BW BUSINESSWORLD 26 MARCH 2022

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE ILLUSTRIOUS

Preetha Reddy, Sangita Reddy,
Shobana Kamineni, Suneeta Reddy,
Apollo Hospitals

W Healthcare’s
leading ladies

TheReddysistersofApolloHospitals
Groupareleadingthewayinprovidinga
betterhealthinfrastructureinIndia

hen healthcare stalwart Prathap C. attention to their health and wellbeing. level, multi-stakeholder strategy.”
Reddy was busy building India’s first This is a healthy development as most Did you ever imagine yourself be-
corporate hospital in the 1980s, he non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
needed assistance for everything, from are preventable and many can even be coming vice chairperson of Apollo
marketing to project management reversed.” Hospitals? To this, Preetha answers,
to fundraising. While he on-boarded “As a young girl, I was keen to study
professionals for various diverse roles, She adds: “For healthcare profes- medicine and become a doctor like my
his four daughters stood as supporting sionals, this translates into a definitive father. However, at that point in time,
pillars. The success of Apollo Hospitals mission that going forward, they must my father dissuaded me as he felt that
Group would not have been possible engage with communities in battling it would be a strenuous career. Later
without the continued efforts of Reddy disease beyond the physical realm of though, he brought me into Apollo Hos-
sisters: Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice hospitals and do their best to keep peo- pitals to support him in the entrepre-
Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals; Shoba- ple from falling ill, especially with re- neurial venture – building India’s first
na Kamineni, Executive Vice Chairper- gard to chronic diseases.” corporate hospital. In doing so, he gave
son, Apollo Hospitals; Sangita Reddy, me a brilliant purpose. Today, I have the
Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hos- PROJECT KAVACH opportunity to engage with over 11,000
pitals and; Suneeta Reddy, Managing Talking about the challenges faced clinicians of Apollo and touch millions
Director, Apollo Hospitals. during the Covid waves, Suneeta of lives.”
says, “To go beyond the call of duty
Seeing the present world through and support the government in She answers the question saying that
the lens of a healthcare professional, the century’s biggest challenge, we as a pioneering family, every member
Shobana states, “The Covid-19 pan- launched India’s first and the most performs a critical role and over the
demic caused unprecedented medical, comprehensive Covid management years she has grown in her career to be-
societal and economic devastation all programme called ‘Project Kavach’ come the vice chairperson of a group,
around the world. However, a posi- with the mission to identify, fight and which is in the business of caring.
tive that emerged from it is that now defeat the pandemic with clinical ex-
a larger number of people are paying pertise and a comprehensive multi- HEALTHCARE LEADER
Preetha further adds, “I am cognisant

48 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

Reddy Sisters:
(Clockwise) Preetha

Reddy, Executive
Vice Chairperson,
Apollo Hospitals;

Sangita Reddy,
Joint Managing
Director, Apollo
Hospitals; Shobana
Kamineni,Executive
Vice Chairperson,
Apollo Hospitals;

and; Suneeta
Reddy, Managing

Director, Apollo
Hospitals

“Life is priceless and introducing in healthcare sector as highly gratify-
greater ease, savings and comfort ing. “Life is priceless and introducing
offers immense succour to patients greater ease, savings and comfort offers
and their loved ones” immense succour to patients and their
loved ones. Over the last few years, it has
that as a healthcare leader, my re- lot of courage and conviction to become been heartening that a large number
sponsibilities transcend my organi- an entrepreneur and that’s commend- of young Indian entrepreneurs chose
sation. Therefore, I work closely with able. One is bound to encounter naysay- to introduce services and products to
Nathealth and several other Indian and ers, challenges and obstacles, but it is bridge gaps in healthcare. A recent
global healthcare associations, academ- important to stay the course and keep report stated that India holds the po-
ic institutions and other industry bodies moving ahead. Furthermore, entrepre- tential to generate $774 billion revenue
to influence positive change and regula- neurship is a journey and the goalpost from healthcare by 2030 and the invest-
tory shifts.” keeps moving and at all times, the core ment ideas are being shaped by new-
purpose must be kept in mind.” age technologies, innovative business
Her advice to budding entrepre- models, delivery platforms and regula-
neurs: “At first, I would say that it takes a Shobana finds entrepreneurship tory environment,” she states.

By UPASANA

26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 49

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE ILLUSTRIOUS

A Swati Piramal , Vice Chairperson,
Piramal Group

“Knowledge
helps overcome”

Piramalbelievesthepowerofknowledgecan
helpovercomegender-basedchallenges.
Whilethechangemustcomewithin,shealso
callsforleaderstobemoreaware

scientist by profession, Swati Piramal In her experience that has been rich and augured well. “Our government is
is a leader enabling inclusive change. with diverse encounters, she kept wom- focused on achieving inclusive growth
Her journey, filled with several highs, en’s issues and the Indian healthcare and self-sufficiency. Major structural
has seen her don different challenging sector close to her heart. reforms have helped the country to
roles. She was the president of the Asso- boost the long term outlook of the
ciated Chambers of Commerce of India MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM economy. The country needs to main-
(ASSOCHAM), the apex chamber of The Indian healthcare industry faced an tain momentum and keep introducing
commerce, being the first woman in 90 unprecedented challenge since 2020. laudable initiatives,” she adds.
years to take the position. Championing According to Piramal, the pandemic’s
the leadership parity cause, she worked emergency and scale called for inno- THE ROLE LEADERS PLAY
towards developing frameworks and vations in research and development A country like India must improve its
policies that would support women in (R&D), smart technology implementa- public health systems. Piramal points
leadership roles. tion, fast-paced digital solutions, quick out that only one or two districts in In-
clinical trials, cross-border collabora- dia have dedicated epidemiologists. “As
In 2012, she was awarded the Padma tions, swift ramping up of manufactur- leaders, our immediate priority should
Shri. She also served on the Prime Min- ing capabilities and supply chain and be to train people, health workers and
ister’s Scientific Advisory Council and distribution efficiencies. “For the Indian policymakers to drive this change with-
the Council of Trade. In May 2012, she healthcare industry, now is a crucial in the country,” she advises.
was elected to the Harvard Board of time to re-evaluate growth possibilities
Overseers and served on it until 2018. and find strategic ways to capitalise on Rural areas in India need to devel-
emerging opportunities for global value op infrastructure significantly and be
As Director, Piramal Foundation, creation,” notes Piramal. prepared for any future uncertainties.
the philanthropic arm of the Piramal Investments made by the industry in
Group, she is deeply involved in devel- India made an everlasting impact on drug R&D in the past two decades are
oping innovative long-term and scal- the world in its response to the pandem- paying off. “India is now in the position
able solutions to resolve issues that are ic as higher-value products and the in- to develop its own set of vaccines. Col-
critical roadblocks towards unlocking vestment in pharmaceuticals expanded laboration of various systems is the key
India’s economic potential.

