate her. Her own journey, however, has not been without challenges. Convincing her conservative family to allow her to pursue a career was an uphill battle, and even after entering the profession, she had to overcome biases faced by many women in litigation. As a first-generation lawyer, she built her practice without an established legal legacy, relying solely on persistence, hard work, and resilience. She also believes that women advocates often have to work harder to earn the same opportunities and recognition as their male counterparts.

Outside the courtroom, Ruju enjoys dancing and singing and is currently learning Indian Classical Music, finding creativity and balance alongside the demanding nature of litigation.

Her advice to aspiring lawyers reflects the values that have shaped her own career: master your facts, prepare thoroughly, research relentlessly, remain humble in court, take up causes that matter, work hard, and trust that patience always pays.

For Ruju Thakker, success is not a destination but an ongoing pursuit. Litigation, she believes, teaches humility every single day. Every case presents a new challenge, every courtroom a new lesson, and every setback an opportunity to grow. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, proving that with conviction, integrity, and purpose, the law can become a powerful force for positive change.

Jhanvi Dang, Founder – JDang Label

Jhanvi Dang, founder of JDang Label, is building a contemporary Indian wear brand that reflects her love for fashion, creativity and modern expression. Her journey into fashion, however, was not a conventional one. She first pursued Economics Honours from Delhi University before studying at NIFT Mumbai. Today, the combination of her analytical education and creative training plays an important role in how she approaches both design and business.

JDang Label has been built entirely from the ground up. Rather than viewing its growth as a series of fixed milestones, Jhanvi sees it as a continuous process of learning, experimenting and evolving. What began as an idea has grown into a brand with a community of more than 22,000 followers, built entirely through organic growth and a genuine connection with its audience. Every collection, customer and experience has contributed to shaping the brand she is building today.

Jhanvi’s inspiration does not come from one particular person. It comes from a feeling she has carried for as long as she can remember—a deep love for fashion. That passion continues to be the driving force behind JDang Label. Building a brand, however, comes with its own challenges. As a woman in the fashion and entrepreneurial space, she has had to work hard to establish credibility and be taken seriously, particularly in the early stages. At the same time, running a label means constantly balancing multiple identities—the founder, designer, decision-maker and problem-solver.

Outside work, Jhanvi enjoys dancing, although she admits she has fallen slightly out of touch with it recently. She also loves makeup, travelling and dressing up, all of which reflect her natural inclination towards creativity and self-expression.

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to enjoy the process rather than becoming consumed by the destination. Numbers, milestones and achievements matter, but so does appreciating how far you have come. She believes consistency will always outlast a single moment of brilliance; it is the discipline of showing up every day that ultimately builds something meaningful.

Jhanvi does not consider JDang Label a finished success story. It is a brand she has created from scratch, without shortcuts or a fixed roadmap, figuring things out one step at a time. She is proud of how far it has come, but remains excited about what lies ahead. For her, the most meaningful part of the journey is knowing that the story is still unfolding.

Ms. Jinal Vinit Gala, Founder & Director – Purple Grape Company

Ms. Jinal Vinit Gala is the Founder and Director of Purple Grape Company, a choreographer, dance therapist, anchor, and event curator whose career spans nearly three decades in the performing arts industry. What began as a childhood passion for music and dance has grown into a dynamic career dedicated to inspiring, entertaining, and empowering people through movement, creativity, and meaningful experiences.

Throughout her journey, her greatest inspiration has been her father. While he was not a dancer himself, he instilled in her the values that continue to guide her life—integrity, resilience, optimism, and the courage to stand by her principles. He taught her to view every setback as an opportunity to learn and to face life’s challenges with confidence and a smile. She also credits her dance mentors from Mumbai, across India, and London, whose guidance refined her artistic abilities and helped shape her into the performer and leader she is today.

