Special Editions
The Visionary 25: Success Stories of Indians Who Turned Dreams into Reality
Across industries and disciplines, these 25 remarkable individuals have turned ambition into action and dreams into lasting impact. The Visionary 25 brings you inspiring stories of Indian men and women who dared to think differently, overcame odds, and carved out paths that others now aspire to follow.
Whether it’s through groundbreaking innovation, fearless entrepreneurship, or transformative leadership, their journeys reflect a deep passion and purpose. United by a relentless pursuit of excellence, these visionaries are not just chasing success—they’re creating a legacy. Join us as we celebrate their journeys, their triumphs, and the powerful message that with vision and determination, anything is possible.
Nikhil Kamath – Co-Founder – Zerodha
Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath recently sat down with LinkedIn’s global CEO, Ryan Roslansky, and shared his success story, from a high school dropout to a billionaire finance entrepreneur. In conversation with Mr Roslanksy, Mr Kamath revealed how his failures became his biggest lessons. He also shared that his first business venture, which he started when he was in school, was flushed down the toilet by his mother. The entrepreneur even revealed the “lightbulb moment” in his life that led to co-founding one of India’s largest trading platforms.
Nikhil Kamath is associated with several companies, including Zerodha, True Beacon and Grhuas. Speaking to Mr Roslanksy, he revealed that his first business venture began when he was in the 9th grade. He managed to get his hands on a cellphone and sold it for a profit. Using the money he earned from selling that phone, he bought more cell phones and began a small side hustle.
However, he hit an unexpected wall when his mother found out about his “business”. She flushed the phones down the toilet, drawing the curtain on Mr Kamath’s short-lived career as an entrepreneur.
But this wasn’t the end of Mr Kamath’s entrepreneurial journey. “As a dropout, he took what for almost anyone else would have been a soul-crushing job: Night shift at a call centre,” per LinkedIn. Between customer service, he taught himself how to trade stocks. Soon after, he started managing investment for his entire team, making more on commissions than from his actual job.
Vidisha Chamria, Management Consultant
Vidisha Chamria is a Management Consultant whose journey reflects a thoughtful blend of academic excellence, corporate experience, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
She began her professional path with a strong educational foundation, completing her BBA from Christ University, Bangalore, followed by a Master’s degree from FMS Delhi, where she was also an active member of the Placement Committee. After completing her education, Vidisha worked with Nestlé, gaining valuable exposure to structured corporate environments and large-scale business operations.
Her journey then transitioned into entrepreneurship when she joined her husband at Royal Dental Clinic and Hospital, where she applies her management expertise to strengthen and scale healthcare operations. By bridging corporate systems with a dynamic clinical environment, Vidisha plays a key role in streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and supporting sustainable growth.
Vidisha’s journey has been shaped by constant learning and adaptability. Having lived across Nepal and India—studying in Coimbatore, Bangalore, and Delhi, and eventually settling in Mumbai—she has embraced change with resilience. Alongside her consulting work, she has also expressed her creative side through writing books, reflecting her interest in thought, reflection, and knowledge-sharing. Today, she balances multiple roles with grace—as a professional, creative thinker, and mother.
Her greatest inspiration has always been her teachers. Vidisha deeply believes that teaching is one of the most selfless and underappreciated professions, and she credits her educators for instilling discipline, values, and clarity of thought. While navigating the challenges of balancing expectations, responsibilities, and identity as a woman, she views these experiences as strengthening her perspective rather than limiting it.
Beyond work, Vidisha is spiritually inclined and lovingly serves Laddu Gopal, whom she fondly calls @PyaareBanke. Writing, reflection, and devotion provide her with balance and grounding. She is also a proud mother, a role she considers among the most meaningful in her life.
Her message to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: love what you do, be kind in the process, and stay authentic. Vidisha believes time is precious, and instead of conforming to predefined molds, one should focus on meaningful work and genuine growth.
For Vidisha Chamria, success is not measured by titles alone, but by learning, gratitude, and balance. Her journey reflects the belief that when education, humility, and purpose align, growth follows—both personally and professionally.
Manish Soni, Founder – House of Events (HOE)
House of Events (HOE) is a destination wedding planning company based out of Jaipur, Rajasthan, renowned for crafting unforgettable wedding experiences across India. With over 150 weddings and counting, HOE has curated celebrations in diverse settings—from serene hill destinations to picturesque beachfront venues—each one thoughtfully designed and seamlessly executed.
What sets House of Events apart is its philosophy. The team doesn’t just plan weddings; they create magical, lasting memories. With a deep passion for detail, HOE works closely with couples at every stage of the journey, ensuring that each celebration unfolds exactly as envisioned. From concept to completion, their focus remains on precision, personalization, and flawless execution—turning dreams into reality without a hitch.
At the helm of House of Events is Manish Soni, Founder and driving force behind the brand. Although initially set on a conventional path toward engineering, Manish soon realised that his true calling lay elsewhere. Drawn to event management, hospitality, and business development, he made the courageous decision to step away from engineering—despite family resistance—and pursue what genuinely inspired him.
His journey was far from easy. Faced with significant financial challenges at home, Manish started from zero, relying solely on determination, perseverance, and a positive mindset. Through relentless hard work and an unwavering belief in his vision, he gradually carved a niche for himself in the events industry, standing out through dedication and consistency.
Manish’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of House of Events, which, within just a few years, has grown into one of India’s most trusted wedding planning firms. His keen eye for detail, strong leadership, and ability to curate immersive experiences have set new benchmarks in the industry. Under his guidance, HOE has successfully executed numerous high-profile events and destination weddings, earning the trust of clients and partners alike.
Today, House of Events stands as a testament to passion-driven entrepreneurship—where vision, resilience, and creativity come together to celebrate love in its most beautiful form.
Dr. Krishna Athal, Life & Executive Coach, Corporate Trainer, and Leadership Consultant
Dr. Krishna Athal is a Life & Executive Coach, Corporate Trainer, and Leadership Consultant working across India, Mauritius, and Singapore. His practice sits at the intersection of psychology, leadership, and spiritual intelligence, helping people think, feel, and lead better. Through his work, he supports individuals and organisations in developing sustainable behavioural change, stronger emotional resilience, and measurable transformation in how they live, love, and lead.
His entry into the coaching world was not accidental or impulsive—it was an evolution. Over years of leading organisations, working with corporates, and studying leadership, psychology, and neuroscience, he noticed a consistent truth: strategy was never the real problem. The human being behind the strategy was. He became the person people turned to when life felt confusing, painful, or overwhelming. What began informally—with young people, then working professionals, and eventually senior leaders—revealed the same pattern everywhere: when inner clarity replaces confusion and self-trust replaces doubt, everything external shifts. That quiet transformation is what ultimately led him fully into coaching.
Dr. Athal’s journey has not been a conventional corporate climb, but more like a purposeful pilgrimage. He began in social work and youth leadership, building organisations with limited resources and limitless determination. That path took him from community halls to boardrooms, from small training spaces to global conferences, and from working with teenagers to coaching executives and CEOs. Along the way, he developed his own Tri-Intelligence Framework, blending IQ, EQ, and SQ to drive holistic growth. Whether coaching someone at rock bottom or at the peak of their career, he has seen that fear, self-doubt, and longing for meaning are universal.
Today, his work spans coaching, corporate training, teaching, writing, and social impact—and continues to evolve. He sees himself as someone who walks alongside others while consistently doing inner work of his own.
His inspiration is not tied to a singular figure but to ordinary people who choose courage over comfort—the woman who chooses therapy, the leader who admits they do not have all the answers, or the young adult who grows through adversity and becomes a source of safety for others. His path has included financial uncertainty, criticism, burnout, and societal misunderstanding. The real shift came when he stopped seeking validation and began working in full alignment with his values. When inner work deepens, outer noise loses power.
Beyond his professional roles, Dr. Athal is an author, social entrepreneur, and lifelong student of the mind. He writes on leadership, relationships, and mental health, with a focus on Indian and Mauritian audiences. He supports youth initiatives in education, mental health, and even robotics. He reads widely, observes culture and human behaviour, travels, sits in silence, has deep conversations, and studies how spirituality and psychology shape society—all of which feed back into his coaching and consulting practice.
His message to aspirants is profound and practical:
don’t build a life that looks successful but feels empty. Build your inner world with the same dedication you give to your outer image. Learn your patterns. Heal your relationships with money, power, and love. Ask for help early, and never romanticize burnout. Consistency matters more than excitement. And remember—your business will rarely rise above your level of self-awareness. For your work to grow, you must grow first.
If there is a success story behind his journey, it is this: he took his pain seriously enough to transform it, and now uses that transformation to serve others. He is still a work in progress, armed with tested tools, frameworks, and languages of healing that create real-world change. For anyone who chooses to work with him, he offers more than a coach—he offers a thinking partner, a mirror, and an ally committed to growth, uninterested in façades.
His final reminder is simple but compelling:
You are not behind. You’re exactly where your story begins to shift. The only question is whether you are ready to do the inner work that your outer dreams demand
Charan Panjwani, Founder – The Fit Bear
Charan Panjwani is a self-proclaimed Obesity Warrior and the Founder of The Fit Bear.
Fondly known as Coach C, he is a certified Sports Fitness, Nutrition, and Deep Health Coach. His journey into fitness and coaching was born out of lived experience—having once battled obesity himself, losing 40 kilos, and realizing the life-changing benefits of adopting a healthier lifestyle.
What began as helping friends and family soon grew into a global community, where Charan has now transformed the lives of over 3,500 people organically. For him, the mission is clear: to simplify fitness, cut through the noise of fad diets, and build sustainable habits. Through his 12-week program, he teaches clients that no food is off-limits, there are no “cheat days,” and one can enjoy everything from ghar ka khaana to pizza guilt-free while still achieving their goals.
A third-generation entrepreneur, Charan believes that real success lies in creating value, solving problems, and not chasing money. His philosophy is deeply rooted in empathy and purpose, inspiring individuals to become the best version of themselves. He draws inspiration from his future self, always striving to ensure that the man he becomes five years from now would be proud of his journey today.
For Charan, challenges like the rise of weight-loss drugs or the bottlenecks of outreach are not setbacks but opportunities to show people the truth about lifestyle change. His certifications from international institutions reflect his commitment to knowledge and growth, but what truly sets him apart is his relentless passion to help others.
When he is not coaching, Charan can be found at the gym or spending time with his family.