50 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

“For the Indian healthcare industry, now nence at the workplace in recent years,
is a crucial time to re-evaluate growth Piramal reminds us they are underrep-
possibilities and find strategic ways to resented in science and engineering.
capitalise on emerging opportunities”
Citing an example, she avers, “At the
to shaping the future of the country,” logistics, nuclear energy or manufac- Piramal Life Sciences research centre,
says Piramal, as she takes stock of the turing. I believe that knowledge is we moved from a 10 per cent women
healthcare sector in India. power. Therefore, before I met the RBI workforce in 2004 to 40 per cent in
governor, I read around 1,000 pages on 2009 through sustained efforts. Fair
OVERCOMING BIAS the economy and also connected with compensation and respectful treat-
In her career, Piramal witnessed sev- experts in the banking arena to gath- ment were critical in our human re-
eral gender-based challenges. “When I er and absorb information. It is only sources. Recently, while serving in
joined as the Assocham President, peo- knowledge that can help you overcome the search and selection committee of
ple assumed I would have low aware- counter gender bias,” she says. eight at the IITs, I made a special effort
ness on subjects like economy, banking, to try and get women leaders in the pre-
While women have gained promi- dominantly male world of engineering
studies. ”

By NOOR FATHIMA WARSIA

26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 51

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

TRAILBLAZERS

S Ajaita Shah, CEO, Frontier Markets &
President, Frontier Innovations Foundation

Rigging up a
marketplace
for rural India

Bygivingruralcustomersthe

opportunitiestheydeservetocreate

betterlives,AjaitaShahishelpingbuild

thefutureofruralIndia

ocial entrepreneurship is a well- SERVING RURAL CUSTOMERS the country,” says Shah.
known field today having gained
major traction particularly in the To tackle these issues at scale, Shah BUILDING THE FUTURE
last three years. But there are play- set up Frontier Markets in 2011 with Frontier Markets is the first social
ers in the industry who wanted to an aim to broaden rural communi- enterprise to co-design impact for
make a difference even before the ties’ access to high impact prod- the increasing consumption in the
concept gained currency. One such ucts and services. Addressing the rural market. The company has
individual is Ajita Shah, Founder lighting needs of villages that were successfully identified the gap, and
and CEO, Frontier Markets, and not connected to the grid, Frontier is driving the opportunity with in-
President, Frontier Innovations. Markets began by bringing innova- come growth, 4G connectivity, road
tive products such as solar torches infrastructure, product affordabil-
Recalling her journey, Shah says, and lanterns of various brands from ity, evolving consumer attitudes,
“When I was in the university do- last-mile distribution points. She smartphone penetration and fa-
ing my graduation, I was exposed wanted to address five major chal- vourable demographics.
to some harsh realities of the world. lenges, that is, awareness, access,
It was then when I understood that trust, product fit, and local liveli- They’re building the future of ru-
inequality is real, injustice is real. I hood. ral India by giving rural customers
wanted to make a difference in the the opportunities they deserve to
world addressing these challenges.” Today, they serve 35 lakh ru- create better lives. Their goal is to
ral customers across more than become the largest rural platform
Shah decided to move back to In- 5,00,000 rural households. for rural women driven by women.
dia in 2006 and started working in
microfinance. During the initial pe- “I believe that by shifting the lens NO DEARTH OF CHALLENGES
riod, she was exposed to challenges from seeing rural families as benefi- However, the journey so far has
faced by rural communities, espe- ciaries to dignified customers, and been anything but smooth. Shah
cially women. These ranged from women as social influencers and says, “Being a woman entrepreneur
electrification, telecom, clean water, service providers, we can create a and setting up this kind of company
to basic deliveries. massive marketplace in rural India,
and address climate challenges in

52 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

“Being a woman entrepreneur and set- to become the first social commerce
ting up this kind of company was re- unicorn in India, the company is
ally challenging. Last-mile distribution raising $20 million in Series B fund-
wasn’t a preferred area of investment...” ing to accelerate and ramp up to 1
lakh Sahelis in less than 18 months.
was really challenging. Last-mile profitability as fast as possible. The
distribution wasn’t a preferred area first seven years she had a hard time Their goal now is to become the
of investment for anyone in India proving that as an Indian American largest rural commerce platform in
at all. It was always about having to with an American accent, Shah can the country. The company wants to
prove my numbers before I raised crack the code to Indian distribu- on-board 5 lakh ‘Sahelis’ along with
the next level and then the next level tion challenge. 5 crore rural customers, becoming a
and so on.” $10 billion-plus company in trans-
UNICORN IN THE MAKING actions, while scaling innovative
From day one, they had to always Today, Frontier Markets has over- solutions in climate, financial ser-
take as little as they needed and try come all these challenges. Gearing vices, agriculture, healthcare, and
to achieve unit economics and reach education.

By URVI SHRIVASTAV

26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 53

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

TRAILBLAZERS

A SILENT MESSIAH OF PEACE

WhenmilitancywasatitspeakinKashmir,
Qaziopenedanengineeringcollege

Dilafrose Qazi,

Founder and Vice-Chairperson, SSM-CE&T

At the height of militancy in Kashmir, Dilafrose Qazi shape the future generations.” Qazi has also worked on
chose to emancipate its people through education. Be- relief, vocational training, skill development, women’s
ginning as a part-time course for women teaching tailoring, education and employment. She was among the thousand
cooking, shorthand, etc., the Srinagar School of Manage- women collectively nominated for the 2005 Nobel Peace
ment-College of Engineering & Technology became the first Prize.
private engineering institute in Kashmir.
— VASUDHA MUKHERJEE
Having studied law at the University of Kashmir, Qazi
worked extensively to provide quality education for all. In
1996, she started a free primary school in the Baramulla
district. Soon after in 1998 she opened another school in
Dangarpora. In 2001, Qazi started another free primary
school at Kunan Poshpora in Kupwara district.

Qazi says, “Women, you are stronger than men in every
way, biologically and emotionally. You are the epitome of
civilisations to come. Your character and strength will

STRUGGLING ing tirelessy to give shape to
FOR EQUAL that dream. The journey, pre-
OPPORTUNITIES dictably has not been easy and
Mondal has been subject to
WestBengal’sfirst bullying. Her tale of struggles
transgenderjudge to achieve her dream border
workstowardan on the terrifying, with in-
stances when she has been
egalitariansociety denied food.