Over the years, Ms. Gala has built a multifaceted career that extends far beyond choreography. As a dance therapist, she has witnessed the transformative power of movement in improving emotional well-being and self-expression. As an anchor and event organiser, she has successfully conceptualized and executed numerous events, blending creativity with meticulous planning to deliver memorable experiences.

Like many women entrepreneurs, balancing professional ambitions with personal commitments has been one of her biggest challenges. She has often been perceived as a workaholic by family and friends, but over time she learned that achieving balance requires intentional planning and disciplined time management. Today, she believes that success lies not in choosing between career and family but in creating harmony between the two.

Motherhood has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of her life. As the mother of a 10-year-old, she embraces its joys and responsibilities while continuing to pursue her professional dreams with the same passion and dedication. For her, motherhood has strengthened her journey rather than slowed it down.

Beyond her work, she enjoys travelling, gardening, playing cricket and pickleball, socialising, relaxing with spa sessions, and shopping—activities that help her recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Her message to aspiring professionals, particularly women, is heartfelt: never lose your identity while fulfilling different roles in life. Prioritize your own well-being, make time for yourself, and remember that a happy, fulfilled individual creates positivity in every environment they are part of.

For Ms. Jinal Vinit Gala, success is not measured solely by achievements or recognition but by the ability to inspire others, nurture meaningful relationships, and remain authentic while continuously evolving. Through Purple Grape Company and her work in the performing arts, she continues to encourage people to embrace creativity, confidence, and joy—both on and off the stage.

Vaishali Varia, Founder – ThinkPeepal

Vaishali Varia, founder of ThinkPeepal, has built her professional journey around a simple but powerful idea: knowledge becomes meaningful when it is made accessible. With experience spanning logistics, business strategy and financial planning, she has evolved into an entrepreneur, author and financial literacy advocate, working to make business and money-related concepts easier to understand for people of all ages.

Her transition from logistics to business consultancy and financial planning was driven by her natural curiosity and interest in diverse fields. Through ThinkPeepal, she brings together business consultancy, global logistics and financial planning under one platform. Her focus is not simply on providing information, but on helping people understand concepts well enough to make confident decisions.

Her journey as an author began with a conversation at home. A discussion with her daughter, Krishna, made Vaishali realise how naturally children ask questions about money, while also highlighting how little structured financial education is available to them. That observation became the inspiration for The Wealth Wizard, a financial literacy handbook designed for children aged six and above. The journey of the book since its publication has encouraged her to take the message of financial awareness to a wider audience.
Today, she conducts financial literacy sessions for women, professionals, corporates and young people, while also running online programmes for children. Based in Bahrain, Vaishali continues to work with audiences across geographies, connecting her work with the wider Indian diaspora.

Outside her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her family. She credits her husband and loved ones for being her constant support system, reminding her that achievements are rarely built alone.
For Vaishali, one of the most important lessons in life is the power of starting early and allowing small, consistent efforts to compound over time. Whether it is building a business, developing financial independence or acquiring knowledge, she believes that progress comes from taking ownership of one’s journey.

Her story is ultimately about more than entrepreneurship or authorship. It is about making knowledge accessible, encouraging people to become financially aware, and empowering the next generation to approach money not with fear or hesitation, but with confidence and clarity.

Sumati Mehrotra, Co-founder – Suyog Spiritual School

Sumati Mehrotra is a Spiritual Teacher, Akashic Records Reader and Teacher, Past Life Regression Therapist, Tarot Reader and Palmist, whose work is rooted in a deep personal pursuit of truth, self-discovery and spiritual transformation. She is also the Co-founder of Suyog Spiritual School and the founder of Suyog Sewa Sansthan, through which she combines spiritual learning with meaningful social service.

Her journey into spirituality was not a carefully planned career decision. It emerged organically from her own search for deeper understanding and truth. As she explored her own inner world and experienced profound personal and spiritual transformations, she gradually felt called to help others navigate their own journeys of healing and awakening. What began as a personal quest eventually evolved into a vocation centred around guiding others.

