Women’s Day Special: India’s 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders

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.