Charan shares that he always believed he was capable of doing something meaningful, but for the longest time, he kept finding himself in the wrong rooms—rooms where he felt invisible, unheard, and out of place. It would have been easy to settle and shrink himself to fit in, but something inside him refused. He kept moving, searching, and changing rooms again and again until he finally walked into one where he didn’t have to pretend—where he could be fully seen, fully heard, and fully himself. And that changed everything.
Follow his journey on Instagram: @coachc.thefitbear and @the_fitbear. Website: www.thefitbear.com Linkedin: Charan Panjwani
Dr. Sanah Sayed, Cosmetic & Aesthetic Dentist
Dr. Sanah Sayed, a renowned Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dentist, has been transforming smiles and lives for over 15 years. Currently practicing in Pune, she is the Admin and Owner of “Sanah Sayed Dentistry” and Co-Owner of “iSmyle Dental Centre.” Her journey from Mumbai to becoming one of India’s leading aesthetic dentists is a story of passion, perseverance, and purpose.
A Gold Medallist from DY Patil Dental College, Dr. Sayed initially considered a career in physiotherapy until her father, Anjum Sayed, a respected figure in the media industry, encouraged her to explore dentistry. It was advice that changed her life forever. Drawn to the artistic and transformative side of dental care, she pursued a specialization in Aesthetic & Cosmetic Dentistry from the prestigious Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS), where she once again topped the university.
Her career took off under the mentorship of Dr. Suhas Lele in Mumbai, where she worked on the Panel of Femina Miss India 2013, treating celebrities, actors, and models to ensure their smiles matched their confidence.
After moving to Pune, Dr. Sayed founded Sanah Sayed Dentistry, where she has since documented over 5,000 smile transformations. To her, each smile tells a unique story — from broken teeth that carry painful memories to transformations that rekindle confidence and joy. Her approach is deeply personal, designing smiles that harmonize with each patient’s face, personality, and tone.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Sayed serves as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for leading dental brands and has conducted 38 workshops training dentists in the art of aesthetic dentistry. An Accredited Member of the Indian Academy of Aesthetic & Cosmetic Dentistry (IAACD), she is set to represent India at the European Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry next year.
Outside the clinic, she’s an avid traveler who finds peace in the mountains and inspiration in local stories. Her philosophy reflects both her profession and her spirit:
“Growth happens when you leave comfort behind. The climb is hard and lonely, but it builds resilience. The higher you go, the clearer it gets — because the noise melts away.”
At 37, Dr. Sanah Sayed continues to shape not just beautiful smiles but also confident, inspired lives — one transformation at a time.
Nitish Kalia, an anchor, emcee, singer,
Nitish Kalia, an anchor, emcee, singer, and sports commentator with All India Radio Mumbai, has carved a unique place for himself in the live events and entertainment industry. Over the past 15 years, he has hosted more than 1,500 events across the globe, from luxury weddings and corporate galas to high-profile sports leagues and celebrity shows, becoming a familiar and trusted face on stage.
Although he graduated as a civil engineer, Nitish’s true calling was always in front of an audience. His journey began during college when he won the title of Mr. Fresher and discovered a natural flair for hosting cultural events and youth festivals. In 2010, he stepped onto a professional stage for the first time, hosting a Christmas party for an IT company, and soon realized that the stage was where he belonged. For years he managed to balance anchoring alongside a demanding corporate job, but in 2019 he made the bold decision to leave the security of a well-paying role and pursue his passion full-time.
Since then, his path has been filled with milestones that reflect both growth and resilience. From hosting small shows in Chandigarh to managing large-scale events like the Karaoke World Championship India Tour, Nitish’s work took him across cities before he finally moved to Mumbai, the city of dreams, where his career flourished. He went on to host for global names such as Tata Steel, Yokohama, Vodafone, and Fortis, while luxury weddings carried him across India and beyond, with international destinations like Nepal and Phuket, and Dubai soon on the horizon.
His love for sports also found its place on stage, as he became a commentator for All India Radio and hosted several cricket leagues. One of his most celebrated moments came at Prabhav 2024, where his introduction of MS Dhoni went viral, amassing over 30 million views online. Along the way, Nitish has shared the stage with celebrities including Kartik Aaryan, Bobby Deol, Nora Fatehi, Kunal Khemu, Ankur Warikoo, and Suhani Shah, among others. He was also entrusted with hosting the Indian Options Conclave 6.0, an event that went on to achieve a Guinness World Record with over 5,000 participants in a financial lesson. His journey has been widely recognized, with features on Zee News, Times Now Bharat, EventFAQs, and Chennai Patrika, and he was recently honoured as the Rising Star of 2025 at the Wow Awards Asia.
Nitish draws inspiration from many sources. In sports commentary, he looks up to legends like Martin Tyler, Peter Drury, and Harsha Bhogle, while in hosting he admires Annu Kapoor, Steve Harvey, and Manish Paul. Music, too, is close to his heart, with KK and Sonu Nigam among the artists who continue to inspire him. But behind his achievements lies a story of courage and sacrifice. Coming from a middle-class family with no industry connections, he built his career from scratch, choosing passion over security at a time when doubts and opinions from society were loudest. His biggest strengths have been the unwavering support of his family, his faith in God, and the encouragement of audiences who resonated with his work.
Outside of the spotlight, Nitish is a music enthusiast with a love for rock, metal, and Bollywood classics. He enjoys traveling, often solo, and treasures time spent with his family—frequent visits to his parents in Himachal and his sisters in Pune and Chandigarh keep him grounded. Recently married, he is embracing this new chapter of life with joy, while also indulging in lighter pleasures such as shopping, karaoke nights, and exploring new cultures.
For Nitish, success has been the result of passion, consistency, and humility. His message to aspiring professionals is clear: trust your talent, work relentlessly, and never stop learning.
Vanditta Malhotra Hegde – Founder & Managing Partner – VMH & Associates
Vanditta Malhotra Hegde is the Founder and Managing Partner of VMH & Associates, a boutique law firm known for delivering sharp, sector-specific legal solutions to clients across industries like media, pharma, tech, and real estate. With a career shaped by bold decisions and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Vanditta’s journey in law began with an internship at Mulla & Mulla in Bombay. Her rise was swift—from heading legal at Radio Mirchi at just 29, to ultimately establishing a firm that reflects her belief in strategic, business-minded legal advice.
Her path hasn’t been easy. As a woman in a male-dominated profession, Vanditta has had to push through bias, doubt, and the pressure of balancing motherhood with building a practice from the ground up. But it’s precisely those challenges that have shaped her into a resilient leader who now inspires a new generation of legal professionals.
What sets Vanditta apart is her clarity and candor. She breaks down legal complexities into business actions, replacing dense jargon with sharp, sector-aware insights. For her, law isn’t just about compliance—it’s about empowering clients to lead with confidence.
Outside work, Vanditta finds balance in dance, wellness, and spiritual growth. Her passion for health and inner harmony emerged from personal challenges and has become a guiding force in her life. Whether she’s mentoring young lawyers or helping someone rediscover vitality through nutrition, Vanditta brings intention and grace to everything she does.
Today, she continues to lead with courage, purpose, and a deep commitment to rewriting the rules—not just for her clients, but for what a modern law firm can be.
Anusha Tallam & Akash Kumawat, Co-founders – Studio EBBXFLO
Anusha Tallam and Akash Kumawat are the visionary co-founders behind Studio EBBXFLO, a multidisciplinary creative powerhouse that’s rapidly earned the reputation of being India’s true creative studio. Specializing in branding, packaging, visual identity, and spatial design, EBBXFLO sits at the intersection of discipline and art—rooted in design thinking but powered by emotional and cultural storytelling.
Their journey began in 2019 in the world of account management, gradually moving into strategy and creative direction. But disillusioned by an industry that often prioritized surface-level aesthetics over meaningful storytelling, they decided to create something different—a studio where design had depth, purpose, and resonance. Thus, EBBXFLO was born.
In just under two years, they’ve worked with over 300 brands, launched groundbreaking IPs like Brand Therapy™️, and built narratives that connect on both a psychological and cultural level. Their bold vision and distinctive approach have brought them recognition as India’s Best Brand Design Studio (2025) and an International Design Award, competing against creatives from over 80 countries. The studio’s work has also been honoured with the prestigious Abby One Show and the Kyoorius Elephant—cementing their place among the country’s top creative forces.
Their biggest inspiration comes from culture and nature—two forces that continually shape their process. Culture anchors their narratives; nature teaches rhythm, balance, and restraint. Yet the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. “India wasn’t fully ready for the idea of a creative studio,” they recall. “It wasn’t an agency. It wasn’t a service provider. It was new.” But the landscape is evolving, and EBBXFLO has played a significant role in driving that shift.
Beyond the studio, Anusha curates art, manages artists and galleries, while Akash works in the learning and development of theory and framework, ensuring that their creative output is as intellectually grounded as it is visually striking. Together, they also contribute actively to the creative ecosystem through mentorship, thought leadership, and bold initiatives like “Briefs Are Lies”—a series that challenges traditional agency models and redefines creative collaboration.
Their message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound:
“Build what doesn’t exist yet. Don’t follow trends—create what’s true. If it feels unfamiliar, you’re probably on the right path.”
Today, EBBXFLO is more than a business—it’s a cultural movement. With models like Brand Therapy™️ influencing studios globally and their International Design Award win marking a first for an Indian team, they’re not just raising the bar for design in India—they’re creating an entirely new language for it.
Anant Khandelwal, Founder & Director of AMK Hospitality India Pvt. Ltd.
Anant Khandelwal is the Founder & Director of IWP – Indian Wedding Planners, a flagship unit of AMK Hospitality India Pvt. Ltd., and a visionary in India’s luxury wedding and hospitality space. With a deep-rooted love for design, detail, and storytelling, Anant has transformed his passion into a premier brand known for curating unforgettable destination weddings across India and the globe.
What began as a boutique venture has today grown into a structured, creatively led operation that seamlessly blends cultural richness with flawless execution. Under Anant’s leadership, IWP has become synonymous with soulful celebration turning dreams into timeless experiences for families across the country.
His journey, though filled with challenges from high-pressure timelines to building a dependable vendor ecosystem has been shaped by discipline, vision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Every event curated by IWP is treated not just as a job, but as an emotional milestone.
Inspired by global event leaders who scaled creativity into impact, Anant has also expanded his entrepreneurial path into AMK Travels and Aishka Cares a social impact trust dedicated to women’s empowerment, skills training, and education.
He believes success is earned through consistency, humility, and an uncompromising focus on quality. “Weddings are deeply personal. Our job is to make them effortless, immersive, and emotionally resonant,” he says.
