Special Editions
Women’s Day Special: India’s 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders
Volume VII
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.
Dr. Priti Vohra, Dentist
Dr. Priti Vohra is a dentist with 26 years of experience, practicing at the 94 year young Vohra Dental Clinic. The clinic, now in its third generation, is synonymous with high quality dentistry, state of the art equipment, cutting edge technology, and a team of highly qualified professionals. She is married to Dr. Akshay Vohra, a third generation dentist, and together they continue a legacy built on trust and excellence.
Her dream of becoming a dentist began in childhood. She was especially drawn to creating a pain free and comforting environment for children, wanting young patients to feel safe rather than fearful in a dental chair. That purpose continues to shape her approach even today. Over the years, she has witnessed dentistry evolve dramatically with technology and advanced techniques, yet her core belief has remained constant. Patient comfort and ethical practice come first.
She credits her college teacher as her greatest inspiration, someone who instilled not only clinical excellence but also discipline and compassion. She also considers herself fortunate to work in a congenial and highly supportive professional environment, which has allowed her to grow confidently both as a clinician and as a leader.
Beyond her profession, Dr. Priti is a proud mother to two young sons aged 20 and 24. She is a fitness enthusiast, an avid cyclist, a passionate reader, and someone who deeply enjoys music. These interests help her maintain balance and energy alongside a demanding career.
For her, dentistry is a unique blend of healthcare, artistry, psychology, and business. She believes young professionals must master their clinical skills while also understanding leadership, communication, and financial management. Many talented clinicians struggle not due to lack of skill, but due to limited business awareness.
She advises aspiring dentists to embrace decisiveness, learn quickly from mistakes, and adapt with confidence. Most importantly, she emphasizes protecting one’s integrity. In an age driven by marketing noise and social media comparisons, she believes that long term trust will always outperform short term hype. Her philosophy is simple. Build something meaningful, something you are truly proud of, and let excellence speak for itself.
Nazneen Ashfaq Saiyed, Founder – MEDIAA VOWS, Co-founder of AASHISHTAJ Photography
Nazneen Ashfaq Saiyed is an entrepreneur, model, social activist, and mother who has built her journey through resilience and relentless determination. She is the founder of MEDIAA VOWS, a social media company, and the co founder of AASHISHTAJ Photography, a globally working photography company. She is also a finalist of Femina Miss India 2016 and the crown holder of Miss Polo International, while actively participating in charity and social impact initiatives.
Her story begins in a slum area where her family struggled to meet daily necessities. Life changed drastically after her father passed away in 2013. At a young age, she was suddenly faced with responsibilities and hardships that forced her to mature quickly. Instead of accepting her circumstances as permanent, she made a decision that would define her future. She chose to change her situation and refused to remain where she started.
Her journey has been marked by constant challenges. As a child, she was bullied for her skin tone and appearance. Instead of letting those experiences break her confidence, she worked on herself and reshaped how she was perceived, eventually stepping into the modeling world and earning national and international recognition.
Financial struggle was another major hurdle. She worked tirelessly to support her family, often day and night. There was a time when she worked as a receptionist in a company. Years later, after 15 years of perseverance and growth, she became the co founder of that very company. Her path reflects long term dedication rather than overnight success.
Her greatest inspirations have been her family. Her father taught her to respond to situations rather than react impulsively. Her mother instilled in her the strength to never give up. Her grandfather reminded her to remain kind and grounded, no matter how high she rises.
As a Muslim woman from a conservative background, she faced daily judgment and social scrutiny. Whether she worked late or stayed home, people found reasons to gossip. Choosing a male dominated field like photography meant facing male ego and resistance. Yet she responded with patience, composure, and consistent action rather than anger. She allowed her work to speak louder than criticism.
Beyond her professional achievements, she is also a homemaker and a devoted mother to her five year old son. Motherhood has added to her responsibilities, but it has also deepened her strength and purpose.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple and powerful. Life is never easy, but perspective changes everything. Smile through challenges and remind yourself daily that you can and you will succeed. When belief becomes stronger than fear, circumstances begin to shift.
Nazneen’s journey is not just about titles or business milestones. It is about transformation. From survival to leadership. From being judged to being celebrated. From struggle to strength. And she continues to move forward with the same fire that once helped her rise from nothing.
Vini Rukhana, Creative Director, Founder – Divine Space Design
Vini Rukhana is a Creative Director and the founder of Divine Space Design, a creative studio known for animated wedding invitations, immersive video walls, and 3D animation. Over time, the studio has expanded into large-scale visual installations, including projects for the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Economic Department, along with 3D visual work associated with spaces such as Mumbai and Delhi airports. At her core, Vini is a storyteller. Whether designing for an intimate wedding celebration or a monumental public space, her work is rooted in emotion and intention.
