Independence Day Special: Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs Empowering Bharat

This Independence Day, Mumbai Uncensored proudly presents “Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs Empowering Bharat” — a tribute to the spirit of Nari Shakti that is reshaping the Indian entrepreneurial landscape. These inspiring women are not just building successful businesses, but also uplifting communities, creating jobs, and redefining what it means to be a leader in New India.

As we celebrate the freedom to dream and achieve, their journeys stand as shining examples of vision, resilience, and determination — empowering Bharat, one bold step at a time.

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.

Mehak Shahani, Co-Founder of WedMeGood

Mehak Shahani co-founded WedMeGood, a leading wedding portal and resource guide, with her husband in 2014. Based in Gurugram, the platform simplifies wedding planning for users, offering curated vendor lists, inspiration, and tools to plan every detail.

In September 2015, WedMeGood secured Rs 2.7 crore in funding from the Indian Angel Network (IAN), followed by $2.6 million in a Series A funding round from Orchid India last month. Mehak, a postgraduate from the Delhi School of Economics (DSE), previously worked as a risk manager at American Express. A true multi-tasker and serial entrepreneur, she also runs a popular makeup and fashion blog, Peaches and Blush.

Gunjan Mehta, Jolly Phonics Educator

Gunjan Mehta is a Government Certified Abacus and Vedic Maths Trainer, Jolly Phonics Educator, Six Bricks Practitioner, and currently pursuing Child Psychology. With over 12 years of experience and more than 5,000 students trained, she is the founder of Kids Studio & Abacus D Maths Academy in Bharuch, which now operates across 4 centers in the city.

What began as a mother’s search for solutions soon became her life’s purpose. When her daughter struggled with English and Maths in her early schooling years, Gunjan realized the importance of these subjects not just academically, but as life skills. Her curiosity led her to Abacus training, and soon she was building something of her own a place where children could learn not only numbers and letters but confidence and communication. From launching phonics programs during the pandemic to pioneering innovative courses like “Talk Smart” for kids and mothers, Gunjan has created a space where learning is empowering.

With an MBA in marketing and seven years of experience in the banking sector, she had always been financially independent. But her passion for education and child development drew her into entrepreneurship. Balancing work, family, and societal expectations wasn’t easy but she handled it all with quiet resilience and vision. She credits her success to perseverance, community trust, and the dedication of her team.

Outside of work, Gunjan is a proud Rotarian, an advocate for mothers’ empowerment, a music lover, traveler, and a badminton enthusiast. She believes in creating impact through education one child, one skill at a time.

Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: Believe in your vision. Start small. Stay consistent. The journey of Kids Studio is still unfolding, and Gunjan Mehta is only just getting started.

Karina Ramchandani, Founder – KoreFit

Karina Ramchandani is a Pilates instructor, movement coach, and founder of KoreFit—a high-performance activewear brand created for those who train with intention and live with purpose. With over five years of experience, she is certified in Balanced Body Mat Pilates and is a Certified Instructor Trainer for the Pilates Suspension Method, a dynamic approach that combines traditional Pilates with suspension, barre, and general fitness elements. Her method focuses on strength, control, flexibility, and functional movement.

Karina’s journey began with her own personal transformation in her twenties. While she initially pursued a corporate career, fitness remained her true calling. It wasn’t until her forties that she fully stepped into her purpose, turning passion into profession. Today, she helps others reconnect with their bodies, gain confidence, and build long-term wellness—not through extremes, but through mindful, sustainable practices.

Alongside her training work, Karina recently launched KoreFit, a premium fitness apparel brand. KoreFit isn’t just about clothing—it’s about mindset. Designed with sweat-wicking fabrics and a no-compromise approach to performance, the brand speaks to those who move with drive and intention. It’s movement gear that moves with you.

Outside work, Karina is a devoted mother and a disciplined athlete who lives the lifestyle she teaches—whether it’s running, lifting, or daily Pilates. Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs: trust your timing, stay grounded in your purpose, and don’t let detours distract you from your path. Every step counts.

Geetika Anand Gupta, Co-Founder – MOPP Foods

Geetika Anand Gupta is an entrepreneur whose career reflects a blend of strategic thinking, resilience, and passion for building impactful businesses. With a strong foundation in marketing and operations, she has navigated the fast-paced world of startups while maintaining a clear vision for growth and sustainability.

