Bharati Shivaji, an eminent figure in the realm of Indian classical dance, particularly Mohiniyattom, has made significant strides in performance, research, and promotion of this art form. As the founder of the Center for Mohiniyattam, she has played a pivotal role in nurturing talent and advancing the tradition.
Jill has spent a large part of her life in India working with marginalized women on leadership and community-development. As one of the founders of Ekta Mahila Manch, a women’s organization focused on land and livelihood set up in 2001, Jill became acquainted with the deep inequalities and violence faced by women in their daily lives.
Asha Batra, dedicated to preserving India's rich heritage, founded various initiatives promoting art, culture, and literature. As Founder Trustee of Indian Cinema Heritage Foundation, she established a digital archive housing an extensive collection of cinema memorabilia.
Garima Wahal, one half of the acclaimed duo Siddharth-Garima, has made significant waves in the Indian film industry. Teaming up with Siddharth Singh, she has excelled as both a screenwriter and lyricist in Hindi cinema.
Sudha Raghuraman, born into a family deeply rooted in Carnatic music tradition, commenced her vocal training under the guidance of her father, Sri. O.S. Sridhar. Later, she refined her artistry under the mentorship of her illustrious grandfather, Sangeetha Bhushanam Sri. O.V. Subramaniam.
The extraordinary talent of Nalini Tyabji, a self- taught artist whose mastery of mixed media brings joy to all who encounter her work. Nalini's artistic journey is one of passion and dedication, where she fearlessly explores the depths of mythology and folklore to create captivating imagery that resonates with audiences around the globe.
Jahnabi Phookan, as the 37th National President of FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO), championed initiatives benefiting over 8000 women entrepreneurs and professionals, emphasizing economic empowerment and equal opportunities. A notable entrepreneur, she co-founded Jungle Travels India and Assam Bengal NavigatioCompany, fostering tourism and community empowerment.
Aparna Rajagopal, a former lawyer, transitioned into an organic farmer and animal rescuer, establishing Beejom in 2014, a sanctuary and organic farm spanning 10 acres in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Budh Nagar. Inspired by Masanobu Fukuoka and other natural farming advocates, she champions sustainable agriculture and animal welfare.
Prof. Bijayalaxmi Nanda, Principal of Miranda House and Professor in Political Science, delves into gender, political theory, and human rights in her research pursuits. Noteworthy publications include "Discourse on Rights in India: Debates and Dilemmas," "Sex-Selective Abortion and the State,” and "Understanding Social Inequality.
Dr. Maryam Afifa Ansari, born in 1995, is a trailblazing Indian neurosurgeon, distinguished as the country’s first female Muslim in the field. She achieved the 137th rank in the All India Neet SS exam. Graduating from Osmania University with an MBBS degree, she pursued post-graduation in General surgery there.
Rina Dhaka is renowned as a designer catering to women with a penchant for progressive thinking. BBC likened her to the "Gautier of the East,” acknowledging her role as a fashion pioneer. Dhaka seamlessly blends traditional Indian garments with contemporary fabrics like lycra and jersey, showcasing a unique fusion of cultural heritage and modernity.
Aswathy Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi, an Indian writer and member of the Travancore Royal Family, has penned ten books exploring diverse subjects such as Kerala temple architecture, Indian culture, and English poetry. Niece to the last King of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, her notable works include "The Dawn," "Kerala Temple Architecture: Some Notable Features," and "Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple.".
Saskia Rao de Haas, a versatile figure in the music realm, excels as a performer, composer, educationalist, and author. Hailing from the Netherlands, she is globally acclaimed for her mastery as a cellist, composer, and cultural entrepreneur.
Ms. N. S. Nappinai, a senior Advocate with 33 years of Supreme Court experience, specializes in Constitutional, Criminal, IPR, and Cyber laws. Notably, she has contributed to UNODC's Ad Hoc Committee on Trans-border crimes and founded Cyber Saathi, shaping cyber laws and safety policies. As a Stanford CDDRL and Chevening alumna, she trains judiciary, police, and armed forces, addressing national and international conferences.
Kaabia and Sasha Grewal united their passion for jewellery and unconventional design to establish Outhouse in 2012. Their sophisticated yet dramatic sensibility infuses unique elements into inventive designs, crafting timeless collections. With degrees in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing from the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery, they honed their craft from a young age.
Sunita Pant Bansal, a veteran mythologist and storyteller, boasts a multifaceted career spanning over four decades, encompassing roles as a writer, editor, publisher, and entrepreneur. She has held leadership positions in publishing houses and spearheaded newspapers and magazines in India, the US, and the UK. Notably, she collaborated with renowned entities like Walt Disney, Warner Bros., and major Indian media groups.
Ishita Mangal, a Fashion Designer and Content Creator, redefines fashion guidance with her unconventional yet informative approach. Pioneering the fusion of comedy with fashion, she stands out as a beacon of creativity among influencers. Her engaging reels captivate audiences with humor and quirkiness, offering invaluable style tips while maintaining a refreshing charm.
Madhushree Basu Roy, one half of the dynamic duo behind Pikturenama blog and Pikturenama Studios, is a culinary aficionado dedicated to preserving and showcasing Bengali cuisine. Inspired by personal experiences, she documents her family's culinary heritage and heirloom recipes, amassing over 200 Bengali recipes on Pikturenama.
Sonal Kalra, an award-winning journalist and author, currently serves as the Chief Managing Editor of Hindustan Times for Lifestyle & Entertainment across 28 nationwide editions. A recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Award, she holds the distinction of being a gold medalist from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi.
Anju Bobby George, an Indian athlete, is renowned for her remarkable achievements in long jump. She made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win a medal in a World Athletics Championship. At the 2003 World Championships in Athletics, she secured a bronze medal, elevating India's stature in global athletics.
Ekta Kundansingh Bisht, a celebrated Indian cricketer, etched her name in history as the first woman cricketer from Uttarakhand to represent India. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman to clinch a hat-trick in a Women’s Twenty20 International match. Her stellar performances propelled India to the final of the 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup.
Kinkini Dasgupta Misra is a scientist working with the Ministry of Science and Technology. With a career spanning impactful projects, she has revolutionized scientific communication and innovation on a national scale. Spearheading initiatives such as the India Science OTT Channel, she curated a vast repository of science films, making scientific knowledge accessible to all.
Megha Kanera, an alumna of NIFT Gandhinagar 2002, boasts the 'Best Academic Performance' award at NIFT and clinched the 1st prize at the renowned Wool Mark 'Shawl Design' competition during her student days. Driven by her passion for nature and handcrafted creations, she founded Nadiya Paar, a sustainable handloom textile label for saris and clothing.