Her journey began with a deep attraction to visual storytelling. What started as a love for design gradually evolved into a desire to create experiences that people could feel, not just see. The wedding industry became a natural entry point because it blends emotion, heritage, and personal history. Animation allowed her to translate those emotions into cinematic, immersive narratives. As the studio grew, so did the scale of its projects, but the foundation of storytelling remained constant.
Building her studio from the ground up required resilience and reinvention. There were phases of experimentation and self-doubt, alongside growth and clarity. Transitioning into large public installations demanded leadership and conviction. At the same time, she stepped into motherhood, learning to balance ambition with softness. She discovered that empathy can coexist with strength, and that understanding others does not mean compromising personal boundaries.
As a woman in technical and large-scale creative environments, she has occasionally faced the need to prove her capability more than once. Assumptions about scale and authority exist, but consistent execution and clarity of vision have helped her build credibility.
Outside her professional life, Vini is a devoted mother to her seven-year-old son. She is also exploring ceramic pottery, finding grounding and meditation in working with clay. The tactile nature of sculpting offers contrast to the digital world of animation and video walls, keeping her creativity playful and balanced.
Her message to aspiring professionals is simple. Master your craft before chasing visibility. Develop resilience alongside skill. Build a career aligned with who you are. For Vini, success is not a final milestone. It is alignment between work, creativity, and self.
Tina Singh Walia, Internationally certified Image Coach & ICF certified Wellness Coach
Tina Singh Walia is an internationally certified Image Coach, an ICF certified Wellness Coach associated with the International Coaching Federation, and a Master NLP Practitioner. Through her work, she helps individuals and corporate professionals align their appearance, communication, body language, and mindset with their personal and professional goals. Her approach to coaching is holistic. It goes beyond surface level presentation and focuses on building authentic confidence that reflects both internally and externally.
Her journey into this field began from a deeply personal experience. In her late teens, she struggled with PCOS, severe acne, weight gain, and low self esteem. During that phase, she faced bullying and often felt disconnected from her own identity. Despite these challenges, she remained academically focused and went on to top her college in Economics. Years later, in her late thirties, she decided to formally pursue image consulting. Her goal was simple but powerful. She wanted to help others rebuild their confidence the way she had rebuilt her own.
Before stepping into coaching, Tina spent more than 27 years in the fashion industry as a model and entrepreneur. That experience gave her a strong understanding of how appearance shapes perception. However, it also helped her realize that true confidence cannot come from appearance alone. Transitioning into coaching allowed her to combine her industry experience with deeper behavioral transformation. Over the years, she has worked with thousands of individuals, guiding them through holistic coaching that integrates style, emotional wellness, communication, and mindset shifts.
She draws inspiration from resilient women who continue to redefine themselves despite societal expectations. Starting a new career later in life came with its own challenges. She faced skepticism and pressure to remain within conventional boundaries. Another challenge was overcoming the misconception that image consulting is merely about appearance. She consistently worked to show that the field is rooted in psychology, self awareness, and authentic presence.
Beyond her professional work, Tina is passionate about wellness, mentoring, and lifelong learning. She enjoys designing programs and workshops for young professionals and women returning to the workforce, helping them reconnect with their confidence and potential.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear. Reinvention is always possible. She herself began her second career at the age of 39. Confidence grows through action, not perfection.
For Tina, success is measured by impact rather than titles. Whether working with individuals or organizations such as Kotak Life, IndiGo, Lalit Hospitality Group and HP Petroleum. Hee mission remains the same. She strives to help people feel confident, authentic, and truly seen.
Abeera Kohli Dhingra, Advocate & Strategic Legal Consultant
Abeera Kohli Dhingra is an Advocate and Strategic Legal Consultant whose work sits at the intersection of law, governance, and business strategy. Her practice spans Corporate and Contract Drafting, Civil and Commercial Litigation, Banking and Financial Advisory, POSH compliance and training, title due diligence, risk mitigation and institutional risk governance. She works closely with businesses, start-ups, and institutions to simplify complex regulatory frameworks and deliver structured, outcome-driven legal solutions.
Her journey began at National Law University, Jodhpur, where she pursued her B.B.A. LL.B. with Corporate Honors. From the start, she was drawn to the strategic dimension of law — how it stabilizes businesses, protects institutions, and enables sustainable growth. Over more than 16 years, she built her career by combining legal precision with operational discipline, consistently positioning herself where law meets execution.