Over the years, Sumati has worked with various spiritual and healing modalities, including Past Life Regression, Akashic Records, Tarot and Palmistry. Her work focuses on helping individuals explore emotional patterns, karmic experiences and deeper aspects of their personal journeys. She also co-founded Suyog Spiritual School as a space where people can learn, explore and deepen their understanding of spirituality in a structured and supportive environment.

An equally important part of her journey has been social service. Through Suyog Sewa Sansthan, she has sought to translate compassion into action by contributing to grassroots community welfare and social initiatives. For her, spirituality is not limited to personal growth; it is also about extending that awareness into the world through service and compassion.

Her greatest sources of inspiration are her Guru, Pt. Baldev Prasad Chaturvedi Ji, and her mother, Mrs. Kanchan Mehrotra. She credits their wisdom, strength and guidance as foundational influences in her life. She also draws inspiration from the universal feminine energy and the strength associated with it.

Her journey as a woman has involved stepping beyond conventional expectations of what a professional path should look like. Choosing to build a career in spiritual and esoteric fields required her to trust her own voice and remain grounded in her beliefs, even when the path did not fit conventional definitions of success. Balancing the emotional responsibility of supporting others while continuing her own inner work has also been an important part of her evolution.

Outside her formal work, Sumati spends time in meditation, introspection, connecting with nature and studying sacred texts. She continues to see spirituality not simply as a profession but as a way of living.

Her message to aspiring professionals is to trust their own inner compass rather than constantly seeking external validation. She believes authenticity, intuition and the courage to embrace unexpected turns are essential to building a meaningful life and career.

For Sumati, success is ultimately an inner experience rather than a title or achievement. She finds her greatest fulfilment in witnessing someone move from confusion towards clarity, peace and a deeper sense of self. For her, the most meaningful legacy is the positive ripple created when one person’s healing and awareness touches another life.

Meheck Mukherjee, Author, Transformation coach, Holistic healing practitioner

Meheck Mukherjee is an author, transformation coach, and holistic healing practitioner dedicated to helping people overcome generational trauma and live more authentic, fulfilling lives. Through her work, she guides individuals in identifying inherited emotional, mental, and physical patterns that may be limiting their potential, empowering them to create healthier and more conscious lives.

Her journey into transformation began from a deeply personal place. Observing recurring health issues within her own family—particularly her mother and grandmother both struggling with severe knee problems—she questioned whether inherited patterns had to define the future. Determined to understand the deeper connection between family history, emotional wellbeing, and physical health, she began exploring alternative healing modalities. What started as a personal quest gradually evolved into a life’s purpose.

Today, Meheck works internationally as a transformation coach, drawing from a range of holistic approaches, including Access Consciousness, Star Magic, and Aikya – The Oneness Program, a copyrighted transformational program that she facilitates. Her work primarily focuses on helping emotionally aware, high-achieving individuals who often feel trapped by limiting family dynamics or societal expectations. She believes that many people carry invisible patterns passed down through generations and that recognizing these patterns is the first step toward lasting transformation.

Throughout her journey, she has found inspiration in spiritual thinkers and philosophers such as J. Krishnamurti, Osho, and Ramana Maharshi, whose teachings have shaped her understanding of self-awareness, consciousness, and inner freedom.

Like many women entrepreneurs, Meheck has experienced periods of limited support from family and friends while pursuing an unconventional career path. Rather than allowing those challenges to discourage her, she remained committed to following her own calling and building a career aligned with her beliefs and purpose.

Beyond her professional work, she has a deep love for animals and describes herself as someone who connects intuitively with them. She also enjoys singing, dancing, reading, and expressing her creativity through designing her own wardrobe.

Her message to anyone seeking personal growth is simple: follow your heart and choose what genuinely brings you joy. She believes that when people stay true to themselves and continue moving forward with courage, they naturally find the path that is meant for them.