For Anant, IWP is more than a company it’s a commitment. A commitment to storytelling, service, and the smiles that last beyond the final farewell. With a growing team and growing vision, he continues to set new benchmarks in hospitality-driven event design.
Gayatri Gandhi, Founder – Joy Factory
Gayatri Gandhi didn’t always know she’d become a professional organiser. For over a decade, she built a thriving career at Discovery Channel—until a book quietly changed the course of her life. When she read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, it wasn’t just inspiration; it was a wake-up call. What began as a personal journey of decluttering soon became something much bigger: a mission to help others do the same.
In 2017, Gayatri founded Joy Factory, India’s first professional clutter management company, and became the country’s first certified KonMari Consultant trained under Marie Kondo herself. But she didn’t just adopt the method—she adapted and expanded it, creating her own signature approach called C2S2: Collect, Choose, Scrap, Store. It offered a structured yet intuitive way to help people let go of what no longer served them and make space for what truly matters.
Through Joy Factory, Gayatri redefined decluttering—not as a one-time chore but as a mindset and lifestyle. She’s worked with hundreds of clients, conducted over 300 workshops, and sparked a quiet revolution in how people relate to their spaces—and to themselves.
The path wasn’t always smooth. In a world that often dismisses organising as “simple” or “domestic,” Gayatri had to fight to legitimise her work. As a woman entrepreneur carving out a new space, she faced her share of doubts, stereotypes, and setbacks. But she stayed the course, fuelled by purpose and guided by belief. Her persistence paid off—leading to TEDx talks, recognition from top publications, and partnerships with institutions that once wouldn’t have known this kind of work existed.
Beyond the business, Gayatri’s life reflects the same values she brings to her clients: mindfulness, simplicity, and intention. Whether practicing Buddhism or studying human behaviour, she approaches life with curiosity and calm. Her message is simple but powerful: success isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. And in every home she helps transform, she leaves behind more than order—she leaves behind clarity, confidence, and a little more joy.
Gaurav Malvai, Founder – GSM Experiences
Gaurav Malvai is the founder of GSM Experiences, also known as Global Sound Management, a leading entertainment and experiences company that has grown into a dynamic, multi-vertical enterprise. His journey began behind the DJ console at the legendary Ghungroo nightclub at Maurya Sheraton in Delhi, mentored by DJ Sunny Sarid. What started as a passion for music and performance evolved into a full-fledged business providing cutting-edge sound and lighting solutions for private events and high-end weddings.
Over the years, GSM Experiences has expanded to include artist management, venue operations, event tech rentals, and a dedicated division for professional AV integration across bars, nightclubs, auditoriums, and homes. Despite the company’s growth, Gaurav continues to DJ at over 100 gigs a year, staying true to the craft that launched his journey. He remains the top choice for India’s leading industrialists and has had the privilege of performing at high-profile weddings, including those of Abhishek Bachchan & Aishwarya Rai and Deepika Padukone & Ranveer Singh.
He credits his journey to a deeply self-driven and purpose-led mindset. For Gaurav, each step has been a lesson, not a hurdle. His entrepreneurial vision also gave rise to Freq U, a boutique speaker brand focused on audio innovation and design. Outside of business, he is a committed student of Vedanta philosophy, a reader, and a passionate explorer of psychology—subjects he might have pursued academically had life taken a different turn.
In 1996, he borrowed Rs.15,000 from his father and set out to shape his future independently. From funding his own education to building a company poised to go public, his path has been marked by relentless effort and clarity of purpose. He attributes much of his success to his wife, who put her medical career, as a Doctor, on hold to support their family and his dreams. Gaurav’s story is one of humility, integrity, and quiet determination—a reminder that consistency, belief, and gratitude can turn ambition into legacy.
Siddhesh Shinde, National Core Committee Member, Yuva Sena
Siddhesh Shinde’s journey into politics began at the young age of 20 when he actively joined Yuvasena under the leadership of Aaditya Thackeray. Currently serving as a member of Aaditya Thackeray’s national core committee, Siddhesh represents a promising new generation of political leaders. Coming from a political family, Siddhesh had long nurtured the dream of pursuing a career in politics. Growing up in an environment deeply connected to public service naturally shaped his passion and commitment toward making a difference.
Reflecting on his journey so far, Siddhesh believes he is just at the beginning and chooses not to categorize any moment as a “high” or a “low” yet. His perspective is shaped by ambition and resilience, especially through challenging times, such as when Shivsena faced internal splits driven by personal greed. For Siddhesh, every experience is part of a much larger journey still unfolding.
In both personal and professional spheres, Siddhesh draws inspiration from his father, whom he considers his first role model. At the same time, Aaditya Thackeray has remained a guiding force, someone Siddhesh looks up to with deep respect and loyalty. He acknowledges that politics is a tough field, but his belief in dedication, passion, and resilience helps him view obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than barriers.
Outside of politics, Siddhesh is a traveler at heart. A true foodie, he enjoys exploring new places, savoring local cuisines, spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and playing cricket. Despite the heavy demands of political life, he believes in maintaining a balanced and fulfilling personal life.
A strong advocate for youth involvement in governance, Siddhesh emphasizes the importance of not just criticizing the system but becoming active participants in reshaping it. Proud of the people who have stood by him, he looks forward to creating larger moments of pride in the future. With high ambitions and clear goals in politics, Siddhesh remains committed to achieving his vision alongside his mentors, Aaditya Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray, with loyalty and unwavering spirit.
Prateek Tandon, Co-Founder & Director of Copper Events
Prateek Tandon, Co-Founder and Director of Copper Events, is a name synonymous with curating luxury weddings and immersive celebrations across India. Based in Mumbai, Copper Events is an all-inclusive event management company known for bringing a bespoke, hands-on approach to life’s most unforgettable moments.
Prateek’s love for weddings began early, fueled by a fascination with celebration and storytelling. His passion took shape when he reimagined Aamby Valley City not just as a real estate venture but as a luxury wedding destination. That bold vision helped transform it into one of India’s most sought-after venues, setting the tone for his unique approach to event design.
For Prateek, inspiration comes from everywhere: a piece of music, an unexpected moment while traveling, or simply a feeling that sparks creativity. His journey hasn’t been without its challenges from assembling the right teams to maintaining creative integrity under pressure but each step has added depth to his craft.
Beyond Copper Events, Prateek wears multiple creative hats. He is also Co-Founder and Director of Famous TV, a modern media platform, and Hundred Films, a boutique production house focused on emotionally resonant storytelling.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Trust your instincts, act with intention, and don’t wait for perfect conditions. “There’s no straight line to success,” he says, “but the lessons along the way are what make the journey meaningful.”
For Prateek, every event is more than just a project it’s a personal story, a new memory, and a chance to push creative boundaries. Copper Events continues to evolve with that spirit, turning each celebration into a timeless experience.
Praveen Nair, HypnoMentalist
Praveen Nair, India’s first HypnoMentalist, is a self-taught artist who has spent over 16 years captivating audiences with a unique blend of mentalism and hypnosis. What began as a childhood curiosity for puzzles and chess gradually evolved into a lifelong passion for the magical arts — particularly mentalism, a performance art that remains unfamiliar to many, even though the broader tradition of magic has deep roots in India.
With no formal training, Praveen carved his own path, transforming his fascination into a profession that brings joy and astonishment to countless people. From intimate wedding gatherings to large-scale corporate events, his performances are known for creating unforgettable experiences. As a pioneer in the field, he faced the uphill task of introducing mentalism to a wider audience, working tirelessly to help people understand its charm and emotional impact.
Before stepping fully into the world of mentalism, Praveen worked as a corporate training head, where he guided professionals in communication and business development. That background helped him maintain the delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial success — something he now encourages other artists to do as well. “Always value your art,” he says, “because if you don’t, no one else will.”
Over the years, Praveen’s work has earned him incredible milestones — he’s a two-time TEDx speaker, a performer for the President of Sri Lanka, and has been featured on popular television platforms including India’s Got Talent Season 10. His journey is not just about tricks and illusions; it’s about creating powerful emotional connections. For Praveen, the true purpose of his art is to let people experience the purest form of happiness — and he continues to do just that, one mind at a time.
Dr. Madhur Rathi, Consultant psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist
Dr. Madhur Rathi – MBBS MD PGDCH (Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis) is a consultant psychiatrist, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and mental health content creator. His journey into mental health began after completing his MBBS and cracking the NEET PG, choosing Psychiatry as his specialization. Drawn to the complexities of human behavior and psychology, he found his true calling in understanding the mind, not just treating the body.
Inspired by Dr. Ajit Bhide, the former President of the Indian Psychiatric Society, Madhur realized early on that healing involves the whole person—mind and body. He’s passionate about helping people feel better and live more fulfilling lives. Over the years, he has encountered several challenges, one of the most persistent being the stigma around psychiatric care and medication. Despite advancements in treatment, many still hesitate to seek help due to outdated beliefs.
Outside of his profession, Madhur wears many hats—he’s a poet, a public speaker, and a corporate wellness trainer. His content on social media simplifies mental health for a wider audience, making these topics more accessible and less intimidating.
His message to others is clear: career growth isn’t a T20 match, it’s a test match. Stay on the crease, keep playing your game, and trust the process—consistency wins.
Madhur credits his journey to the support of his partner and family. He believes his success is not just about achieving one big dream, but a series of smaller milestones built through persistent effort. And as he says, he’s only just getting started.
On the occasion of Women’s Day, we honour ten exceptional Indian women leaders whose vision, courage, and relentless pursuit of excellence are shaping the nation’s present and future.
Across diverse fields and industries, these trailblazers have broken barriers, challenged conventions, and redefined what leadership truly means. Their journeys are not just stories of success, but powerful testaments to resilience, purpose, and the transformative impact of women who lead with conviction.
Masaba Gupta, Founder – House of Masaba
Masaba Gupta, renowned as one of India’s foremost fashion designers, has carved an inspiring path in the industry, overcoming challenges tied to her mixed heritage with unwavering determination. The daughter of veteran actor Neena Gupta, Masaba embarked on her fashion journey at just 19, debuting with a collection at Lakme Fashion Week. Armed with a degree in Apparel Manufacturing and Design, she initially explored the world of dance, earning accolades in college.
Masaba’s innate flair for fashion, coupled with a passionate attitude, led her to recognize her true calling. Balancing creativity, commercial appeal, and functionality, she founded ‘House of Masaba,’ her eponymous label that has garnered widespread acclaim. Breaking barriers, she became the first Indian designer to host a fashion show on Instagram, showcasing her innovative approach.