Her professional journey has been intense and transformative. She previously served as the Rajasthan State Head – Corporate Legal Group at ICICI Bank, where she led large litigation and compliance portfolios. Managing over 1,000 active matters at a time, her team achieved high closure rates. This was not accidental. It was the result of strong systems, disciplined processes, and strategic oversight. Her role demanded high-stakes negotiations, regulatory navigation, and serving as a legal anchor across multi-state portfolios. Today, she carries that same depth of leadership into her independent advisory practice, where precision meets strategic clarity.
Her inspiration is rooted in one principle: excellence under pressure. In the legal and financial ecosystem, even a minor oversight can have significant consequences. Leading teams in high-pressure environments required her to cultivate resilience, composure, and emotional intelligence. She learned that true leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room. It is about being the calm in the storm. Strength, for her, is steady, measured, and disciplined.
Beyond her legal career, she serves as a Chapter Director for a professional networking platform, actively building communities centered around collaboration and growth. Above all, she is a mother. Her children are her grounding force and greatest motivation, reminding her that ambition and empathy are not opposites but powerful complements.
Her message to aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs is direct and practical. Master your process. Success is rarely dramatic; it is disciplined. Build systems. Understand risk. Stay consistent. If you can translate complexity into clarity, you will always remain valuable. Do not aim to simply provide services. Aim to become a strategic partner.
For Abeera Kohli Dhingra, success is measured by impact. To her, law practiced with clarity and conviction is not merely protection. It is empowerment.
Maniisha Thakkar, International Life Coach, Counsellor & transformation facilitator
Maniisha Thakkar is an International Life Coach, Counsellor, and transformation facilitator devoted to helping individuals heal emotionally, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with their inner power. Her work spans emotional healing, relationship counselling, marriage counselling, and deep personal transformation, guiding individuals, couples, and children toward clarity, confidence, and inner peace. Through one on one sessions, retreats, and group programs, she supports people in navigating emotional challenges and building healthier, more conscious relationships.
Her journey into this field was born from lived experience rather than formal ambition. One of the most defining phases of her life was witnessing her mother’s battle with cancer. That period, combined with other personal challenges, pushed her into a deep search for meaning, healing, and emotional resilience. As she worked on herself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, people naturally began turning to her for guidance. What began as personal healing gradually unfolded into purpose. She realised that her path was to help others navigate their own emotional journeys and find the strength within themselves.
Over time, Maniisha transformed pain into purpose. She began conducting counselling sessions, workshops, transformational activations, and retreats across different platforms. Her work has reached lakhs of people globally, helping them overcome emotional blocks, rebuild confidence, and strengthen their relationships. For her, the most fulfilling part of the journey is witnessing someone rediscover their self worth and step into emotional freedom.
Her greatest inspiration is her own life journey and the strength she discovered through adversity. The challenges she faced shaped her resilience, compassion, and emotional depth. As a woman, she encountered moments of self doubt and societal expectations that questioned her unconventional path. There were times when her work was not fully understood or supported. Yet she chose to trust her inner voice and remain aligned with her mission. Each difficulty became a stepping stone toward growth and deeper understanding.
Beyond individual coaching, Maniisha continues to conduct transformational workshops, healing programs, and relationship focused sessions for families and children. Meditation, continuous learning, and self reflection remain central to her evolution, ensuring that she grows as deeply as those she guides.
For Maniisha, success is not defined by titles or scale alone. It is measured by the lives she touches and the transformations she witnesses. She believes that when a person heals themselves, they create a ripple effect of healing in the world. Her mission remains clear: to help people reconnect with themselves, heal deeply, and live with confidence, love, and inner peace.
For more about her work and programs, visit www.maniishathakkar.com.
Aditi Yadav, Lawyer & Legal Researcher
Aditi Yadav is a lawyer and legal researcher whose work centers on judicial analysis and socio legal issues. Her professional focus lies in studying case law, conducting detailed legal research, detailed arguments in court, and examining how legal systems influence society. Through her work, she aims to bridge the gap between complex legal reasoning and the everyday understanding of law.
Her journey into the legal field began during a period when she was preparing for the civil services examination. While studying governance and public administration, she developed a deep interest in legal structures and the role law plays in shaping society. What started as curiosity soon grew into a strong passion for legal reasoning, litigation, and understanding the philosophy behind legal systems. That interest eventually led her to pursue a path in law.
Over time, Aditi’s work has been shaped by discipline, continuous learning, and a commitment to legal clarity. She has spent considerable time drafting petitions, detailed arguments in court, preparing legal complaints/petitions. Alongside this, she conducts research on both classical legal doctrines and modern legal developments. One aspect of her work that she values deeply is simplifying legal concepts so they can be understood not only by lawyers but also by ordinary people. Through her social media platforms, she regularly shares legal insights with the aim of making law more accessible. She also collaborates with non governmental organizations in order to support efforts that bring legal recourse to people who may not otherwise have easy access to it.