For Meheck Mukherjee, success is not measured by titles or material achievements but by living a healthy, joyful, and conscious life. She believes true wellness comes from understanding oneself, addressing the root causes of suffering, and striving to live with greater awareness, balance, and freedom every day.

Harvinder Nonie Bagga, Special educator, Author, Motivational speaker, Founder – Magic Door

Harvinder Nonie Bagga is a special educator, author, motivational speaker, and the founder of Magic Door, a learning centre dedicated to helping children discover the joy of learning in ways that suit their individual strengths. Guided by the belief that every child learns differently, she has built an environment where education is personalized, engaging, and free from unnecessary pressure. At the heart of Magic Door lies a simple philosophy: “Teach me the way I understand.”

With decades of experience in education, Harvinder spent over twenty years teaching at Welham Boys’ School, where she developed a deep understanding of how children think, learn, and grow. Those years reinforced her conviction that meaningful education cannot be confined to rigid timetables or standardized methods. Inspired by this realization, she founded Magic Door—a space where curiosity is encouraged, learning is enjoyable, and every child is given the freedom to progress at their own pace.

Her passion for nurturing young minds extends beyond the classroom through Magic Talks, an initiative where she shares motivational and educational insights with students, parents, and educators. Through these sessions, she encourages people to embrace individuality, develop confidence, and view learning as a lifelong journey rather than a race.

Rather than measuring success through awards or recognition, Harvinder believes her greatest achievements are reflected in the confidence, happiness, and growth of the children she teaches. Watching students overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and believe in themselves continues to be the most rewarding part of her journey. For her, teaching is not merely a profession—it is a lifelong purpose.

Her greatest inspiration has always been her father, whose resilience, integrity, and strength shaped her outlook on life. Like every entrepreneur and educator, she has faced financial and emotional challenges, but her spiritual perspective and deep sense of gratitude have helped her navigate every obstacle with courage and optimism.

Beyond education, Harvinder finds joy in gardening, lovingly calling her plants her babies, and expressing herself through writing. She is also the author of two books that reflect her thoughtful and inspiring approach to life.

For Harvinder Nonie Bagga, education is not about producing perfect students; it is about nurturing confident, curious, and compassionate individuals. Through Magic Door and Magic Talks, she continues to inspire children, parents, and educators alike, guided by one enduring philosophy: live with deep gratitude.

Dr. Anshul Gupta, Researcher, Author, Leadership consultant, Founder -TheCorporateSpirituality.com

Dr. Anshul Gupta is a researcher, author, leadership consultant, and the founder of TheCorporateSpirituality.com, a platform dedicated to transforming workplace culture through the principles of spirituality, ethics, and human-centered leadership. Her work focuses on helping organizations create environments where people thrive, engagement improves, and business performance is strengthened through meaningful values.

Her journey began after years of working in people management, where she observed that even organizations with the best HR policies often struggled with employee engagement and organizational commitment. Despite advanced systems and processes, something fundamental was missing—the human connection. This realization inspired her doctoral research and eventually led her to explore workplace spirituality as a new dimension of human resource management.

Returning to the corporate world after completing her doctorate, Dr. Gupta found that the challenges had only intensified. She observed a growing disconnect between employees and employers, with relationships increasingly driven by transactional, checklist-based approaches rather than trust, purpose, and shared values. Determined to address this gap, she authored The Spiritual Indian Corporate, introducing the concept of Spiritual HRM, followed by The Corporate Spirituality: Models, Measurements, Challenges, Ethics and Answers, which provides practical frameworks for organizations seeking to build value-driven workplaces.

To translate these ideas into real-world impact, she founded TheCorporateSpirituality.com, where she partners with organizations to implement workplace spirituality as an organizational development and cultural transformation initiative. Through leadership development programs, certifications, consulting, and individual coaching, she helps businesses foster ethical leadership, stronger employee engagement, and sustainable organizational growth.

Throughout her journey, Dr. Gupta has drawn inspiration from several mentors, while deeply admiring Dr. Kiran Bedi for her courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to creating positive change through leadership and public service.