She is the Co-Founder of MOPP Foods, a startup that has carved its niche in the Indian quick-service restaurant and cloud kitchen space by offering signature parathas and pakoras in a modern, scalable format. MOPP Foods operates multiple brands under its umbrella, including Mad Over Parathas & Pakodas, Mealy, Yum Biryani Bowls, Khichdi in a Bowl, and Sassy Indian. Under her leadership, the company has embraced innovation in product development, operations, and expansion strategy, positioning itself as a player to watch in the evolving food-tech industry. Her role spans across business strategy, process design, and ensuring operational efficiency—while keeping customer satisfaction at the heart of the brand.

Beyond the professional milestones, Geetika is known for her meticulous approach to planning and execution, a skill she credits to years of structured thinking and problem-solving in high-pressure environments. She believes in empowering teams through clarity, accountability, and shared purpose, enabling them to deliver consistent results even in challenging circumstances.

Her journey also reflects a balance between ambition and adaptability. She has demonstrated the ability to pivot when required, turning challenges into opportunities and shaping businesses that are not only profitable but also deeply aligned with consumer needs. With a sharp eye for detail and an unwavering focus on long-term vision, Geetika continues to lead by example—proving that structured thinking and entrepreneurial spirit can be a powerful combination in building brands that last.

Roohini Makru, Founder – SRIJAN

Roohini M is the founder of SRIJAN, a platform for coaching, mentoring, and consulting for ambitious individuals and leaders. As a spiritual coach in life and leadership, she guides people to lead with purpose, clarity, and conscious strength — helping them avoid burnout and align their lives with deeper meaning.

Through one-on-one coaching, Roohini helps clients identify what truly matters, navigate challenging decisions with confidence, shift from reactive to intentional leadership, build inner resilience, and reconnect with their authentic selves to make soul-aligned choices.

Her professional journey began in human resources, where she worked in the IT industry for over a decade. While she learned extensively from working alongside strong leaders, she eventually felt a deeper calling. After a period of self-reflection, she reconnected with her childhood dream of creating something of her own, and when she discovered coaching, she knew instantly that this was her true path. SRIJAN was born from this realization — a platform that takes people from chaos to creation.

Roohini draws inspiration from her family, especially her father, for his strength of character, servant leadership, and resilience, and from her guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, whose teachings have been deeply transformative.

Alongside her work at SRIJAN, she is a co-founder and partner in two startups — Ciphemic Technologies, an AI-based EdTech venture, and Key to Clarity, which focuses on youth mental health. She is also a spiritual healer, twin flame ascension coach, and a devoted mother.

Her message is clear: live consciously, balance all aspects of life, identify your purpose, and create something meaningful. Challenges are part of the journey, but they are also opportunities for growth. She believes in involving the divine in all intentions, being a constant learner, taking care of one’s health, and never giving up on dreams.

Dr. Pooja Hirulkar-Kanduri, Founder – Petblooms Pet Clinic

Dr. Pooja Hirulkar-Kanduri’s life has always revolved around healing, nurturing, and innovation. A veterinarian by training and a scientist at heart, she wears many hats—with grace and grit. As the founder of Petblooms Pet Clinic in Navi Mumbai, she offers compassionate, expert care to animals, combining clinical knowledge with genuine empathy. But her impact doesn’t end there. Through Swadesh Anusandhan Pvt. Ltd. and Inova Naturals, she’s actively reshaping the landscape of veterinary and human wellness with research-driven, sustainable innovations.

Her love for animals began early, inspired by her maternal grandfather, and strengthened by the unwavering support of her husband, Dr. Ajaykumar Kanduri. Together, they have built a shared dream grounded in science, compassion, and purpose. As a woman navigating the world of medicine and entrepreneurship, Pooja has faced her share of resistance—but she’s turned every obstacle into a stepping stone. Her strength is drawn from her family’s belief in her: a mother’s tireless dedication, a father’s medical wisdom, and a partner who shares her vision.

Her work is rooted in a belief that science and care go hand in hand. As a co-inventor on two patents and the mind behind several registered trademarks, she’s driven by the desire to bridge research with real-world impact. Her eyes are set on global collaboration, ecosystem conservation, and innovations that benefit both animals and humans.