Despite initial challenges, Masaba’s persistence and creative prowess have seen her collaborate with renowned fashion brands.
Revati Bhamare, Founder – Revati Nyaan Foundation
Revati Bhamare is a doctor by qualification and the founder of the Revati Nyaan Foundation, a grassroots non profit dedicated to supporting children from low income families through education and exposure.
Born and brought up in Pune, she witnessed the city transform from a quiet university town into a major IT and industrial hub. She completed her schooling at St Anne’s High School, pursued higher education at Fergusson College, and then graduated from BJ Medical College. After working for ten years in Nashik, she returned to Pune in 2010.
The turning point in her journey came during the COVID 19 pandemic in 2021. With schools shut and education shifting online, she realized that many children from government funded schools had little to no access to technology. Most depended on a shared mobile phone that became available only late at night after their parents returned from work. Their academic progress suffered deeply. Seeing this gap, she began teaching English to five children at her home. Word spread, and the number steadily grew. Today, more than 50 students attend classes daily.
The Revati Nyaan Foundation supplements government school curricula by teaching English, mathematics, and science. It also provides computer literacy training and prepares students for the Maharashtra State Certificate in Information Technology. Classes and workshops are conducted from her own home.
Beyond academics, the foundation organizes robotics workshops, art and craft sessions, festival celebrations, birthdays, field trips to places like the NDA, visits to restaurants, exhibitions, and cricket matches. Donation drives for school supplies are held regularly. Revati also visits students’ homes, building trust and emotional bonds while gaining deeper insight into their lives.
The foundation emphasizes practical computer skills such as MS Office, Tally, and typing, recognizing that not all students may pursue higher professional courses. These skills provide employability if circumstances force early entry into the workforce.
Among many success stories, Datta stands out. After losing his father, he joined the foundation with no knowledge of English or computers. With guidance and confidence building, he scored 88 out of 100 in English in his SSC exams and gained admission to Elphinstone College, Mumbai. Former students Suraj and Karan are now pursuing commerce and engineering, crediting their MSCIT certification for giving them an academic edge.
The biggest challenge, according to Revati, is keeping students engaged. She addresses this by making learning interactive and blending academics with enjoyable activities.
Students from grades 4 to 10 are welcome, and even women working as househelp have attended computer classes. Through the Revati Nyaan Foundation, Revati Bhamare continues to bridge gaps in education and create opportunities where they are needed most.
Monica Malik, Clinical Nutritionist and Nutrition Coach
Monica Malik is a Clinical Nutritionist and Nutrition Coach whose work reflects decades of dedication to science based, compassionate healing.
She began her professional journey as a Lecturer in Foods and Nutrition in Government Colleges. Teaching graduate and postgraduate students shaped her perspective deeply. Their curiosity, especially when trying to understand patients’ symptoms, diagnoses, and blood reports with clarity, motivated her to look beyond textbooks. She believed nutrition should not remain theoretical. It must bridge the gap between the latest research and practical, personalized dietary strategies. This belief eventually led her to establish her own clinic, where she transforms medical insights into structured, individualized healing plans.
Her journey has been driven by continuous learning. Staying updated with advancements in health and nutrition remains central to her practice. Over the years, she has witnessed clients recover from gut imbalances, skin disorders, thyroid issues, diabetes, and complex therapeutic conditions. Watching these transformations brings her deep fulfillment. What began as academic engagement evolved into hands on healing supported by teamwork, shared growth, and long term commitment.
Her inspiration comes from her students. Their eagerness to learn encouraged her to continue expanding her knowledge and ultimately begin private practice after superannuation. Transitioning from a long teaching career into entrepreneurship post retirement was not easy. However, she believes growth has no age limit. That belief led to the birth of NUTRITION COACH under her name, Monica Malik, Clinical Nutritionist. She considers being a woman her greatest strength, not a limitation, crediting it for her resilience, empathy, and perseverance.
Beyond clinical practice, she actively engages in social service, delivering lectures and workshops across educational institutions, NGOs, and corporate organizations. She also promotes preservative free fermented foods such as kanji, millet batter, mukhvaas, and high protein ladoos to encourage natural nourishment without artificial additives.
Her message is simple yet powerful: it is never too late to begin. Courage, consistency, empathy, and belief in oneself can build something meaningful at any stage of life.
For Monica Malik, true success is collective. Sustainable growth comes from aligned teams, shared vision, trust, and commitment. Success is not built alone; it is built together.
Dr. Astha Kaushal (Dubey), Gynecologist, obstetrician, and laparoscopic surgeon
Dr. Astha Kaushal (Dubey) is a gynecologist, obstetrician, and laparoscopic surgeon, and the founder of Vivitsa Clinic, a multidisciplinary center dedicated to compassionate, ethical, and evidence-based care for women. Her work combines clinical precision with empathy, creating a space where women feel heard, respected, and empowered.
Her journey into gynecology began with a deep desire to support women through some of the most transformative phases of their lives. During medical training, she recognized that women’s health is often surrounded by silence, stigma, and misinformation. She felt compelled to change that narrative. At the same time, she developed a strong interest in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, drawn to its ability to reduce pain, minimize scarring, shorten hospital stays, and help women return to their daily lives sooner.
After completing her post-graduation in obstetrics and gynecology, she chose to refine her expertise in laparoscopy, a field traditionally perceived as demanding and male dominated. She was advised to choose easier career paths such as obstetrics alone or IVF. However, her determination and commitment to surgical excellence guided her forward. Today, she performs advanced minimally invasive procedures that prioritize faster recovery and improved patient outcomes.
Alongside her surgical practice, Dr. Kaushal built Vivitsa Clinic as a safe and respectful environment for comprehensive women’s care. She also leverages digital platforms to educate women on topics such as PCOS, infertility, painless delivery, menstrual health, and preventive care, simplifying medical information and encouraging informed decision-making.
Her patients remain her greatest inspiration, their resilience reinforcing her purpose each day. As a woman surgeon, she faced skepticism about handling complex procedures and often had to prove her competence repeatedly. Balancing demanding surgical hours with societal expectations was challenging, yet these experiences strengthened her resilience.
Beyond clinical practice, she mentors young doctors, especially women aspiring to surgical specialties. For her, success is measured not just in milestones but in impact. Every scar avoided, every woman who regains confidence, and every young doctor who chooses courage over comfort reflects the legacy she strives to build.
Dr. Ankita Chaudhari, Consulting Pathologist
Dr. Ankita Chaudhari is a consulting Pathologist based in Nashik, Maharashtra, with over five years of professional experience and a strong academic foundation. Alongside her medical career, she is a devoted mother to her son, Arjun, a role that has profoundly shaped both her personal and creative journey.
Her path into content creation began in 2022 after Arjun was born. What started as a simple idea to create a digital timeline for her son gradually evolved into a meaningful creative outlet. While continuing her responsibilities as a consultant and Lab Director at one of India’s prestigious laboratories, she felt a strong pull toward exploring her creative side. Content creation became a way to document motherhood honestly and preserve precious memories, while also connecting with other women navigating similar experiences.
Over time, her videos transformed from casual posts into heartfelt video logs that reflect the raw and unfiltered reality of motherhood. She consciously chose to highlight that not every day is picture perfect. There are difficult days, emotional lows, and moments of self-doubt that often remain hidden behind curated social media feeds. Through her storytelling, she emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, reminding mothers to extend the same grace to themselves that they so freely give to others.
Her inspiration comes from hardworking mothers everywhere, whether homemakers or professionals. As a new toddler mom, she admits she once believed she could manage everything flawlessly. When plans fell apart and mom guilt set in, she questioned herself deeply. Over time, she realized that motherhood has no manual and no perfect script. Watching her son look at her with unconditional love helped her understand that she was already enough. Motherhood taught her to embrace imperfections and to be kinder to herself.
Beyond medicine and content creation, she enjoys preserving authentic moments of motherhood while also celebrating femininity. She believes that behind every tired mother is the same vibrant woman she has always been.
Her message is clear. You do not have to lose yourself while stepping into new roles. There is no timeline for bouncing back. Be a lifelong learner, protect your peace, and honor your feminine strength. For her, success lies in authenticity, consistency, and meaningful connections built through honesty and integrity.
Nicole Coutinho, Founder – GenoMove Fitness Company & Borivali Run Club
Nicole Coutinho is the Founder of GenoMove Fitness Company and the Borivali Run Club. She is a Certified Fitness Trainer with an MBA in Marketing and a Master of Social Work, bringing together athletic excellence, business strategy, and community development.
A National Gold Medalist and Record Holder in High Jump, Nicole has been training as an athlete since the second grade. Her early exposure to sports shaped her discipline, resilience, and deep respect for physical well being. Alongside her athletic journey, she studied human growth and development in depth and spent seven years working in the development sector within the slums of Mumbai. Later, she pursued marketing and worked with the Partnerships Team at the Lodha Group.
Nicole strongly believes in living a balanced life guided by her four pillars: Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finance. When she felt that balance slipping and experienced a strong conviction to dedicate herself fully to fitness, she made a bold decision. She stepped away from her corporate career to build GenoMove with a clear mission: to get the generation moving.
Though still in its early stages, GenoMove has seen remarkable growth. In just four months, the community expanded from 9 members to more than 1000. Weekend runs now see an average participation of around 40 people. She also launched “Girls on the Move,” an all women run club created to encourage greater female participation in fitness. The community regularly hosts weekend game sessions including badminton, pickleball, and football. Recently, they organized their own “Celebration Run” Edition 1, where 60 participants completed 2.5 km, 5 km, and 10 km runs and were recognized for their achievements.
Nicole draws inspiration from her desire to become the best version of herself and from her faith in God’s guidance. She believes that when one listens carefully and works diligently, the right path begins to reveal itself. Alongside a dedicated team of seven volunteers who help manage community activities with enthusiasm and ownership, Nicole is also supported by a strong and encouraging family whose belief in her vision continues to motivate her journey.
Beyond fitness, Nicole enjoys baking healthy brownies without maida or sugar, singing, watercolor art, creative DIY projects, journaling, and reading.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: if an idea keeps you awake at night, pursue it. Wherever your energy flows, success grows. She approaches life with discipline and positivity, grounded in a consistent morning routine that helps her stay focused on growth and purpose.
Volume X
On the occasion of Women’s Day, we honour ten exceptional Indian women leaders whose vision, courage, and relentless pursuit of excellence are shaping the nation’s present and future.