Beyond her professional work, she enjoys oil painting, writing poetry, and experimenting with innovative cooking, pursuits that allow her to express creativity and maintain balance.

Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is rooted in conviction: a business succeeds or fails on the entrepreneur’s belief in their vision. Challenges are inevitable, but opportunities for growth always exist for those willing to persevere.

For Dr. Anshul Gupta, success is not measured solely by business milestones but by the positive impact created in people’s lives. Through TheCorporateSpirituality.com, her mission is to help organizations build workplaces grounded in trust, purpose, and ethical values—because better workplaces ultimately create a better society.

Arpita Bhandari, Founder – Aikyam, Life Strategist, Transformational
Mentor, Energy Facilitator

Arpita Bhandari is the Founder of Aikyam | Becoming One With Myself, a transformational platform dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with themselves through self-awareness, emotional well-being, and conscious living. As a Life Strategist, Transformational Mentor, and Energy Facilitator, she has spent the last 17 years creating spaces where people can pause, reflect, and reconnect with their true selves. Her philosophy is captured in Aikyam’s core belief: “When you change your lens, you change your perspective. When you change your perspective, you change your reality.”

Her journey into transformational work was deeply personal. Rather than choosing this profession, she believes it unfolded naturally through her own life experiences. Like many, she initially searched for answers outside herself until life’s challenges encouraged her to look within. Those experiences taught her that transformation is not about becoming someone new but about remembering who we truly are beneath fear, conditioning, and limiting beliefs. What began as personal healing gradually evolved into meaningful conversations, mentoring, and eventually the creation of Aikyam—a thriving conscious community that has positively impacted thousands of individuals.

Over the years, Aikyam has grown into the Aikyam Integrated Holistic Space in Juhu, Mumbai, offering immersive experiences that nurture the connection between mind, body, emotions, and energy. Through one-on-one mentoring, corporate well-being programs, leadership development, wellness retreats, sound restorative journeys, somatic practices, conversational therapy, guided meditations, and transformational workshops, Arpita helps individuals, families, entrepreneurs, leadership teams, and organizations build emotional resilience, conscious leadership, and lasting inner transformation.

For Arpita, life itself has been the greatest teacher. Every challenge, mentor, client, and conversation has shaped her journey. As a woman entrepreneur, she has learned that true leadership is not about constantly proving oneself but about creating safe spaces where others feel empowered to discover their own voice. She believes women possess a unique ability to lead with empathy, intuition, and courage, inspiring others simply by trusting themselves.

Outside her professional work, Arpita finds inspiration in travelling, nature, fitness, music, dance, reading, and meaningful conversations. She believes learning never stops, and every experience offers an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding.

Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is both practical and profound: don’t just build a successful business—build yourself. Invest in your emotional resilience, self-awareness, and values as much as you invest in your career. Challenges are not obstacles but invitations to evolve, and every breakthrough begins with a shift in perspective.

For Arpita Bhandari, success is measured not by achievements but by the lives transformed through greater awareness and conscious living. As India celebrates Independence Day, she reflects on a deeper form of freedom—the freedom from fear, limiting beliefs, and inherited narratives that no longer serve us. Through Aikyam, she hopes to inspire individuals to become one with themselves, believing that one conscious individual creates a conscious family, conscious families build conscious communities, and conscious communities shape a stronger, more compassionate, and emotionally resilient Bharat.

As India proudly celebrates its Independence Day, we turn the spotlight on 10 extraordinary women whose achievements embody the spirit of resilience, innovation, and leadership. These inspiring individuals have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also made significant contributions to shaping the nation’s progress.

From entrepreneurs driving economic growth to changemakers creating social impact, these women exemplify the power of determination and the essence of Indian pride.

Namita Thapar, Executive Director – Emcure Pharmaceuticals

Namita Thapar, CEO of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, is a renowned Indian entrepreneur celebrated for her impactful contributions to the healthcare sector. Her notable appearance on Shark Tank India has further cemented her status as an inspiring figure for budding entrepreneurs.