Joyita Mondal, She refused to succumb to
the pressures and pressed on
Transgender Judge for the rights of Transgenders,
defying the adversities that
IN 2017, Joyita Mondal became the country’s first trans- came her way.
gender woman to be appointed a judge in a Lok Adalat. As Leanne Betasamosake Simpson had once said,
A torchbearer for transgender rights, the social activist has “strong communities are born from individuals being
been working tirelessly for the welfare of her community their best self.” Leading by example, Joyita Mondal is a
in West Bengal. true embodiment of a resilient change-maker, living an
inspired life and taking the community forward in the
Mondal’s vision is to co-create a society that offers equal process.
socio-economic opportunities to all and she has been work-
— KRISHNENDRAJOSHI

54 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022 Photograph by Urostomic, yeti88

#BWSocialImpact

JURY MEET: JURY MEMBERS

MARCH 15
2022

JURY CHAIR

DR. KIRAN AIR MARSHAL PADAMSHRI SH. MANOJ NATASHA SUBROTO
KARNIK NARESH VERMA DR. NIRU KUMAR GURSHANI PATEL CHATTOPADYAY
Managing Trustee CEO
Former President AVSM Founder & CEO Indian Relief Foundation Chairman
NASSCOM VSM (Retd) Ask Insights India Sanitation Coalition The Peninsula Studios

MINIYA DR. GANESH SUDHIR DR. VIKAS DR. BHUVAN NOOR FATHIMA
CHATTERJI NATARAJAN MISHRA SINGH LALL WARSIA
Founder and Managing Founder
CEO Chairman Partner Trust legal Executive Chairman Group Editorial Director
Adj. Professor 5F World, Lighthouse Crux Management Lall Brothers BW Businessworld
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SciencesPo Paris Honeywell Automation India Entertainment & Media

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Associate Editor BW Businessworld Chairman & Editor-in-Chief
BW Businessworld BW Businessworld &

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MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

TRAILBLAZERS

Flight Lt.Shivangi Singh, Rafale
fighter pilot

The Rafale
litmus

Shivangi Singh flying high as a Rafale
fighter pilot in the IAF breaks the last of
the glass ceilings

F service, life couldn’t get better than this. Photograph by IAF
Her’s would have looked an improbable
light Lieutenant Shivangi Singh is a Ra- story even a few years ago, and symbol- the reason I joined the Air Force,” Singh
fale fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force ises the remarkable journey of women was quoted as saying.
(IAF). She flies from a frontline airbase from the margins of the military to its
at Ambala as part of the elite 17 (Golden centre-stage, from the sidelines to the Her soaring success is also the story of
Arrows) Squadron. Before being select- core business of warfighting. rapid upward mobility of subaltern In-
ed to fly the IAF’s most advanced fighter dia. Like the first group of female fighter
aircraft in 2020, she flew MiG-21s at Commissioned into the IAF in 2017, pilots, Singh is from a world outside of
another frontline airbase in Rajasthan Singh is from the second batch of its India’s metros. She is from Varanasi. Her
alongside Group Captain Abhinandan women fighter pilots. Before her, Flt Lts seniors – all engineers by education --
Varthaman, the IAF hero who shot down Bhawana Kanth, Avani Chaturvedi and Kanth, Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh
a Pakistani F-16 fighter in 2019 and then Mohana Singh had blazed the trail as are from Darbhanga (Bihar), Rewa
won the nation’s heart with his courage India’s first female fighter pilots in 2016 (Madhya Pradesh) and Jhunjunu (Ra-
and poise in enemy captivity. under an “experimental scheme”. This jasthan), respectively.
was perhaps the last of the glass ceilings
At the 73rd Republic Day parade in to be broken. Chaturvedi was the first to Singh’s journey to the Rafale cockpit
New Delhi, Singh had a pride of place on fly a MiG-21 solo. She and Kanth now began at the 7 UP Air Squadron of the
the IAF tableaux, which had the theme fly the frontline Sukhoi-30MKI. Singh National Cadet Corps (NCC) at Banaras
‘Transforming for the Future’. has pushed the envelope farther with the Hindu University. She was later accepted
Rafale. for training at the Air Force Academy in
For an IAF pilot with four years of 2016 and got her wings in 2017.
A DREAM COME TRUE
“I always wanted to fly, as any child would With the number of female fighter
dream of doing. Ever since I learned pilots now at 16, and all of them having
about the Air Force, I wanted only one acquitted themselves rather well, the
thing – to become a fighter pilot. That is government in a landmark decision on
February 2 converted the “experimental
scheme” of 2016 for their induction into
a permanent one. “It is a testimony to
the capability of India’s ‘Nari Shakti’ and

56 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

Photograph by Bivash Banerjee

“I always wanted to fly, as any
child would dream of doing. Ever
since I learned about the Air
Force, I wanted only one thing –
to become a fighter pilot”

Photograph by Aksveer

our PM Modi’s commitment to women Chief Marshal N.C. Suri, the then Chief of combat stream was long resisted on two
empowerment,” said Defence Minister Air Staff, in an inspired decision, opened grounds: Fallout of capture by the enemy
Rajnath Singh while announcing this doors to women. The IAF was the first in combat, and disruption of tight fighter-
decision. military service to do so. flying schedules on account of maternity
breaks.
The acceptance of women as fighter The early years were mainly about
pilots in frontline squadrons as a per- symbolism, and women on short-ser- After hard-fought victories in gender
manent feature is a seminal moment in vice commissions were placed on periph- battles, women fighter pilots are now fly-
making the Indian military an equal op- eral ground duties. Flying was a distant ing high. “I have learnt from flying that
portunity place for women. dream. There are recorded accounts of things are never impossible. It is impor-
personnel refusing to obey orders from tant for you to believe in yourself. Even
TENTATIVE BEGINNINGS female officers, pasting lewd comments when nobody stands by you, you have
The journey though has not been an and even grudging women command- yourself to look up to,” says Singh. The en-
easy one and women have had to prove ing parades. Bit by bit, women made emy better watch out.
themselves every step of the way from the their place as helicopter and transport
tentative beginnings in 1992 when Air aircraft pilots. But their acceptance in the By VISHAL THAPAR

26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 57

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

HIGH-FLIERS

Priyanka Chopra, ‘She is a thorough professional.
Actor and Entrepreneur And also extremely humane,
courteous, and polite to every-
Brain for one’ says actor Rahul Vohra
Business

TheBollywoodandHollywoodstar

hasrecentlylaunchedarestaurant,a

haircarebrandandhermemoir

S HE IS AN ACTRESS, singer, author, and
entrepreneur. Yes, Priyanka Chopra Jonas
is all this and more. Yet her name takes one
back to her Miss World win in 2000. She has
achieved many milestones since then.
In addition to making a mark in the movie
business internationally, she is an astute entrepreneur.
Last year, despite the pandemic, Priyanka Chopra Jonas
opened an Indian restaurant named Sona, in New York.
She also launched a haircare brand, and released a mem-
oir, titled Unfinished. Her book chronicles her childhood
and her journey to becoming an actor. With warmth and
honesty, she writes about her challenges and her wins
along the way.

COMMITMENT TO HER CRAFT
Priyanka Chopra is just not a glamorous “movie star”.
Her acting demonstrates prowess, as her stellar per-
formances reveal in Mary Kom, based on the life of the
Indian boxer, and Barfi, where she portrays a differently-
abled girl.

In Hollywood, she made a mark in the series Quantico
and quickly became a well-known name. “Priyanka Cho-
pra’s biggest achievement has been the ease with which
she has transitioned from Bollywood to Hollywood and
made a steady career for herself in American movies,”
says Saibal Chatterjee, the noted film critic.