Aditi draws inspiration from women in the legal profession who have broken barriers and expanded opportunities for others. One such figure is Advocate Rebecca John, whose work in criminal litigation helped challenge the long standing perception that courtroom practice was primarily a male domain. Seeing women excel in demanding areas of law has encouraged Aditi to pursue her own path with confidence and determination.
Like many women in litigation, she has encountered stereotypes suggesting that courtroom practice may not be suitable for female lawyers. Rather than discouraging her, these attitudes strengthened her resolve to succeed through competence, preparation, and hard work.
Beyond her legal work, Aditi has a strong interest in storytelling and social awareness initiatives. She has also been actively associated with student and community platforms, which allowed her to connect with underprivileged communities and engage with broader social issues.
For Aditi, success is not defined only by professional achievements. It is measured by growth, purpose, and the ability to use legal knowledge to create meaningful impact in society.
Bindu Garg Community builder, Fitness influencer
Bindu Garg is a community builder, fitness influencer, and a record holder in the India Book of Records whose journey reflects resilience, discipline, and deep faith in the power of yoga. Based in Bathinda, she has always believed that movement is more than physical activity. For her, it is a way of life, a form of prayer, and a path to inner strength.
A few months ago, her life came to an unexpected halt when she was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. The condition made even simple actions painful. Walking became difficult, standing for long periods was exhausting, and doctors strongly advised rest, minimal movement, physiotherapy, and patience. She followed the medical advice sincerely, visiting multiple physiotherapists and trying different recovery methods. Yet internally she felt a sense of restlessness, because movement had always been an essential part of her life.
Instead of giving up, Bindu chose to slow down but not stop. She turned inward and returned to yoga, not merely as a form of exercise but as a discipline rooted in belief and surrender. With great care and awareness of her physical limitations, she began retraining her body. The process was not easy. Some days brought pain and frustration, but she continued to show up every day with consistency and faith.
During this period, the yoga posture Vrikshasana, also known as Tree Pose, became her guide. The posture symbolizes stability, patience, and grounded strength. Just like a tree that grows slowly and withstands storms while staying rooted, the practice taught her the value of endurance and balance.
At the time, the existing benchmark in the India Book of Records for Vrikshasana was twenty two minutes and twenty seconds, achieved by Jambhalkar Vijay Vitthal from Pune. Bindu had not initially set out to break a record. Her primary goal was healing and rebuilding her strength through disciplined practice.
However, the quiet power of daily dedication gradually transformed her journey. On the day of her attempt, she stood not only on one leg but on months of perseverance, patience, and inner work. She carried with her the pain she had endured, the lessons she had learned, and the belief she had protected.
She held the posture for thirty three minutes and twelve seconds, creating a new record.
For Bindu Garg, this achievement was not about competing with anyone else. It was about overcoming doubt, facing physical limitations, and proving that discipline and faith can reshape what pain tries to define. Her journey stands as a reminder that yoga is not only about posture, but also about one’s approach to life.
Megha Jain, Astrologer
Megha Jain is an astrologer who reads birth charts to help people understand their patterns, strengths, and life direction. Her work is centered around decoding planetary positions and translating them into practical guidance for growth and clarity.
Astrology has always been part of her life. Growing up, she witnessed people regularly visiting her ancestral home to seek guidance from her grandfather. He was the person she admired deeply. He had self learned astrology in an attempt to save his brother who was suffering from tuberculosis. What began as a personal mission for him eventually became a source of guidance for many who surrounded him for insight and direction. That early exposure planted a quiet seed in her.
Before stepping into astrology professionally, Megha built a successful corporate career as a National Product and Pricing Head. However, during what she describes as her Ketu mahadasha, a phase astrologically associated with detachment and life turning changes, she experienced a profound shift. For those who understand its significance, it often signals rebuilding life from scratch. She made the bold decision to step away from her established career and immerse herself in studying astrology. She began learning systematically, reading extensively, and practicing consistently, rebuilding her professional identity from the ground up.
Her primary inspiration remains her late grandfather. His intent to guide and help others continues to shape her own approach. As a mother of two young children, her journey has not been without emotional challenges. Building a career while raising children often brings a constant trade off. There is guilt about not giving enough time to work, and equal guilt about not giving enough time to family. At times, work becomes the only space she calls her own. Yet she continues to navigate both roles with awareness and determination.
Outside her profession, her world revolves around either her work or being present as a parent and friend to her children. Balance for her is less about perfection and more about presence.
Her message to others is simple and direct. Be yourself. If you want to build a career, let nothing stop you. Life may require reinvention, courage, and starting again from zero, but authenticity and belief in your path will always guide you forward.
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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