Women’s Day 2025 Special: Success Stories of 10 Inspiring Women Who Dare to Dream

This Women’s Day, we celebrate the indomitable spirit of Indian women who have dared to dream and defied all odds to turn those dreams into reality. From trailblazing entrepreneurs and visionary leaders to social changemakers and creative pioneers, these ten extraordinary women embody resilience, courage, and innovation.

Their journeys are not just personal triumphs but also a testament to the boundless potential of women in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for our nation. Through their inspiring stories, we honor their achievements and strive to ignite the same fire of determination in every woman across India.

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.

Abhaia Sharma, Founder – Regally Legal

Abhaia Sharma is a lawyer specializing in intellectual property and fashion law, carving a niche at the intersection of legal precision and the fashion industry. As the founder of Regally Legal, she has built a pioneering platform dedicated to making legal insights in fashion and business law more accessible for professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives.

Her journey into this field was driven by a passion for both law and fashion. While pursuing her LLM in International Business Law at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), she developed a strong interest in intellectual property law and its role in shaping the fashion industry. Upon returning to India, she recognized a significant gap in awareness about fashion law and its impact on businesses. This realization led her to launch Regally Legal, a platform designed to break down complex legal concepts into engaging and practical content.

Abhaia draws inspiration from pioneers like Susan Scafidi, who redefined the legal landscape of fashion, and business leaders who have strategically used intellectual property to build powerful brands. However, her journey was not without challenges. When she first introduced Regally Legal, fashion law was still an emerging field in India, and many underestimated its relevance. Establishing credibility, growing an audience, and proving the value of legal expertise in fashion required persistence, strategic content creation, and a deep commitment to educating her audience. Balancing her legal career, entrepreneurship, and content creation was demanding, but her vision kept her motivated.

Beyond her legal practice, Abhaia is deeply involved in mentorship and thought leadership. She has been invited to speak at institutions like Jesus and Mary College (JMC) and Pearl Academy, where she guides students on alternative career paths in law, fashion, and intellectual property. She also provides legal consultations for entrepreneurs and small business owners, helping them protect and scale their brands. With a focus on expanding Regally Legal, she is working on collaborations with major fashion brands and developing more resources for young lawyers and business owners.

Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is simple: success doesn’t come from following a traditional path—it comes from creating your own. She believes industries are increasingly interdisciplinary, and the biggest opportunities lie at the crossroads of different fields. Whether it’s law and fashion, tech and business, or art and innovation, those who can blend their passions into something impactful will shape the future.

What started as a small initiative has now grown into a recognizable name in the field of fashion law. Abhaia’s work has caught the attention of major fashion brands and legal professionals, validating the demand for legal education in creative industries. She now aims to scale Regally Legal into a larger platform—one that educates, collaborates, and influences decision-making in the fashion and business world.

Anchal Aggarwal

Jill Rahul Kothari