“Now in the twentieth year of her acting career, she
straddles a wide spectrum of films from The Matrix Res-
urrection to White Tiger, without much effort,” he goes
on to say.

58 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022 Photograph by Jean Nelson

GOODWILL AMBASSADOR decisions and fearlessly daring to Reports say Priyanka Chopra Jo-
achieve what many others would nas supports and works towards
In 2016, Chopra Jonas was ap- balk at even trying, defines Priyan- helping girl child education in India.
pointed a goodwill ambassador for ka Chopra. She is a thorough profes- She runs a foundation that provides
UNICEF. Actor Rahul Vohra who sional. And also extremely humane, healthcare as well as education to
has worked with her highlights the courteous, and polite to everyone children. The actor turned entrepre-
fact that in addition to being a good around her,” says Vohra. “I remem- neur, obviously does not rest. All eyes
actor, she is also a good human being ber her getting up while on the sets are on this powerhouse to see what
with a kind heart. of a film we were shooting to offer project she takes up next.
her chair to a visiting senior citizen
“An unwavering commitment to related to me.” he recalls. By JYOTSNA SHARMA
her craft, coupled with an other-
worldly knack of making the right

Leena Nair, CEO, Chanel

Moving Forward
with Grit & Grace

FromasmalltowninIndiatoleadership

rolesinbigleaguecorporatehouses,

speaksofexceptionaltalent

I N JANUARY this year the French ‘My purpose is to Ignite the
luxury fashion house, Chanel, Human Spark to build a Better
appointed a British Indian as Business and a Better World
its Global Head. Chanel an- #morehuman,’
nounced that Unilever’s erstwhile
Chief Human Resources Officer town in India to becoming the CEO of youngest ever CHRO of Unilever and
(CHRO),Leena Nair, would be its an iconic fashion house. member of the Unilever Leadership
Global CEO. Executive (ULE), which is responsible
“I look forward to immersing myself Born in India, this powerhouse has for delivering Unilever’s business and
in another incredible organisation and an MBA from XLRI Jamshedpur. Be- financial performance. For Nair that
experiencing the culture of an inde- fore Chanel, she worked at Unilever for was only the beginning of a journey.
pendent company that believes in the 30 years as the company’s CHRO and
power of creation, nurturing human was part of their executive committee. “My purpose is to Ignite the Human
potential and having a positive impact,” Spark to build a Better Business and a
Nair tweeted about her appointment. She is reported to have been the Better World #morehuman,” Nair says
She also expressed gratitude to her company’s first woman manager to on her LinkedIn page.
mentors and coaches in that thread. have worked on the factory floor and
Nair’s is truly a story of hard work risen up the corporate ladder from By JYOTSNA SHARMA
and determination, which have driven there. Nair was the first Asian and the
her through her journey from a small

26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 59

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

HIGH-FLIERS

A WOMAN OF THE WORLD

AdvaithiisleadingFlex,acompanythat
operatesin30countries, througha major
transformationinmanufacturing

Revathi Advaithi,

CEO, Flex

R evathi Advaithi is among the few Asian women at the Photograph by Peter Prato/FLEX LTD.
helm of a Global 500 business, namely Flex. Having
assumed the role of a CEO in February 2019, she is lead- products for their consumers, delivering value to stake-
ing Flex through a transformation that is defining a new holders and eventually improving people’s lives. Advaithi
era in manufacturing. She is focused on driving technol- is also a co-chair of the World Economic Forum (WEF)
ogy innovation, supply chain, and responsible, sustain- Advanced Manufacturing CEO Community (2022) and
able manufacturing solutions across various industries has joined the WEF Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders. She
and end markets. She is also responsible for curating the currently serves on the Board of Directors of Uber and
company’s strategic direction and leading Flex through a Catalyst.org and is a member of the Business Roundtable
transformation. and the Catalyst CEO Champions For Change initiative.

Flex has a workforce that spans 30 countries. Advaithi — SOUMYA SEHGAL
has often reiterated how she is focussed on leading and
supporting employees around the globe, to make relevant

SHE LENDS VERVE CEO of the Tinder business.
TO THE DATING Dubey led the team that launched
EXPERIENCE
Tinder Gold, an exclusive experience
Sheisnotjustabusiness that is like having a concierge help you
personwhomadedating through your profile search. Gold al-
fun,butalsoastrident lows you to manage your visibility
voiceforwomen’srights and even see who likes you before you
swipe. It was obviously designed with
Sharmistha Dubey, the fun-loving, yet coy Indian woman
in mind and has hugely succeeded in
CEO, Match Group its mission.

Sharmistha Dubey has earned the epithet of a woman Dubey has curated products that
who has reinvented romance. The Match Group that make romance exciting and fun for
she heads, is a technology conglomerate that owns Tinder, people. The inference being that she
Hinge, and many other dating services. is simultaneously a keen business-
woman and a sensitive, imaginative
Dubey has been a leader at the Match Group for 14 human. But there is more to her than that
years. Before taking on her role as the President of the Sharmistha Dubey was in the news for a while for rais-
Match Group, a position she assumed in 2018, she was the ing her voice against the restrictive abortion law in Texas,
bringing to the fore, a woman who cares for women’s
rights. Is it surprising that her endeavours have earned
her praise from even industrialist Anand Mahindra?

— JYOTSNA SHARMA

60 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

MOST Abird’seyeviewof
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN CELEBRATING accomplishments

THE CULTURATI bringingsuccessin

EMPOWERMENT itswake

Rebellious Yet A Bookish Affair
Resolute
Chiki Sarkar,
Arundhati Roy,
Publisher and Co-founder,
Author Juggernaut Books

Runway Hit Best known as a prolific P ublishing has been Queen OfVisual
writer and a valiant a part of Indian his-
Anita Dongre, political activist, Arund- tory since time immemo- Poetry
hati Roy is a woman with rial. Once such individual
Indian fashion unwavering courage. The who is carrying forth this DayanitaSingh,
start of her journey was legacy is Chiki Sarkar,
designer as gripping, where her Publisher and Co-found- Photographer
debut novel, ‘The God of er of Juggernaut Books.
Anita Dongre drives her Small Things’, established Coming from a family Day a n it a S i ng h i s
success from her root- her as one of the most re- which runs Kolkata-based best known for her
ed, eco-fashion and sim- vered writers of the Indian Anandabazar Patrika, she portraits of India’s urban
plistic approach. She is one literary canon. Having started her career with elite and middle class. She
of the few designers whose spearheaded several social Bloomsbury Publishing. established her reputa-
signature style exudes af- movements, the author’s After garnering several tion working primarily
finity for indigenous craft grit, gumption and prow- titles, she started Jug- in black and white. Her
tradition, coupled with a ess to break conventions gernaut in 2015. This is inspirations are wide-
modern aesthetic. “What make her one of the promi- a unique platform which ranging and include the
you wear is an expression of nent names in the literary has its own app and pro- film directors Guru Dutt
who you are, and how you circles, especially for her vides a platform for ama- and Satyajit Ray, the
want to be seen. Fashion is unflinching political opin- teur writers to voice their painter Ravi Varma, the
a powerful tool of creativity, ions. thoughts. Her journey has tabla player Zakir Hus-
self-respect and change,” been one of individual en- sain, and authors such as
she asserts. The designer Her multi-hyphenated terprise while sticking to Italo Calvino. While she
also leads The Anita Don- life also includes a brief stint the roots of family as well is still best known for her
gre Foundation which helps in the film industry to even- as the nation. black and white portraits
rural women have an equal tually winning the national of India’s urban middle
voice by providing them award. URVI and upper classes, over
with livelihood opportuni- time she expanded her
ties and skill training. An SOUMYA scope to include empty
ethical vegan, environmen- spaces in Mumbai and
talist and revivalist of local night landscapes. She has
craft, Dongre is an advocate also embraced colour pho-
of compassionate living. tography, creating pho-
tographs saturated with
SOUMYA intense colour.