Hailing from Pune, Maharashtra, Namita Thapar belongs to a Gujarati family. Despite her affluent background, she has diligently carved a successful career path. Her academic journey includes a commerce degree from Pune University, a Chartered Accountancy degree from ICAI, and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

Namita began her professional journey as the Business Finance Lead at Guidant Corporation in the US. After gaining valuable experience, she joined her father’s company, Emcure Pharmaceuticals, as the CFO in 2007.

Under her leadership, Emcure Pharmaceuticals has seen remarkable growth, expanding its presence to 70 countries.

Poonam Wadera, Strategic AstroVastu Advisor, Business Consultant, Entrepreneur, Director -Ad Leo

Poonam Wadera is a Strategic AstroVastu Advisor, Business Consultant, entrepreneur, and Director at Ad Leo, known for helping individuals and businesses make informed decisions by combining the principles of Vastu, Astrology, Numerology, and strategic business thinking. She is also the Co-founder of sayHey, a platform dedicated to promoting emotional well-being through empathetic listening and meaningful conversations.

Her professional journey began in the corporate world, where she spent over fourteen years in leadership roles across business development, institutional sales, strategic management, and market expansion. While building her corporate career, she developed a deep interest in Vastu and Astrology, eventually pursuing their study with the same discipline she applied to business. Over time, she recognized that her legal education, corporate experience, and understanding of human behavior gave her a unique perspective—one that focused not on predictions, but on empowering people to make better decisions through practical, evidence-informed guidance rooted in ancient sciences.

Holding an LL.M. in Consumer and International Law from the University of Mumbai and having studied Real Estate Finance and Economics at the London School of Economics, Poonam brings an uncommon blend of business acumen and traditional knowledge to her work. Over the past decade, she has advised industrialists, entrepreneurs, developers, and professionals across India, the UAE, the UK, Africa, China, Australia, and the United States. Her expertise spans residential and commercial developments, factories, hospitality projects, retail businesses, and large-scale master planning, with every project reinforcing her belief that thoughtful planning, aligned environments, and timely decisions play a vital role in long-term success.

Building credibility in a field often surrounded by misconceptions was one of her greatest challenges. She chose to distinguish herself through professionalism, ethics, and measurable value, believing clients should trust her guidance because of its quality—not fear or superstition. Alongside her consulting practice, she continues to champion emotional wellness through sayHey, creating initiatives that encourage deeper human connection and mental well-being.

An avid learner with a passion for psychology, business, and personal development, Poonam believes that growth comes from continuous evolution. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to focus on building a reputation before building a brand, remain authentic, and never stop investing in learning.

For Poonam Wadera, success is measured not by titles or milestones, but by the positive impact she creates. Whether guiding a family, advising a business leader, or helping shape large-scale projects, her purpose remains constant—to empower people to make confident decisions and build lives grounded in clarity, balance, and lasting fulfillment.

Aakriti, Educationist, College counsellor & Founder – Unireach

Aakriti is an educationist, college counsellor and the founder of Unireach, with more than 12 years of experience working closely with students and families. Through her work, she helps young people understand their strengths, build meaningful profiles and navigate the complex journey towards higher education at some of the world’s leading universities, including Ivy League institutions, Stanford, Oxford and other globally recognised universities.

Her journey into education and counselling began with a genuine interest in working with young people and helping them make decisions that could shape their futures. She also credits her husband, who recognised her strengths and encouraged her to enter the field of career counselling when she joined the family business in 2014.

Over the years, Aakriti has worked as the Director of Jayshree Periwal International School while building her expertise in education and counselling. Working closely with students gave her a deeper understanding of how transformative the right guidance can be. She noticed that talented students often lacked access to the information, mentorship and exposure needed to explore opportunities beyond their immediate environment. This realisation eventually became central to the vision behind Unireach.