Across diverse fields and industries, these trailblazers have broken barriers, challenged conventions, and redefined what leadership truly means. Their journeys are not just stories of success, but powerful testaments to resilience, purpose, and the transformative impact of women who lead with conviction.
Masaba Gupta, Founder – House of Masaba
Masaba Gupta, renowned as one of India’s foremost fashion designers, has carved an inspiring path in the industry, overcoming challenges tied to her mixed heritage with unwavering determination. The daughter of veteran actor Neena Gupta, Masaba embarked on her fashion journey at just 19, debuting with a collection at Lakme Fashion Week. Armed with a degree in Apparel Manufacturing and Design, she initially explored the world of dance, earning accolades in college.
Masaba’s innate flair for fashion, coupled with a passionate attitude, led her to recognize her true calling. Balancing creativity, commercial appeal, and functionality, she founded ‘House of Masaba,’ her eponymous label that has garnered widespread acclaim. Breaking barriers, she became the first Indian designer to host a fashion show on Instagram, showcasing her innovative approach.
Despite initial challenges, Masaba’s persistence and creative prowess have seen her collaborate with renowned fashion brands.
Shalini Munot, Founder of SilvPop Jewels
Shalini Munot is the Founder of SilvPop Jewels, a contemporary silver jewellery brand that celebrates everyday luxury through bold, modern designs.
Coming from a family with a strong legacy in gold jewellery manufacturing, craftsmanship has always been woven into her life. While gold represented tradition and heritage, Shalini felt drawn to create something that reflected her own individuality. Silver, with its versatility and modern appeal, felt fresh and expressive, perfectly aligned with the evolving identity of today’s woman. That vision led to the birth of SilvPop Jewels.
Her journey has been about blending legacy with innovation. She carried forward the technical expertise and manufacturing strength inherited from her family, but built a brand with a distinct and contemporary voice. Establishing SilvPop was not just about launching a jewellery line, but about creating a space where tradition meets bold self expression. Along the way, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship required discipline and resilience. Each milestone reinforced her belief that passion backed by perseverance creates lasting impact.
Her inspiration comes from her family’s unwavering work ethic and from the strong women around her who gracefully manage both home and ambition. Working in a traditionally male dominated industry has meant occasionally having to prove her credibility in business decisions. Managing motherhood alongside entrepreneurship has also required constant recalibration. These experiences, however, strengthened her confidence and shaped her into a more decisive and resilient leader.
Beyond her business, Shalini prioritises family time and takes pride in being a hands on mother. She enjoys exploring fashion trends, curating creative concepts, and continuously learning to evolve both personally and professionally.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is straightforward. Do not wait for perfect conditions. Start where you are, trust your vision, and remain consistent. Women are capable of building empires while nurturing families. Strength lies in owning both roles fully.
For Shalini, SilvPop Jewels is more than a brand. It reflects her journey as a woman, mother, and entrepreneur. She credits her family, especially her husband, for their unwavering support and belief. To her, success is shared, and gratitude remains at its core.
Dr. Pooja Hirulkar-Kanduri, Founder of Petblooms Pet Clinic
Dr. Pooja Hirulkar-Kanduri’s life has always been rooted in healing, compassion, and innovation. A veterinarian by training and a scientist by mindset, she has built a journey that blends clinical care with research and entrepreneurship. As the founder of Petblooms Pet Clinic in Navi Mumbai, she provides compassionate and expert medical care to animals, combining scientific knowledge with genuine empathy for every patient she treats.
Her work, however, extends far beyond the walls of her clinic. Through her ventures Swadesh Anusandhan Pvt. Ltd. and Inova Naturals, Dr. Pooja is contributing to research driven solutions that aim to transform veterinary and human wellness. Her focus lies in developing sustainable and science backed innovations that bridge the gap between research and practical application. By doing so, she hopes to create solutions that not only improve animal health but also contribute to broader ecosystems of care and well being.
Dr. Pooja’s love for animals began at a very young age. Her maternal grandfather played a significant role in nurturing that passion, encouraging her curiosity and empathy toward living beings. Over time, this early influence evolved into a lifelong commitment to veterinary medicine. Throughout her journey, she has also been supported by her husband, Dr. Ajaykumar Kanduri, whose encouragement and shared vision have helped transform ideas into meaningful initiatives.
As a woman navigating both medicine and entrepreneurship, she has encountered her share of resistance and challenges. Yet each obstacle became an opportunity to grow stronger and more determined. The strength she carries is deeply rooted in her family’s faith in her. Her mother’s dedication, her father’s medical insight, and her husband’s partnership have all played important roles in shaping her confidence and resilience.
At the core of Dr. Pooja’s work lies a belief that science and compassion must always go hand in hand. Her dedication to innovation is reflected in her achievements as a co inventor on two patents and the creator behind several registered trademarks. These accomplishments represent her commitment to translating research into meaningful impact.
Looking ahead, she envisions a future where global collaboration, ecosystem conservation, and scientific advancement work together to benefit both animals and humans. Her mission is to continue developing solutions that support healthier lives while contributing positively to the environment.
For those pursuing their own dreams, Dr. Pooja shares a simple yet powerful message. Let your passion be stronger than your fear. The path may be long and uncertain, but every challenge will shape you into the person you are meant to become. Keep showing up for your vision, stay true to your values, and continue striving to make the difference you were born to create.
Dr. Suruchi Garg, Founder Director and Chief Consultant at Aura Skin Institute
Dr. Suruchi Garg is the Founder Director and Chief Consultant at Aura Skin Institute, Chandigarh. A dermatologist, regenerative medicine researcher, and entrepreneur, she works at the intersection of clinical dermatology, hair restoration science, and longevity focused nutrition and skincare innovation.
Her journey into dermatology began with a deep fascination for the science of skin and hair. During her medical training, she realized that dermatology uniquely blends science, aesthetics, and psychology. It is a field where treatment goes beyond disease management and extends into restoring confidence. Over time, her clinical interest evolved into focused research, particularly in regenerative therapies such as platelet rich plasma and stem cell assisted hair restoration.
What began as clinical practice gradually expanded into academic research and innovation. Dr. Garg has published research in platelet rich plasma and stem cell based therapies and has presented her work at both national and international conferences, contributing to discussions around regenerative dermatology and hair restoration. Her work reflects a commitment to translational research that bridges laboratory science with real world clinical application.
Alongside her clinical and research work, she has been building science led innovations centered on skin, hair, and circadian nutrition. She created her own plant based protein, Protience@8am, described as a globally first circadian rhythm based health supplement designed to align nutrition with biological timing.
Dr. Garg has also been actively working toward true anti aging protocols and has filed a US patent after clearing an Indian patent for a proposed AI based energy device aimed at restoring facial fat while minimizing reliance on external fillers and volumizing products. This work reflects her larger vision of regenerative and longevity focused aesthetic medicine that focuses on restoration rather than temporary cosmetic correction.
Her inspiration comes from women who build excellence quietly and consistently, choosing depth over visibility. Like many women in demanding professions, she has navigated the complexities of balancing multiple roles as a clinician, researcher, entrepreneur, and caregiver. Taking bold academic and professional decisions often required stepping outside conventional expectations, and learning to trust her own voice became one of her most defining lessons.
Beyond her professional commitments, she remains deeply engaged with longevity science, circadian biology, and holistic wellness, where science meets lifestyle medicine. She enjoys writing, mentoring young doctors, and exploring how nutrition, regenerative therapies, and lifestyle medicine can work together to support sustainable health. Quiet moments of reading, reflection, and time with family keep her grounded.
For Dr. Garg, success is not a loud milestone but a steady responsibility. It is built through patient care, research, persistence, and ethical decision making. Her journey continues to evolve with a clear philosophy: build depth before scale and choose credibility over visibility while leading with both science and soul.
Dr. Jaslovleen Kaur, Neurologist
Dr. Jaslovleen Kaur is a neurologist specializing in Movement Disorders, with a strong focus on Parkinson’s disease and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Her work centers on treating patients who struggle with tremors, stiffness, and balance issues caused by neurological conditions. For her, medicine is not only about clinical outcomes but about restoring dignity, independence, and confidence to individuals who feel their bodies are no longer under their control.
Her journey into this field began during her neurology training, when she first encountered patients living with Parkinson’s disease. She was deeply moved by seeing sharp, intelligent individuals trapped in bodies that refused to cooperate. One moment in particular changed the course of her career. During a DBS procedure, she witnessed a patient’s tremor stop instantly during programming in the operating room. The experience was transformative. In that moment, she knew she wanted to dedicate her work to this area of medicine.
Determined to deepen her expertise, Dr. Jaslovleen pursued specialized training in Parkinson’s disease and DBS programs at leading global institutions, including the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London and the National Neuroscience Institute in Singapore. These experiences helped her refine her skills in advanced movement disorder care and structured DBS programs, with the aim of bringing global standards of treatment to her own practice.
Her professional journey has been demanding but deeply fulfilling. Movement Disorders is a highly specialized field, and building a comprehensive Parkinson’s and DBS program requires careful planning, precision, and teamwork. The process goes far beyond surgery. It involves patient selection, counselling, surgical procedures, device programming, follow up care, and long term management. Over time, her work has built strong patient trust, and today individuals travel from across different states seeking treatment under her care.
For Dr. Jaslovleen, the most rewarding moments come from seeing patients regain their independence. Many arrive at her clinic anxious and physically dependent on others. When they leave with renewed control over their movements and lives, it reinforces the purpose behind her work.
She draws inspiration from her patients themselves, particularly their resilience in the face of progressive illness. As a woman working in a technically demanding medical sub specialty, she acknowledges that she has sometimes been observed and judged more critically. Instead of viewing this as a disadvantage, she treated it as motivation to challenge stereotypes. In her view, precision, leadership, and expertise are not defined by gender, and strong results eventually speak for themselves.
Beyond clinical practice, she actively creates educational content to spread awareness about Parkinson’s disease and treatments like DBS. She believes that accurate information can help patients and families make informed decisions about care. Outside medicine, she enjoys reading and writing poetry, which helps her stay connected to her emotional side and maintain balance in a demanding profession.
Her advice to aspiring professionals is to focus on mastering their craft rather than chasing recognition. Depth, discipline, and continuous learning, she believes, create lasting impact.
For Dr. Jaslovleen Kaur, her journey is not yet a success story. She sees it as a responsibility story. Every patient who enters her clinic places deep trust in her care, and her goal is to continue earning that trust one life at a time. If even one patient regains independence because of her work, she believes that is success enough.