RUHAIL

Photographs: Jeanbaptisteparis,Nomu420 26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 61

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE CULTURATI

CONTENT NINJA

Kapoor,JointMDandCreativeDirectorof
BalajiTelefilms,iscreditedwithtransforming

contentacrossallscreenformats

Ekta Kapoor, Joint MD&CreativeDirector,

Balaji Telefilms

Kapoor studied at the Bombay Scottish School in Ma- the Padma Shree on her this year. She has been honoured
him and Mithibai College where she completed her with awards all through her career, including the BW Most
degree in commerce. She is the creator of the commercially Influential Woman of India award in 2019, the Most Power-
successful “saas-bahu’ series on television in the late 1990s ful Business Women of the Year 2019 award, and more.
even though she started her career by producing comedy
series in 1995. With the emergence of digitisation of enter- RUHAIL AMIN
tainment content, she quickly shifted gears and launched
her OTT media platform ALTBalaji which features web
series and engaging content especially curated for different
demographics. She loves working on scripts, and concept
building. Kapoor is credited with launching new actors
and actresses across screens. Recognising her contribution
to the field of media and entertainment, the GoI conferred

MASTER public forums and believes
STORYTELLER that when it comes to a script
or how a personality should
Akhtarhasarguably be portrayed, the director
givenusthecountry’s should have the last word.
mostcritically-
acclaimedfilmsover Akhtar’s depiction of both
fictional and inspired char-
thepastdecade acters on screen is a thing of
beauty, even the critics’ side
Zoya Akhtar, with her on this. She rarely
explores just one facet and
Film Director & Screenwriter refrains from the good versus
evil cliché portrayals.
Akhtar has emerged as the biggest disruptor in A master storyteller, her films, though offbeat, have al-
the cinematic space. She made her debut as ways found love and support.
Director with critically acclaimed Luck By Chance in With her movie Gully Boy, Akhtar shocked Bollywood
2009. In 2011, she directed the critically and commercially with her gumption, backing it up with a web series debut,
successful film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and won her and her own production house, Tiger Baby with her long-
Filmfare award for Best Director. time collaborator, Reema Kagti.

She has openly spoken about her directorial stance on RUHAIL AMIN

62 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022 Photograph by Mmaxer

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MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE CULTURATI

style sensibilities breaking stereotypes ayed into beauty, fashion jewellery,
with unique and fuss-free silhouettes accessories, menswear, swimwear,
for modern Indian women. With the and many more segments. She has
anytime, anywhere ensembles, House introduced a line of exclusive Masaba
of Masaba is bridging the gap between beauty products featuring the brand’s
haute and pret couture. signature bold prints in a popular col-
laboration with multi-brand beauty
The label has made a broad portfolio platform Nykaa with the Masaba by
with destination wedding collections, Nykaa limited edition series. The Ma-
festive wear, party collections and re- saba by Nykaa Kit includes a range of
sort wear, all rendered in the brand’s sig- nail paints, fragrances, lipsticks and
nature colours, motifs and aesthetics.

M Masaba Gupta, Indian fashion designer

asaba Gupta, an Indian-Caribbean fash- Queen of
ion designer started her eponymous the fusion
label, House of Masaba in 2009 after trend
graduating from SNDT Women’s Uni-
versity, Mumbai. MasabaGupta’sdesignschannelher
quirkyandexperimentalstylesensibilities
An icon for fashion aspirants of this breakingstereotypeswithuniqueandfuss-
generation, the 31-year-old designer freesilhouettesformodernIndianwomen
is credited with transforming the face
of the fashion industry ever since her These elements have found their way other makeup essentials.
promising debut at the Lakme Fashion into collaborations across many more Adding to her globally trendset-
Week at the young age of 19. With dec- product categories.
ade-long experience, Gupta is revered ting repertoire, she collaborated with
globally as the ‘Queen of Prints’. Masaba achieved quick success in the an original HBO series launching the
world of fashion and has often been in Masaba X GOT capsule collection. The
Manifesting her vivid cultural identity the spotlight on the most-coveted power Game of Thrones Masaba collection
inherited from mother Neena Gupta, an lists like Vogue Women of the Year and presented womenswear, menswear,
award winning actress, and her father, Femina’s Fabulous 40. With A-list ce- jewellery in designs inspired by its
Sir Viv Richards, a West Indies cricket- lebrities dressing themselves up in Ma- theme and characters.
ing legend, Gupta is distinguished for saba’s designs, she has become the go-to
mastering the fusion trend. Notably, designer who is always on Bollywood’s The House of Masaba brand has
House of Masaba, her homegrown, In- radar. built a significant presence in both,
dia proud label with a Caribbean heart online and offline retail space cater-
blends two varied cultures and thoughts SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR ing to women with experimental style
to transform everyday mundane items Over the years, the brand has for- sense as well as firm cultural roots.
into unconventional motifs and prints. The diffusion label stocks at luxury in-

BREAKING STEREOTYPES
The signature Masaba Gupta designs
channel her quirky and experimental

64 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

The House of Masaba brand has built a ternational shopping destinations like
significantpresenceinonlineand offline Essence in Jumeirah; Taj Exotica in
retail catering to women with experimen- Maldives; Vesimi in Dubai; reaching
tal style sense as well as cultural roots out to the elite clientele in the Unit-
ed Kingdom with Este Couture and
Pernia’s Pop-Up Studio, taking over
the US with Anokhi Ada in Georgia,
Desi Couture in Houston, and Adaa in
Bangkok, these have not only ensured
the global presence of her brand, but
also proved Gupta’s mettle as a suc-
cessful entrepreneur.

MULTIFACETED TALENT
In 2020, she launched a collection as
part of the United Nations Environment
Programme’s campaign, ‘I Will Wear
Out Plastic’. This year, she went global
with the high-fashion brand Louis Vuit-
ton’s campaign for its cult-favourite
Coussin bag.