For Aakriti, college counselling is not simply about securing admission to a prestigious university. It is about helping students understand themselves, identify their strengths, develop confidence and discover possibilities they may not have considered. Over the past 11 years, she has seen students evolve from uncertainty to clarity, taking initiative, building stronger profiles and pursuing opportunities they once believed were beyond their reach.

One of her greatest inspirations is author J.K. Rowling. Aakriti admires not only her eventual success but the rejection, uncertainty and setbacks she faced before reaching it. Her story reinforces Aakriti’s belief that success is rarely linear and that resilience often means continuing to move forward when the outcome is uncertain.

As a woman entrepreneur, Aakriti has also experienced the challenge of balancing multiple responsibilities while building something of her own. Her journey has taught her that strength does not mean having every answer—it means being willing to learn, adapt and persevere.

Aakriti believes in the importance of GRIT: being Goal-Oriented, Resilient, Initiative-driven and developing strong Time Management skills. She believes these qualities matter not only for university admissions but for life itself.

Outside work, Aakriti is a bibliophile and coffee lover and enjoys beginning her mornings with a book at her favourite café. She also loves dancing, playing board games and exploring literature and culture. She actively organises events that bring people together with authors and artists.

Her message to aspiring professionals is simple: do not wait until you feel completely ready. Start with what you know, remain open to learning and have the courage to evolve. Be ambitious without comparing your timeline to someone else’s, take initiative, build resilience and understand your purpose.

For Aakriti, success is still a story in progress. Every student who discovers their potential, every family that gains confidence and every young person who finds an opportunity they did not know existed reminds her why she chose this path. For her, the true measure of success is not only how far you go, but how many people you help move forward along the way.

Durva S. Pathak, Astrologer, Tarot Card Reader, Reiki Healer & Life Coach, Founder – Yashasvi Occult Center

Durva S. Pathak is an Astrologer, Tarot Card Reader, Reiki Healer and Life Coach, and the founder of Yashasvi Occult Center. Her work brings together traditional occult practices with an interest in psychology, spirituality and personal growth, with the aim of helping individuals find greater clarity and direction in their lives.

Her journey into the world of astrology began within her own family. Astrology has been a part of her family legacy for generations, with her grandmother being her first teacher and greatest influence. Under her guidance, Durva developed an understanding of astrology and gradually began exploring other disciplines, including Tarot, Reiki and psychology. What began as a family tradition eventually evolved into her own professional calling.

Over the years, Durva’s approach has evolved beyond simply providing predictions. Through her interactions with people, she realised that what many individuals are truly seeking is clarity, perspective and someone who can understand their concerns without judgment. Having consulted with more than 20,000 people so far, she has gained a deep understanding of the diverse challenges, questions and aspirations that individuals bring to her. This understanding became central to her work and shaped the purpose behind Yashasvi Occult Center.

Her journey has been one of continuous learning and self-discovery. Working in a field that is often misunderstood has brought its own challenges, particularly when it came to establishing her individual identity and building trust. Instead of allowing those perceptions to hold her back, Durva chose to strengthen her knowledge, explore different disciplines and remain authentic to her approach. Her grandmother continues to be her biggest inspiration, reminding her of the importance of knowledge, intuition and staying connected to one’s roots.

Beyond her consultations, Durva is deeply interested in psychology, spirituality, self-growth and conscious living. She also creates educational content and is working towards building a community where people can explore personal transformation and develop a deeper understanding of themselves.

Her message to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs is simple: start before you feel completely ready. Keep learning, remain consistent and do not be afraid to create your own path. She believes meaningful success takes time and that genuine value, rather than instant recognition, is what creates a lasting professional journey.

For Durva, success is not measured merely through numbers or recognition. It is reflected in the transformation she witnesses in the people she works with—when someone arrives feeling confused or uncertain and leaves with greater clarity, confidence and self-awareness. Helping people make more conscious choices, understand themselves better and move towards positive change is what gives her journey its deepest sense of purpose.