Hardi Shah, Founder of RED ARCH FASHIONS
Hardi Shah is a fashion designer and the founder of RED ARCH FASHIONS, a bespoke label specializing in customized women’s wear. Her brand focuses on sustainable fashion, timeless designs, and outfits crafted entirely in house with dedicated embroidery, stitching, designing, and finishing units to ensure perfect fit and detailing.
Her unique strength lies in saree revamping, where she gives vintage sarees a new life by transforming them into contemporary and elegant creations while preserving their emotional and traditional value.
Hardi’s journey began after marriage, when she stepped into the garment export business to support her husband. Years of exposure to the global market refined her understanding of fabrics, finishing, and quality standards. Over time, her creative instincts grew stronger, and she felt the desire to build something of her own. That is how RED ARCH FASHIONS was born.
During the COVID period, her creativity truly stood out when she designed scarf stole masks using wholesale scrap fabrics, combining fashion, health, and hygiene in an innovative way. This idea brought her recognition and positioned her as a designer who could merge practicality with elegance.
In June 2023, RED ARCH FASHIONS received the opportunity to showcase its designs at the Brand Parade Fashion Show at the MSME Expo held at the World Trade Centre, where Hardi presented an exclusive collection of saree revamping outfits. The showcase highlighted her signature design philosophy of transforming heritage fabrics into modern silhouettes.
In 2022, she also participated in Biz Master 2022, a pageant for budding entrepreneurs, where she emerged as a finalist. She continues to actively participate in apparel exhibitions, expanding her brand visibility and building meaningful industry connections.
Her clientele ranges from a 5 year old child to an 80 year old woman, because she believes fashion has no age limit. She designs twinning family outfits, pre stitched sarees, designer blouses, gowns, Anarkalis, sharara sets, bridal lehengas, and a wide range of women’s and girls’ wear.
Beyond being a designer, Hardi is a housewife and a trained Kathak dancer. She draws inspiration from women who balance home, career, and passion with grace. She believes true growth begins when one steps out of their comfort zone.
Deeply grateful for her supportive family, friends, colleagues, skilled karigars, and loyal customers, Hardi believes success is built through patience, persistence, and self belief. For her, every creation is a step toward refining her craft and celebrating the strength and elegance of women.
Pragya, Creative Director, Textile Designer, Consultant, and Interior Stylist
Pragya’s journey begins in Haridwar, where the Ganges flows with ancient memory and the mountains stand as quiet guardians of tradition. Born into a city steeped in ritual and craft, she grew up absorbing beauty before she had language for it. Embroidered dupattas, temple textiles, bamboo baskets in local markets — these were her earliest design classrooms. Her name means wisdom, and in many ways, it became a quiet prophecy.
Today, Pragya is a Creative Director, Textile Designer, Consultant, and Interior Stylist whose work bridges India’s craft heritage with the global luxury fashion industry. A graduate of NIFT Delhi and later the University of Wolverhampton in England, she learned not only technique but perspective — that Indian craft does not lose its soul on a global stage; it gains a voice. Over seven years, she rose to become a Senior Atelier Designer, contributing to collections showcased at Paris Couture Week and India Couture Week. She later pursued a Master’s at NID to deepen her understanding of weaving and printing, driven by a desire to elevate Indian textiles meaningfully.
Her professional path began at Comma Exports, where she learned the art of transforming ideas into objects people cherish. Representing her company at Ambiente, Germany, was a defining moment — carrying Indian craftsmanship to a global audience. Yet beyond accolades and runways, her truest inspiration remains India’s artisans — the weavers, printers, and craftspeople who carry generations of knowledge in their hands.
As a woman navigating global luxury spaces, she has faced subtle dismissals and expectations to choose between ambition and personal life. She refused. Marriage, homemaking, and creativity coexist in her world. Through her Instagram community “space.n.sense,” she reimagines discarded materials into mindful decor, proving that beauty begins with attention.
For Pragya, success is not a destination but a way of seeing. It lives in fabric, in heritage, in storytelling, and in the courage to weave one’s roots into something entirely original. From Haridwar to Paris, her thread remains unbroken and she is still weaving.
Avneet Adwani, Director at The Choice Fashions
Avneet Adwani is the Director at The Choice Fashions, a family run garment manufacturing and export house that has been operating since 1977. Alongside this legacy business, she is also the Founder and Director of NAAV by Avneet, an ethical clothing label built on the principles of transparency, sustainability, and a deep respect for Indian craftsmanship.
Growing up around textiles and garment production, fashion was always a natural part of Avneet’s world. When she joined the family business, she immersed herself in understanding fabrics, production techniques, and the dynamics of the global garment industry. This experience gave her a strong foundation and a close connection to the artisans and processes that bring clothing to life. Over time, however, she felt a growing desire to build something that reflected her personal values more closely.
That vision led to the creation of NAAV. The brand was born from a desire to bring greater consciousness into fashion by focusing on ethical production, transparency in processes, and celebrating traditional Indian craftsmanship for both Indian and global audiences. Through NAAV, Avneet aims to create clothing that carries meaning, where design, responsibility, and cultural heritage coexist.
Her journey has been a balance between heritage and innovation. Working within a long established family business allowed her to learn the industry deeply, while building her own label gave her the freedom to pursue ideas rooted in sustainability and empowerment. NAAV reflects her belief that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible, supporting artisans and creating opportunities for women within the industry.
Avneet draws inspiration from many sources. Her family, the artisans she collaborates with, and the resilience of women around her continue to motivate her. As a woman in business, she acknowledges that balancing multiple roles can be challenging. Managing responsibilities as an entrepreneur, a mother, and a key member of a family business requires strength and clarity. At times, standing firm in her vision and decisions has required extra determination, but those experiences have also strengthened her confidence and sense of purpose.
Beyond her professional life, Avneet finds inspiration in spirituality, travel, and creative pursuits. These interests keep her grounded and broaden her perspective, often influencing her approach to design and business.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet meaningful. Stay authentic to your vision and build something that reflects your values rather than simply following trends. Entrepreneurship requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to learn continuously. With sincerity and commitment, the path gradually reveals itself.
For Avneet Adwani, success is not defined solely by building a brand. It is about creating a positive impact. If her work through NAAV and the garment industry can empower artisans, support women, and bring greater fairness and transparency to fashion, she believes that is true success.
Suvarna Vijay Bagul, Chef and content creator
Suvarna Vijay Bagul is a chef and content creator whose culinary journey is built on passion, perseverance, and the desire to inspire others through food. For her, cooking is not just about preparing dishes. It is about creating stories, experiences, and meaningful connections that encourage aspiring food enthusiasts to follow their own path in the culinary world.
Her journey took a significant turn when she participated in MasterChef India. Being a contestant on such a prestigious platform pushed her beyond her comfort zone and helped her discover her true potential. The experience refined her cooking skills, strengthened her confidence, and transformed her love for food into a serious professional pursuit. What began as a passion gradually evolved into a fulfilling career.
Since then, her journey has been one of constant learning, growth, and self discovery. Every challenge, opportunity, and setback has contributed to shaping her perspective both as a chef and as an individual. Cooking has taught her patience, creativity, and resilience. Through this journey, she has not only developed professionally but has also gained a deeper understanding of life and the importance of perseverance.
Today, Suvarna’s vision extends beyond personal success. She aims to create value through her knowledge and experiences while also contributing positively to society. Sharing what she has learned and inspiring others to pursue their passion remains a central part of her work.
Her greatest inspiration has always been her father. Watching him navigate life’s ups and downs with positivity and strength left a lasting impression on her. His ability to remain calm and optimistic through difficult times taught her the importance of resilience and a positive mindset.
As a woman, balancing responsibilities has been one of the most demanding aspects of her journey. Managing a household and raising three children while simultaneously pursuing her passion for cooking required tremendous dedication and discipline. There were moments of exhaustion and doubt, but the support of her family and her unwavering determination helped her continue moving forward. Although the path was challenging, she believes every effort was worthwhile.
Outside of her professional life, Suvarna makes it a priority to support underprivileged individuals whenever possible. She believes success becomes meaningful when it is shared and when it contributes positively to the lives of others.
Her message to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs is rooted in three core principles. First, respect your time because it is the most valuable resource you have. Second, maintain a balance between professional ambition and personal well being, because success means little without peace and family. Third, believe in yourself. Confidence can open doors that talent alone cannot.
Looking back on her journey, Suvarna believes that her achievements are the result of persistence and passion. She never allowed fear of failure to stop her, nor did she chase success obsessively. Instead, she focused on working wholeheartedly and staying consistent in her efforts. For her, growth is a natural outcome of dedication and authenticity. And as life progresses, she believes it is important to uplift others along the way, because helping people around you brings a deeper sense of purpose to success.
Roshita Pandey, Founder – Druvika Astro World
On Women’s Day, the journey of Roshita Pandey highlights the power of intuition, courage, and self-belief. An IIM graduate who chose to walk away from an eight-digit corporate career, Roshita followed her deeper calling in astrology and spiritual guidance—turning her passion into a meaningful path that now inspires thousands.
As the founder of Druvika Astro World, she has created a platform where astrology becomes a tool for clarity, self-awareness, and empowerment. Through her readings, spiritual coaching, and digital presence, Roshita helps individuals understand planetary influences and make more aligned decisions in areas like career, relationships, and personal growth.
With a strong community of over 260K followers, Roshita has become a trusted voice in modern astrology. As a celebrity astrologer, tarot reader, spiritual coach, and TEDx speaker, she represents a new generation that blends ancient astrological wisdom with contemporary thinking.
Her contribution to the field has been recognized nationally when she was honored as The Best Tarot Card Reader & Spiritual Coach by the Governor of Uttarakhand at a prestigious ET and TOI-hosted ceremony.
This Women’s Day, Roshita Pandey’s journey reminds us that astrology is not just about predicting the future—it is about empowering individuals, especially women, to trust their intuition, understand their life path, and step confidently into their purpose.
Volume IX
On the occasion of Women’s Day, we honour ten exceptional Indian women leaders whose vision, courage, and relentless pursuit of excellence are shaping the nation’s present and future.
Across diverse fields and industries, these trailblazers have broken barriers, challenged conventions, and redefined what leadership truly means. Their journeys are not just stories of success, but powerful testaments to resilience, purpose, and the transformative impact of women who lead with conviction.
Masaba Gupta, Founder – House of Masaba
Masaba Gupta, renowned as one of India’s foremost fashion designers, has carved an inspiring path in the industry, overcoming challenges tied to her mixed heritage with unwavering determination. The daughter of veteran actor Neena Gupta, Masaba embarked on her fashion journey at just 19, debuting with a collection at Lakme Fashion Week. Armed with a degree in Apparel Manufacturing and Design, she initially explored the world of dance, earning accolades in college.