Gupta is the first and only Indian
designer to have a series made on her
life. The Masaba Masaba Netflix se-
ries is inspired by her own personal
life and fashion journey that also cel-
ebrates her unique and special bond
with her mother. The mother and
daughter duo won critics acclaim for
pleasantly refreshing scenes. Stepping
into this new venture, designer Gupta
has expanded her horizons raising the
bar with her multifaceted creativity
and talent.

By RUHAIL AMIN

26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 65

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE POWER LIST

Making A The Daring THE WORLD BANK GROUP The Storyteller
Difference Dreamer
An Evergreen AparnaPurohit,
AditiGupta, Co- Ankiti Bose,
Leader Head of India Originals,
founder, Menstrupedia Co-founder & CEO, Zilingo Amazon Prime Video India
Director, Jio Anshula Kant,
Awoman with many ac- The force behind exe-
Addressing social ta- colades, applauses and MD and CFO, cuting a pathbreaking
boos is the need of the achievements, Ankiti Bose content strategy for the me-
hour. This is especially true co-founded Zilingo in 2015, World Bank dia platform, Aparna Pu-
when we talk about men- positioning herself as one rohit draws her inspiration
struation and the notions of Asia’s youngest female In the banking industry, from stories that transport
that surround it. Aditi Gup- CEOs. Driven by typical Anshula Kant was al- her to a world where she can
ta, Co-founder and Manag- millennial traits, she is also ready a well-known name experience varied perspec-
ing Partner, Menstrupedia in the running to be the given her seminal work with tives. “I feel privileged to
has decided to tackle this first Indian woman to have the SBI for over 35 years. help breathe life into sto-
situation head on in a very founded a billion-dollar As the CFO of SBI, she has ries and bring them to our
creative way. A lot of us have startup. With her start be- handled assets worth $38 customers. My mission has
grown up reading comics ing rather humble, it was billion and above. Today, been to provide a platform
and get nostalgic about her courage and optimism she holds the distinguished for fresh, authentic, inde-
some characters. Gupta de- that helped Zilingo touch position of World Bank’s pendent, local stories, told
cided to use this very format its US$970 million valu- CFO and MD, leading to
to educate people, particu- ation today. With the en- international fame in an by passionate creators both
larly young girls about men- erstwhile male dominated new and experienced,” she
struation, while addressing trepreneurial spirit in her finance industry. Her style comments. Purohit is also
the taboos around it. She DNA, Bose strives towards of leadership is one of em- committed to building a di-
also has an associated blog creating an impact, rather pathy and inclusion. She verse, equitable, and inclu-
which has more than 3000 than building the status. has mobilised $157 billion sive creative ecosystem. She
writers, some of them as She is often seen quoting worth of financing to coun- believes that when there are
young as 12. Gupta serves how her passion has been tries for handling Covid-19. women in positions of pow-
as an inspiration to every instrumental in helping Under Kant, the Interna- er, they are able to organi-
woman who wants to ques- small businesses and em- tional Development As- cally and vociferously push
tion existing customs. powering women around sistance (IDA), was able to the agenda of equitable
her. raise $5 billion. IDA is an representation forward.
URVI arm of the World Bank that
SOUMYA provides finance to low in- SOUMYA
come countries at minimal
to no interest rate.

ARJUN

66 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE POWER LIST

Alka Mittal, CMD, ONGC learn new skills continuously and
have an unwavering sense of self-
A Giant Leap belief,” says Mittal.
For Women
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Beingthefirst Mittal began her journey at ONGC as
womanever a graduate trainee in 1985. She credits
tohead India’s her seniors for the exemplary mentor-
mostvaluable ing and her zeal for learning which
oilandgasPSE, helped her grow through the ranks. “I
Mittal,CMD& utilised every opportunity that came
Director(HR), my way; whether it was heading HR
breaksthebias at Jorhat in Assam, being Head-CSR,
towardswomen leading skill development in the com-
intheoilandgas pany, or when I was made a member
sector of the OMPL Board,” says Mittal.

T he oil and gas sec- ‘Women aspiring to GROOMING WOMEN
tor has traditionally join the top echelons During her tenure as the Director
seen very low women of the energy corpo- (HR), ONGC implemented CSR Pro-
representation at the rations need to take jects worth over Rs 600 crore in two
management level, es- up challenges, and years in key social areas like health-
learn new skills care, education, skill development,
pecially in India. Alka continuously environment, women empowerment
and rural development. ONGC spent
Mittal, Chairman and Managing tor enterprise. “I am sure this would over Rs 550 crore on CSR during the
serve as a beginning for more women pandemic in 2020-21.
Director (CMD) and Director Hu- to join the top echelons of the energy
corporations, which has tradition- Mittal has laid great emphasis
man Resources (HR), Oil and Natu- ally been a male bastion. But for that, on encouraging women to take up
women need to take up challenges, challenging assignments, including
ral Gas Corporation (ONGC), twice postings in fields and installations so
that they build core technical com-
made history by first becoming the petency to grow to top leadership
positions in the company. In 2021,
first-ever woman Functional Di- Mittal launched a unique leadership
development programme called ‘UR-
rector (HR) in November 2018 and JASVINI’ to mentor & groom high-
potential women executives for lead-
then getting the additional charge of ership positions. She has successfully
initiated and led several far-reaching
CMD in January 2022. She became improvements in employee practices
and focused on tapping the opportu-
the first woman ever to head India’s nities within the workforce to drive
productivity and innovation. Mittal
most valuable oil and gas public sec- says that she upholds sincerity, integ-
rity, ethics and dedication to duty as a
professional and a leader.

By ARJUN YADAV

26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 67

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE POWER LIST

‘We are focusing on
developing multi-
modal logistics parks
and intermodal
stations along with
the development of
National Highways

Alka Upadhyaya, Chairperson, NHAI worked extensively towards creating ru-
ral enterprises for women and setting
On Road To up large producer-collectives registered
Nation Building companies. She also set up an independ-
ent Section-8 Company ‘Foundation for
AsChairpersonofNHAI, Upadhyayaseeksto Development of Rural Value Chain’ to
establish an end-to-end value chain
leveragehervastexperienceintheroadsector for the development and marketing of
products of rural women, farmers and
togive‘Gati’toIndia’sinfrastructure artisans.
O ne of the key highlights
of the Union Budget and has served at various positions in IMPORTANT PROJECTS AT NHAI
2022 has been the the government of Madhya Pradesh Upadhyaya believes that the economic
government’s focus (MP) and Government of India. growth of a nation is closely linked with
on infrastructure de- However, for the past ten years, she the growth of the road infrastructure
has been working in the road sector. there. As part of the ongoing Bharat-
mala Pariyojana, 22 Greenfield express-
velopment. The road Her first experience in the sector was ways and access-controlled corridors
are being developed. “With the advent
sector will play a vital as the CEO of MP Rural Develop- of PM Gati Shakti, GoI has shared its
vision of holistic infrastructure develop-
role with the National Highways Au- ment, followed by Director General, ment and enabling easier interconnec-
tivity between road, rail, air, and water-
thority of India (NHAI) leading the Rural Road Development Authority. ways. We have aligned to this vision and
have reimagined the development of the
charge. Upadhyaya, as Chairperson, Before being appointed as Chair- National Highway infrastructure. We
are focusing on developing allied high-
NHAI, with her vast experience in person, NHAI, she was Additional way initiatives like multi-modal logis-
tics parks and intermodal stations along
the road construction sector, is at the Secretary in the Ministry of Rural with the development of National High-
ways,” says Upadhyaya. ‘Parvatmala’ --
helm of affairs and is committed to Development. the National Ropeway Development
Project has also been recently an-
the sector’s important contribution nounced to enhance tourism and last-
mile connectivity.
to the nation’s infrastructure develop- EMPOWERING WOMEN
By ARJUN YADAV
ment. Upadhyaya joined the Indian As the MD of National Rural Liveli-

