10 Women, One Nation: Celebrating Indian Women Achievers on Republic Day

As India proudly celebrates its Republic 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, 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.

Vineeta Singh, CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics

Vineeta Singh, the founder and CEO of Sugar Cosmetics, is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, in India and beyond. Her journey began in Lucknow, where she excelled academically, earning gold medals in school and college. She later attended IIT Madras, where she discovered her passion for badminton, and IIM Ahmedabad, where she completed the Mumbai Marathon.

Despite receiving a lucrative offer in investment banking, Vineeta’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found Fab-Bag, a beauty subscription service, before launching SUGAR Cosmetics in 2015 with her husband, Kaushik Mukherjee. SUGAR filled a gap in the Indian beauty market by offering vibrant, high-quality cosmetics for diverse skin tones at affordable prices, resonating with young Indian women.

Vineeta’s journey, marked by initial setbacks and lessons learned, reflects her commitment to innovation and empowerment. As an investor and judge on Shark Tank India, she continues to inspire others with her insightful feedback and championing of innovative ideas. Vineeta’s story underscores the importance of self-belief and perseverance in achieving remarkable success.

Anjali Sharma, Founder – Anjali Sharma Label

Anjali Sharma, the visionary behind the Anjali Sharma Label, has carved a distinctive niche in the fashion industry with her ingenuity and unwavering passion for design. Hailing from a traditional Rajput household, Anjali defied societal norms that viewed fashion as an unconventional career choice. Determined to follow her dreams, she pursued a fashion design degree from South Delhi Polytechnic, setting the stage for her creative journey.

Her early attempts at launching her fashion career involved designing for friends and family. However, with the industry still in its infancy, Anjali faced numerous obstacles. Embracing a pragmatic approach, she earned a diploma in marketing and established herself in the corporate world, excelling in roles at ICICI Home Loans and IndusInd Bank. Despite her success in banking, her passion for fashion remained undiminished.

Motherhood marked a turning point for Anjali. With her husband’s unwavering support, she left the corporate sector to rekindle her love for design. Starting from the comfort of her home, she steadily gained recognition, particularly in the Punjabi film industry. Her exceptional talent as a costume designer earned her collaborations with celebrated stars like Gippy Grewal, Binnu Dhillon, and Amrinder Gill, along with opportunities to feature her designs at prestigious Times of India fashion events.

In 2022, Anjali’s commitment and creativity were acknowledged with the National Achievers Award, along with the title of Best Fashion Designer for Chandigarh. Her success stems from her unique ability to craft designs that resonate with her clients’ individuality, ensuring they feel truly special.

Anjali’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. She encourages aspiring designers to embrace hard work, continual learning, and the evolution of their creativity, reminding them that success lies in dedication and the courage to follow their dreams.

Tarun K. Dosanjh – Renowned Skincare and Nutrition Coach

Tarun K. Dosanjh is a renowned skincare and nutrition coach from India, committed to transforming skin health through holistic beauty and wellness solutions. With a deep understanding of the science behind skin health, she specializes in addressing a range of concerns, including pigmentation, acne, sagging, wrinkles, and dullness. Tarun’s approach goes beyond conventional treatments, focusing on empowering individuals to achieve long-lasting, radiant, and healthy skin by targeting the root causes of their skin issues.

Her personalized skincare and diet plans are thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of each individual. These plans include detox drinks, nutrient-rich smoothies, and tailored treatments that work in harmony to rejuvenate the skin and restore its natural vitality. With a philosophy that beauty starts from within, Tarun integrates science, nutrition, and skincare into every aspect of her work, helping clients embrace their inner and outer glow.

In addition to her work with clients, Tarun is a dedicated mentor and educator, sharing her expertise with aspiring professionals in the skincare industry. She develops comprehensive courses on skincare coaching, equipping future coaches with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Her mentorship has inspired a growing community of certified skincare coaches who share her passion for promoting skin health and holistic beauty.

Tarun’s mission is to inspire confidence and self-assurance in every individual she works with. By blending her expertise in science, nutrition, and skincare, she creates transformative programs that enhance not only physical appearance but also emotional well-being. Her vision is to redefine beauty as a reflection of inner health and self-care, empowering people to embrace their natural radiance and live with confidence.

Priyanka Rajguru, Founder – Studio Priyanka Rajguru

Priyanka Rajguru, an architect and interior designer, always dreamed of becoming an architect but didn’t initially envision running her own practice. However, after gaining valuable experience in various organizations, she realized that working independently was essential for her professional growth and fulfillment.

Navigating the male-dominated construction industry has been both challenging and empowering. Earning respect in a room full of older male counterparts or on-site with contractors often begins with skepticism. But through knowledge, skill, and determination, Priyanka proves herself, transforming doubt into trust and respect—a journey she finds deeply rewarding.

What sets Priyanka apart is her unique approach to design. Beyond architecture, she practices crystal and sound healing, seamlessly integrating these elements into her work. This holistic approach enriches her designs, reflecting her belief in creativity that nurtures both spaces and well-being.

Her message to aspiring architects and designers is simple yet powerful: Be bold, celebrate your uniqueness, and stay true to yourself. While the path may be challenging, it is a journey worth taking.