Masaba’s innate flair for fashion, coupled with a passionate attitude, led her to recognize her true calling. Balancing creativity, commercial appeal, and functionality, she founded ‘House of Masaba,’ her eponymous label that has garnered widespread acclaim. Breaking barriers, she became the first Indian designer to host a fashion show on Instagram, showcasing her innovative approach.
Despite initial challenges, Masaba’s persistence and creative prowess have seen her collaborate with renowned fashion brands.
Akanksha Chaturvedi Jain, Founder – Eduauraa
Akanksha Chaturvedi Jain is the Founder of Eduauraa, an ed tech platform focused on making quality education accessible to students across India. Through Eduauraa, she has worked toward building a learning ecosystem that reaches students at the grassroot level by combining digital learning, school digitisation, and community driven initiatives. Her vision has always been clear. Education should never be limited by affordability, background, or geography.
The idea for Eduauraa took shape while Akanksha was studying at Columbia University. She had initially gone there to study real estate, but during that time she began observing the growing education technology landscape. When she returned to India, she realized that many ed tech platforms were priced in a way that made them inaccessible for a large segment of students. Most models catered only to those who could afford premium learning tools. This gap led her to create Eduauraa, a platform designed with the belief that cost should never become a barrier to learning.
What started as a simple idea gradually evolved into a nationwide learning ecosystem. Eduauraa has now reached and empowered more than five lakh learners across India. One of the defining moments in the company’s journey came when Eduauraa was officially launched by the HRD Minister of India alongside the announcement of a strategic content partnership with ZEE5. Another significant initiative led by Akanksha was India’s largest education camp, where free education was delivered to more than one lakh students. These milestones strengthened Eduauraa’s mission of expanding access to quality learning.
Her work and leadership have been widely recognized. She has been featured by Forbes India, included in the Femina Fab 50 and Grazia Cool List, and appeared on the cover of ELLE India. She has also received the ZEE Education Excellence Award and the ET Inspiring Women Award. While these recognitions mark important achievements, Akanksha remains focused on the larger purpose of her work.
Her biggest inspiration has always been her parents, who supported her ambitions and encouraged her to maintain an open minded approach to life. Their belief in her helped her stay motivated even during challenging phases. Starting her company at the age of twenty two meant that she often faced skepticism. In many professional spaces, people underestimated her because of her age and because she was a young woman entrepreneur. Rather than letting these assumptions hold her back, she chose to let her work demonstrate her capability.
Outside of her professional life, Akanksha enjoys travelling, reading, and meeting new people. She describes herself as an extrovert who enjoys exploring different cultures and experiences around the world.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple. Passion and persistence are essential. Building a business requires constant dedication, belief in your vision, and the willingness to keep moving forward even when challenges appear.
For Akanksha, success is not defined by awards or titles. It lies in knowing that something she built is helping transform lives through education. And for her, the journey is only just beginning.
Niharika Dogra, Counselling Psychologist, Rehabilitation & Career Counsellor
Ms. Niharika Dogra is a Counselling Psychologist, Rehabilitation and Career Counsellor with over 16 years of experience across clinical, educational, corporate, and defense sectors. Through her work, she focuses on supporting individuals in navigating emotional challenges, career decisions, and personal growth while promoting greater awareness about mental well being.
Her interest in counselling began during her school years. She often observed that many students struggled with academic pressure and personal challenges but did not always have a safe space to express their feelings without judgment. This realization sparked her curiosity about human behavior, emotions, and the importance of psychological support. Over time, she discovered a natural inclination toward listening, understanding, and helping others work through their inner struggles. What began as empathy gradually developed into a sense of purpose, leading her to pursue counselling as a profession.
Over the past sixteen years, Ms. Dogra’s journey has been both professionally enriching and personally transformative. She has worked in diverse settings including clinical environments, educational institutions, corporate organizations, and defense establishments. Being the wife of an Air Force officer has also given her the unique opportunity to experience life across different Air Force Stations and interact closely with defense personnel and their families. In these environments, she has provided preventive counselling and emotional support, helping individuals cope with the psychological demands of military life.
Frequent relocations and exposure to new communities taught her adaptability and resilience, qualities that strongly influence her work today. Throughout her career, she has conducted workshops in schools and universities, delivered lectures including on All India Radio, and consistently contributed toward spreading awareness about mental health and emotional well being. These experiences have deepened her understanding of human resilience and strengthened her commitment to creating supportive spaces for people seeking guidance.
Her greatest inspiration is her mother, a cancer survivor whose courage and resilience demonstrated that healing is not only physical but also emotional and psychological. She also credits her husband for his unwavering encouragement and belief in her journey. Her children continue to motivate her daily, reminding her of the importance of balance, compassion, and patience in both personal and professional life.
Outside her professional responsibilities, Ms. Dogra enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. She also enjoys travelling, listening to music, and occasionally creating video content to spread awareness about mental well being. Continuous learning remains an important part of her life as she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and perspective.
Her message to aspiring professionals is to begin with purpose rather than pressure. She encourages individuals to build competence before chasing visibility, remain patient with their growth, and uphold ethical standards in their work. Taking care of one’s own mental health while building a career, she believes, is equally important.
For Ms. Niharika Dogra, success is not defined by titles or milestones. Instead, it lies in the lives she has been able to support, the stigma around mental health she has helped reduce, and the safe spaces she has created for people to express themselves without fear. She believes that empathy, integrity, and resilience are the true foundations of lasting success, and her journey continues to evolve with that belief.
Deepal Parekh, Interior designer & Founder – DPDS – Deepal Parekh Design Studio
Deepal Parekh is an interior designer and the founder of DPDS – Deepal Parekh Design Studio. With a career spanning more than two decades, she has built a reputation for creating thoughtful and timeless spaces that balance aesthetics with functionality. Her design philosophy centers on the belief that a home should reflect the personality, lifestyle, and story of the people who live in it.
Design and art have always been an intrinsic part of her life. From a young age, she found herself naturally drawn to colours, materials, and the way environments influence emotions and experiences. What began as a personal passion gradually evolved into a professional calling. Over time, she realized that interior design is not simply about beautifying spaces. It is about creating environments that feel meaningful, personal, and deeply connected to those who inhabit them.
Throughout her journey in interior design, Deepal has developed a philosophy rooted in simplicity and intention. She believes that every element within a space should have purpose and that thoughtful restraint often creates the most powerful impact. Her approach begins with understanding the client’s lifestyle, sensibilities, and vision. Whether designing residential homes or boutique commercial spaces, her goal is always to create interiors that feel timeless, layered, and emotionally connected to their users.
Her inspiration often comes from everyday experiences. Travel, art, architecture, and craftsmanship all influence her design sensibility. She is particularly drawn to natural materials, textures, and spaces that evoke warmth and authenticity.
Like many women in entrepreneurial fields, her journey has not been without challenges. Establishing credibility in a competitive industry while balancing professional ambition with personal responsibilities required resilience, especially during the early years of building her studio. These experiences ultimately strengthened her confidence and helped shape the clarity and conviction she brings to her work today.
Beyond her professional life, Deepal enjoys travelling and exploring art and different cultures, which continuously inspire her creative perspective. She also has a deep love for cooking, which she views as another form of creative expression. Much like interior design, cooking allows her to experiment with flavours, textures, and presentation while bringing people together around shared experiences.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but meaningful. Follow your passion with patience and persistence. Success is rarely immediate. It is built over time through dedication, continuous learning, and staying authentic to your vision.
For Deepal Parekh, success is not measured only through recognition or accolades. It lies in the impact of the spaces she creates and the relationships she builds with her clients along the way. Each project represents an opportunity to learn, evolve, and craft something meaningful. The most rewarding moment, she believes, is seeing a space come alive and knowing that it truly resonates with the people who inhabit it.
Shivani Jain, Founder – Tisharth by Shivani
Shivani Jain is a fashion designer whose journey reflects passion, persistence, and a deep understanding of design aesthetics. Her work focuses on creating clothing that allows women to feel confident, comfortable, and expressive through what they wear.
From a young age, Shivani was naturally drawn to garments and design. She had a keen eye for aesthetics and enjoyed experimenting with styles and silhouettes. This passion led her to start her own label at the age of just nineteen. Beginning a business at such a young age came with its own challenges, but it also gave her the opportunity to grow, learn, and evolve as a designer.
After working on her label for several years, Shivani took a sabbatical and began assisting her husband in his buying agency. While the experience helped her understand the business side of the fashion industry, her true passion always remained in design. The desire to create and express herself through fashion eventually brought her back to the field she loved the most.
In 2016, she launched her brand Tisharth by Shivani, a western wear label designed for women who appreciate stylish, well crafted clothing. Through this label, she focuses on creating designer pieces that remain accessible and affordable. One of the challenges she has faced in her journey is establishing the brand as one that offers designer quality without designer level pricing. Balancing quality, creativity, and affordability requires careful planning and dedication, but it remains central to her brand philosophy.
For Shivani, inspiration can come from many different sources. Rather than following a single role model, she finds inspiration in everyday life, creativity, and most importantly, in the desire to help women feel confident about themselves. Her ultimate goal is to design clothing that makes women feel good about who they are.
Beyond her work as a designer, Shivani enjoys spending time dancing, travelling, and reading. She also loves karaoke evenings filled with music, laughter, and friends. These moments allow her to relax, recharge, and stay creatively inspired.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is simple yet powerful: keep working towards your goal. Success may not come instantly, but dedication and consistent effort eventually lead you there. Believing in your vision and continuing to move forward, even when challenges arise, is what makes the difference.
Looking back at her journey, Shivani believes that success comes when you put your heart and soul into what you do. One of her dreams was to see her work reach international runways, and she proudly achieved that milestone. For her, that accomplishment stands as a reminder that when passion and hard work come together, dreams can truly turn into reality.
Manat Lamba, Co founder – Yellow Blossom
Manat Lamba is the Co founder of Yellow Blossom, a platform that has become known for giving homegrown brands an opportunity to showcase their work and connect with customers who appreciate unique, independent labels. What began almost by chance has now grown into a strong platform that has supported more than 400 brands over the past decade.
Her entrepreneurial journey began after spending four years working at Ernst and Young. While she gained valuable corporate experience there, she eventually felt the pull to build something of her own. In April 2015, she launched her clothing brand Maisara, driven by a passion for design and quality. Around the same time, her partner was exploring the idea of starting an events business. A casual conversation between them led to the idea of hosting an event to launch their respective ventures. That single event became the starting point of Yellow Blossom, which was formally established in September 2015. Looking back, Manat often describes the moment as one of those unexpected turns in life that end up shaping everything that follows.