Administrative Service (IAS) in 1990 hoods Mission (NRLM), Upadhyaya

68 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE POWER LIST

A RELENTLESS PURSUIT

AftercompletingfourdecadesatStateBank
ofIndia,Bhattacharyatookon,andwonin,the
techworld

Arundhati Bhattacharya,

Chairperson & CEO, Salesforce India

Digital made inclusion possible but it also created a Photograph by Ritesh Sharma
larger divide, according to Bhattacharya. For a bank-
er turned tech CEO at the age of 64, technology may appear year to grow its India business. And she was among those
to be a surprise choice but it could also be seen as a natural leaders who reminded that while digital was imperative,
progression given the work she had already begun at the in India, it was also creating a wider divide that needed a
SBI. Named as the first woman Chair of the bank, where coordinated response.
she spent more than four decades, she was credited for
not only upscaling the bank’s technology initiatives but TEAM BW
also for prioritising inclusion at the workplace. When she
chose Salesforce as her destination next in April 2020,
taking on the top job for the company’s India operations,
her journey coincided with that of the digital transforma-
tion wave in the country. Her wisdom and foresight were
evident in some of the moves Salesforce made in the last

AN EMINENT Economic Outlook, includ-
PERSONALITY ing forecasts of the impact
of the Covid-19 pandemic
Gopinathiscurrently on the global economy. She
theFirstDeputy co-authored a paper on the
ManagingDirectoratthe Covid-19 pandemic, which
InternationalMonetary helped set globally endorsed
Fund targets for vaccinating the
world. It also led to the cre-
Gita Gopinath, ation of a Multilateral Task
Force with the leadership of
Indian-American economist the IMF, World Bank, WTO,
and WHO to help end the
Gopinath she served as the Chief pandemic. And a working
Economist at the IMF from group with vaccine manufac-
2019 to 2022. Born in India, this super-achiever has a Ph.D. turers to identify trade barri-
in economics from Princeton University. She’s been the ers, supply bottlenecks, and accelerate delivery of vaccines.
John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Gopinath is the recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Sam-
Economics at Harvard University. man and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the
University of Washington.
Recently, she led and directed releases of the World
TEAM BW

26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 69

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE POWER LIST

Debanjali Sengupta, women to walk the path.
Country Head, Shell Lubricants It is also gratifying to have led a 50-

The Power House 50 gender diverse frontline team with
members from LGBTQ community
Havingtasted as well, making me further appreci-
successinher ate the benefit of creating an inclusive
career,the environment.
CountryHeadof
ShellLubricants As I have moved roles, my biggest
Indiabelieves sense of fulfilment came when I saw
mentorsarevital each of my team members growing to
tohelpgetclarity take on bigger challenges.”
&achievegoals
DEALING WITH CHALLENGES
She adds, “When you are the first in
many roles you do not have a handbook
toplayby.Ihavealwaysdaredtoraisemy
hand for an uncharted territory but not

‘I have consistently
endeavoured to be a
valuable contributor
so that it opens
uncharted frontiers
for more women to
walk the path

Don’t be perfect, be attain financial independence. everyone is ready to handle empow-
brave, is a quote Sen- ered women. So, yes, I have had to
gupta lives by. Having MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS encounter bias and sometimes work
tasted success in her Talking about her major achieve- doubly hard to get half the credit.
career, the Country ments, Sengupta says, “I have always But, as you stay focused at excelling in
Head of Shell Lubri- chosen to pick up a few “firsts” for your work while building a personal
cants India believes that mentors myself and deliberately taken steps brand, you can be delayed but not
are important to help get clarity and towards #breakingthebias. denied.”
achieve goals.
I was India’s first woman National EQUITY IN DIVERSITY
With their unbiased views, experi- Sales Manager for both Lubricants Commenting on the importance of
ence sharing and objectivity, mentors and Mobility business in India, a role inclusion, diversity, and equity in the
help to keep one on track. which was always dominated by men workplace, she says, “The organisa-
in the energy industry. tion needs to have diverse people for
Outside of work Sengupta helps better performance and growth. Unless
support girl child education, and I have consistently endeavoured we include and create equity in diver-
works with initiatives that help wom- to be a valuable contributor so that it sity, we lack the value that it could have
en from less privileged backgrounds opens uncharted frontiers for more offered.”

By JYOTSNA SHARMA

70 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE POWER LIST

Divya Gokulnath, BYJU’S SOCIAL IMPACT INITIATIVE
In fact, in late 2020, BYJU’S launched
Educator the social impact initiative ‘Education
Turned For All’ that aims to democratise edu-
Innovator cation for some of the most remote
geographies and underserved com-
AsCo-founder munities in India.
ofBYJU’S,
Gokulnath’s Till now, it has impacted over 3.4
focushasbeen million and by 2025, they are hope-
onbuildingan ful to reach 10 million children. For
ecosystemto Gokulnath, the journey has just begun
makeeducation and the sector is full of opportunities
accessibleand to disrupt, influence and create value.
engaging
A REWARDING EXPERIENCE
In her own words, “I strongly believe
that failures are just stepping stones;
fail fast, win big, and don’t take no for

‘The sector is full of
opportunities. I
strongly believe that
failures are just step-
ping stones; fail fast,
win big, and don’t take
no for an answer

T he world’s largest edtech preparing for competitive exams an answer.” Undoubtedly, her hard-
company and India’s and joined Byju Raveendran’s class- ships led to recognition in the field.
most loved school learn- es as his student. Eventually, Divya
ing app, BYJU’S was co- and Byju Raveendran, got married Gokulnath strikes a perfect work-
founded by Divya Gokul- and also started a new company to- life balance by being a doting mother
nath in 2011. gether. to her sons and by indulging in her
A University rank holder, Bio- passion for singing. Her mother has
technology topper, and a passionate THE LEARNING APP been a driving force and a role model
teacher, Gokulnath encourages intra- In 2015, BYJU’S launched its flagship for her while growing up.
preneurship to keep learning and in- product called The Learning App to
novating. A supporter of sustainable provide online coaching to fourth to She finds helping students explore
growth, she firmly believes, “it isn’t twelfth class students. It took four the academic world an extremely re-
the gender that defines a business but years to create this mobile application warding experience. Since then there
the skill and will to do good.” and it has become the most preferred has been no looking back and today,
education app for students across age she considers herself a teacher first
After completing her engineering groups. and entrepreneur second.
degree in Bengaluru, she started
She feels grateful and fortunate to
have been able to impact the lives of
students around the world.