For those walking their own uncertain path, she has a clear message: let your passion be louder than your fear. The road may be long, but every challenge you face will shape you. Keep showing up—for your vision, your values, and the difference you were born to make.

Payal Khanna, Founder – Conscious being Conscious Parenting

Payal Khanna is a conscious parenting coach whose work centers on helping parents reconnect with their own childhood to heal deep-seated wounds, break free from limiting beliefs, and release ingrained conditioning so they can raise children from a place of wholeness. Her journey began unexpectedly when her young daughter resisted going to play school. Rather than forcing her, Payal’s curiosity led her to explore the inner workings of a child’s mind. This exploration grew into a passion for understanding the roots of parent-child dynamics and how a parent’s own unresolved experiences shape their approach to raising children.

Over the years, she has guided parents to develop a strong sense of self, nurture healthier relationships with their children, and provide an environment where kids can grow into their authentic selves. Initially, Payal focused on teaching connection tools, but she soon realized that recurring issues often stemmed from a parent’s own inner child. This insight drove her to integrate inner child healing, intentional healing, and somatic practices into her work, enabling deeper and more lasting transformations. Inspired by her mother’s mindful parenting, she continues to learn, evolve, and heal herself, believing that her personal growth directly amplifies the impact she can have on others.

Beyond her profession, Payal finds joy in dancing, being in nature, and cherishing moments with her children, Ashwika and Kaveesha. She encourages aspiring professionals to pursue what has meaningfully changed their own lives, committing to it with passion and consistency. For her, success isn’t a destination but a fulfilling journey built on following her heart, investing in learning, and continually expanding through self-healing. Payal’s story is one of authenticity, resilience, and the belief that transforming oneself is the most powerful way to transform others.

Dr. Shalini Garg, Life coach

Dr. Shalini Garg is not just a life coach—she is a guide, a healer, and a voice for women finding their way back to themselves. A multi-faceted powerhouse, she is a life coach, numerologist, NLP trainer, author, poet, graphologist, and inner child healer, with a mission to help others—especially women—break free from emotional and psychological patterns that hold them back.

Her journey began not with clarity, but with loss. At the tender age of 15, Shalini lost her father—a deeply intellectual man whose dream was to see his daughter become a doctor. His passing, coupled with a difficult home environment, left an indelible impact on her sensitive soul. While she couldn’t pursue medicine in the traditional sense, she found her true calling in healing minds and nurturing inner peace.

Educated in a convent school in Delhi, with a graduation from Delhi University and a computer diploma, Shalini began her career teaching computers. But marriage into a conservative family meant putting her aspirations on hold. For years, she lived quietly—until her daughters left for boarding school and something within her stirred once more.

Determined to reclaim her voice, Shalini pursued a PhD in psychoanalysis, drawing from the deep wells of Freud and Jung. She began publishing research papers and taught as a college professor. But it was during the pandemic that her path truly pivoted. Immersing herself in healing modalities like NLP, Reiki, numerology, and inner child work, she began offering sessions—first free, then professional. Her journey of service had begun.

Her father remains her guiding light, but Shalini also draws strength from every woman who has dared to dream beyond limitations. Her own life was filled with barriers—being told not to work, being underestimated, being silenced. Yet she turned inward and found strength, transforming “no” into fuel for her purpose.

Beyond her coaching, Shalini is a poet. Her book, Soulful Reflections, is a tender yet powerful collection of rhymes that traverse pain, healing, and self-discovery. She shares her words on Instagram and Medium, using poetry as a tool for empathy and empowerment. Her first book, Find Yourself from the Teachings of Bhagavad Gita, reflects her core philosophy: everything begins with the self.

For aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs, especially women, her message is clear: “You don’t have to be loud to be powerful. Start small. Start quietly. Start healing. The world will hear you when you stand in your truth.”

Today, Dr. Shalini Garg is not only a coach and author but a beacon of hope. One of her proudest moments came when people told her that her words had helped them break through lifelong pain. From feeling invisible to becoming a voice for healing and transformation, her journey is a testament to the quiet power of resilience. She is now preparing to launch a coaching program designed specifically for women a true celebration of independence and inner strength.