Over the years, her journey has been exciting, creative, and constantly evolving. Market conditions, consumer preferences, and industry trends continue to change, and adapting to those shifts has been an essential part of her entrepreneurial experience. Through both Maisara and Yellow Blossom, she has always prioritized quality above all else. While maintaining high standards often brings its own challenges, she believes that quality ultimately builds long term trust and loyalty.
For the past three years, she temporarily paused the operations of Maisara due to the growing saturation in the clothing market. However, the overwhelming number of people encouraging her to revive the brand has reaffirmed her belief that quality and authenticity still matter. Today, the revival of Maisara is already in progress. At the same time, Yellow Blossom continues to grow steadily, with plans underway to expand into cities beyond Delhi.
Rather than pointing to a single individual as inspiration, Manat believes her motivation comes from an inner desire to build something meaningful and lasting. Her goal has always been to create a brand that people recognize, trust, and connect with. She hopes that years from now she will be able to look back with pride at what she has built and perhaps even pass that legacy forward to her daughter.
As a woman in business, she acknowledges that women are sometimes still taken less seriously in professional spaces. However, she also believes women bring a remarkable strength to the table, particularly their ability to manage multiple roles at once. Being a business owner while also balancing responsibilities as a daughter, sister, and mother requires resilience and adaptability, qualities she believes deserve greater recognition.
Outside of work, Manat has recently begun experimenting with content creation, something she finds both enjoyable and refreshing. However, the most important part of her life is her seven year old daughter, who she describes as the center of her universe. Once her workday ends, her time is devoted entirely to being a mother, which she considers the most fulfilling role she plays.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but honest. Starting something new can feel overwhelming and uncertain, but perseverance, resilience, and belief in your vision can carry you through the difficult phases. Entrepreneurship requires the ability to face failures, learn from them, and stay grounded during moments of success.
For Manat, the greatest strength behind her journey has been the support system around her. The encouragement of family, friends, and loved ones has played a significant role in helping her navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. She believes that while business success requires hard work and determination, having people who believe in you can make all the difference.
Pragati Sanjay Baghel, CEO & Founder – Active Tribe
Pragati Sanjay Baghel is the CEO and Founder of Active Tribe, India’s first intimate hygiene brand created specifically for men who lead high-sweat, active lifestyles. Her community includes weight lifters, marathoners, runners, cyclists, bikers, and hikers—men who push their physical limits yet often stay silent about recurring hygiene concerns. Active Tribe was built to turn that silence into awareness, understanding, and bold conversations that India has avoided for too long.
Interestingly, the idea did not begin in intimate hygiene. The company initially launched as a men’s makeup brand, but while building that audience Pragati kept receiving messages asking for solutions to private-area issues. Concerns like balanitis, candidiasis, ringworms, itching, and sweat-induced infections kept surfacing. What struck her was not just the frequency but how normalized the suffering was simply because men felt they “should not talk about it.”
After studying the Indian market and global alternatives, she realized the category was untapped not because the need didn’t exist, but because the subject remained taboo. Looking deeper at the lifestyles of highly active men, she understood how sweat, friction, and humidity were fueling recurring infections. That insight defined Active Tribe’s vision: “If no one wants to solve it because it’s taboo, that’s exactly where innovation belongs.”
The journey has been demanding and deeply transformative. The company was registered in March 2025, followed by months of formulation research. Custom development was costly, so Pragati immersed herself in ingredient science—studying antifungal actives, pH balance, and sweat biology. She collaborated with a cosmetic scientist and a lab in Bangalore to build effective formulations before moving into manufacturing, packaging, and brand identity. “When you build from scratch,” she says, “you don’t just create a brand—you create a new version of yourself.”
As a woman leading a men’s intimate hygiene brand, skepticism was inevitable. Some questioned why a woman would enter this category. Her answer is clear: health is not gendered. If men can build menstrual hygiene brands without interrogation, women should be equally free to build for men. Coming from a background where women are still expected to stay in “safe lanes,” Pragati’s journey is seen as bold—but she believes silence overstayed its welcome.
Outside business, Pragati is disciplined about fitness and trains daily. She is a runner, weightlifter, and a passionate satvic cook who prepares mindful, oil-free, sugar-free meals in clay pots. Fitness built her body, satvic food built her mind, and entrepreneurship, she says, has built her soul.
Her message to entrepreneurs is simple: start before you feel ready, build before people understand, and keep going long after the applause ends. Choose problems others hesitate to touch. Active Tribe is more than a product line—it is a necessary conversation finally being voiced. And for Pragati, this is only the beginning of a much larger journey.
Dhwani Shah, Life & Mindset Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist
Dhwani Shah is a Criminal Lawyer turned Life and Mindset Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist, TEDx Speaker, and co founder of RudraKavya and Vidhyutaraa. Her work today centers on transformation, helping individuals break limiting patterns, heal emotional wounds, and rise with clarity and confidence. At RudraKavya, which she describes as poetries of transformation, the philosophy is simple yet powerful. Break the patterns, heal the wounds, and rise with clarity. She believes clarity only comes after a person feels safe enough to confront their truth. At Vidhyutaraa, meaning the lightning star, she leads strategy by building brands that are driven not only by content but by conviction. For her, power matters, but authenticity is unstoppable.
Her journey began in the field of law, where she trained to argue and defend cases in courtrooms. Over time, she realized that the toughest battles people face are not legal ones but internal ones. Self doubt, fear, and limiting beliefs often become the real obstacles in a person’s life. This realization changed her path. Instead of leaving law behind, she redefined it. She shifted her courtroom to the human mind, where she now challenges limiting beliefs, questions fear, and supports individuals in reclaiming their strength.
Dhwani describes her journey as powerful rather than perfect. She has experienced setbacks, emotional lows, and failures that tested her resolve. Yet she believes progress is not always linear. Even when life moves three steps forward and two steps back, it is still movement. From courtroom arguments to the TEDx stage, each phase of her life has shaped her voice and purpose. She now leads with empathy, speaks with clarity, and believes vulnerability can be a source of strength rather than weakness.
Her inspiration comes from every version of herself that refused to give up. As a woman, she has faced moments where softness was mistaken for weakness and where confidence was seen as intimidating. Instead of shrinking, she chose to embrace both strength and gentleness together.
Beyond her profession, Dhwani enjoys travel, nature, adventure, and movement. A trained Bharatanatyam dancer and a trained skier, she finds joy in both discipline and freedom. She also organizes community gatherings that create safe spaces for connection and growth.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple. Choose collaboration over competition. The sky is vast enough for everyone to rise. For Dhwani, success is not defined by perfection. It is defined by consistency, resilience, and the courage to remain authentic.
Advocate Monica Dochania, Advocate, Independent litigator, Solicitor
Advocate Monica Dochania is a practicing advocate, independent litigator, solicitor, and legal advisor based in New Delhi. Her journey into law was not linear but deeply intentional. Before entering the legal profession, she worked across diverse sectors including immigration services, the hotel industry, and international delegations and exhibitions. In her early twenties, while working in sales, marketing, and business development within corporate environments, she developed a growing interest in agreements, contracts, and legal frameworks. That curiosity gradually turned into conviction, and in 2015 she decided to appear for the law entrance examination conducted by the University of Delhi. She cleared the exam and began pursuing her LL.B. from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi.
Academically, her journey reflects versatility and determination. She completed her B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Delhi, followed by a postgraduate degree in Nanotechnology from Maitreyi College. She also pursued a course in website and web development before eventually transitioning into law. After graduating in 2018, she enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi, cleared the All India Bar Examination in 2019, and became eligible for a permanent license from the Bar Council of India. Since then, she has been practicing before District Courts across India and the Delhi High Court. Her areas of expertise include civil and criminal matters, commercial and corporate law, immigration law, property disputes, consumer law, labour law, and family law. She also serves as a Legal Advisor to the United Human Rights and Social Justice Council, contributing to the protection of constitutional rights and social justice.
For Monica, life itself is her greatest teacher and inspiration. She believes resilience, patience, and self-awareness shape professional growth. As an independent woman in a male-dominated environment, she acknowledges facing societal skepticism and resistance, yet she remained committed to building her identity from the ground up.
Beyond litigation, she mentors students in career counselling, engages in social initiatives, writes journals and legal articles, and even participates in fashion ramp walks as a creative pursuit. Her message is clear. Success requires constant effort, self-belief, and determination. Every setback is part of growth, and self-motivation remains the true foundation of achievement.
Sanya Devina Madan, Product Designer & Founder – Prettylilclayz
Sanya Devina Madan is a Product Designer, author of the poetry collection Life Was the Poet, She Just Listened, a budding counselor, and a creative entrepreneur. She is also the founder of prettylilclayz, a handcrafted jewellery brand where emotions are transformed into wearable stories. Across every role she holds, her work is rooted in meaning. She does not simply create products or words. She creates spaces for feeling, reflection, and healing.
Her journey began with observation. From a young age, she was deeply attuned to emotions, to silences, and to the untold stories people carried behind their smiles. Writing became her first refuge, long before it became a published book. Counseling grew naturally from lived experience and from understanding what it means to search for safety and understanding. Design and handcrafted jewellery evolved into her language of expression, blending art with emotion in tangible form.
Her path has not been without storms. Growing up with dyslexia and navigating intense mental battles shaped her resilience early in life. Adolescence tested her confidence and sense of security. Experiences of harassment at a young age shook her foundation temporarily, but she refused to allow pain to define her identity. Instead, she chose healing over hiding and growth over bitterness. What once felt isolating became empathy. What once felt frightening became fierce self-awareness. That conscious decision to transform adversity into purpose reshaped her life.
Her inspiration comes first from the women in her family, especially her mother, whose quiet strength and steady resilience modeled what grace under pressure looks like. Her father provided unwavering safety and reassurance, allowing her to grow without shrinking. Supportive friendships and family built a foundation of security that empowered her to rise with composure and clarity.
Beyond her professional titles, she is a dancer at heart. Movement feels like reclaiming freedom. She believes jewellery can hold memory, art can heal, and softness can be powerful.
Her message to aspiring professionals is simple. Your struggles are structure, not stains. Begin before you feel ready. Protect your peace. Build your dream with intention. Success, for her, is measured not by accolades but by healing, courage, and impact. And she believes her journey is only beginning.
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