By RESHAM SUHAIL

26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 71

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE POWER LIST

An Astute The Creative The Benevolent The Energy
Businesswoman Executive
Dissimilar Queen
Isha Ambani , Natasha
Monika Poonawalla, Radhika Jha,
Director, Reliance Jio
Shergill, VP, Executive Director, SII Secretary, Government
Photographs : Courtesy Company
Content, Netflix India Natasha Poonawalla is of Uttarakhand
When you think of an Indian business-
Isha Ambani, you Some names will play a woman and the Executive Radhika Jha is is cur-
think of Reliance Jio. She role in driving growth Director at the Serum In- rently the Secretary
holds two board and ad- for the Indian creative stitute of India (SII). Over in the government of Ut-
visory roles as Director at economy. Monika Sher- 1 billion doses of Covishield tarakhand in the Depart-
Reliance Jio and an Addi- gill, who leads the content have been produced by the ment of Industries and
tional Director at Reliance charter at Netflix India, is SII. The vaccine has been School Education. How-
Foundation. Considered among those. distributed to low and ever, it’s the energy sector
one of the key people to have middle-income countries where her work has been
closed the Facebook deal in Rising from the pro- through the World Health widely appreciated. She
2020, her father has been duction house Miditech, Organization’s COVA X is the only woman in the
her role model. Her edu- to reach Sony Entertain- programme. Poonawalla is Indian power sector to
cational qualifications are ment Television and then also the Chairperson of the be Chairperson of three
impressive, with an under- Star India at the time when Villoo Poonawalla Founda- State power corpora-
graduate degree from Yale both the broadcasters were tion. Founded in memory of tions. Under her lead-
and an MBA from Stanford undergoing a transition in the Late Villoo Poonawal- ership, as Secretary for
University. For now, all eyes their programming agen- renewable energy, Utta-
are on this young Ambani das, has armed Shergill la, it focuses on education, rakhand formulated an
heiress for her upcoming with the knowledge of what healthcare, sanitation, and innovative policy for en-
business win. Alongside her challenging status quo more for the community. suring power generation
work she doesn’t forget to means. Netflix provided the Passionate about business, from pine needles, which
give back to society. In May perfect stage for her to take philanthropy, fashion, and were collected from the
2019, she helped set up Elbi, this combined experience design, Natasha holds an forest by local women
a website to make charity to a new world order where M.Sc. in Organisational and stored. A simple
popular and profitable for content is democratised Behaviour from the London gasifier extracted power
givers. and she is among those that School of Economics. from these high calorific
enable this. value needles and fed
JYOTSNA JYOTSNA the same into the local
NOOR grid.

ARJUN

Photographs: Company,Netflix_AneevRao, 72 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022 Photographs: Danwilcard_CyrusPoonawallaGroup,Furtaev

MOST ‘Mithali Raj’s
INFLUENTIAL ability to anchor
WOMEN an innings at the
top of the order in
THE POWER LIST all three formats
have inspired two
Mithali Raj, generations of
Cricketer Indian batsmen

A Stellar
Knock

InOctober2019,Rajbecamethefirst
womantocompletetwodecadesin
ODIcricket,afeatthathasgivenIndia’s
cricketinghistoryanewhigh

In her career spanning more than given India’s cricketing history a new highest Test score of 214, in 2002, and
two decades, Mithali Raj, a pop- high. later an unbeaten 91 in the 2005 ODI
ular Indian cricketer, has many World Cup semi-final, a knock she
firsts to her credit. She has also HIGHEST RUN-SCORER rates at par with her double-century.
shown that in a game that is large- Raj has now become the woman with
ly male dominated, women can be most runs in the game, and the only RUNNERS-UP FINISH
equal stakeholders. Indian captain in the game of cricket Raj surpassed former England cap-
to have led the side to two 50-over tain Charlotte Edwards in 2017 to be-
A REGIMENTED UPBRINGING World Cup finals. come the highest run-scorer in ODIs
Raj’s cricketing career began at a and the first woman to get 6,000 runs
tender age of 16 when she scored an The only major distinction that in the format.
unbeaten 114 on her One Day Inter- eludes the incumbent ODI captain
national (ODI) debut and soon estab- is the tag of a World Cup winner. In Her 409-run tally in the tour-
lished herself as a new icon of India’s pursuit of that dream, Raj bowed out nament was second only to Eng-
batting. of T20Is in September 2019, as In- land opener Tammy Beaumont’s,
dia’s highest run-scorer, having last while her three fifties and a century
As per experts, the roots of her led the side in the format during the were vital to India’s runners-up
copybook stroke play lay in her preco- 2016 T20 World Cup at home. finish.
cious talent that blossomed under the
tutelage of her former coach, the late ANCHORING AN INNINGS By RUHAIL AMIN
Sampath Kumar, and a regimented Her ability to anchor an innings at the
upbringing in an army family. top of the order in all three formats
have inspired two generations of In-
In October 2019, Raj, at 36, became dian batsmen.
the first woman to complete two de-
cades in ODI cricket. A feat that has Both those skills underpinned her

26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 73 Photographs by PIB, Monica smile

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE POWER LIST

Mira Kulkarni,
Founder, Forest
Essentials

The
Natural
Leader

Brandbuildingisthemost quality premium ayurvedic skincare ‘There were no
products in 2001. Forest Essentials premium ayurvedic
difficulttaskbecauseyou started the first Luxury Ayurveda skincare products in
range of products in India.” 2001. Forest Essentials
choosetogrowmuch started the first Luxury
BRAND BUILDING Ayurveda range of
moreslowly,saysKulkarni, Elucidating on some of the chal- products in India
lenges she faced professionally, she
FounderandChiefMD, said, “Building a team over the last 20 A STRONG ECOSYSTEM
years, armed only with a vision and a “We have faced many issues over the
ForestEssentialsIndia non-existent brand has been an uphill years in sourcing our raw materials.
task, especially in early 2000 when Over the last 20 years, we have built
M ira Kulkarni start- the market was still to mature.” a strong ecosystem as far as supply
ed her brand when is concerned, both from a raw mate-
there was no market “Brand building is probably the rial and packaging perspective. Our
for freshly prepared most difficult task because you then green manufacturing facility design
ayurvedic products. choose to grow much more slowly, ensures a zero carbon footprint and
She created a new keeping to the strict parameters of the bottling of our formulations in
segment known as Luxury Ayurve- the brand. For instance, it would have eco-friendly, recyclable and reusable
da, which had never been explored been be much easier to grow rapidly PET bottles and glass jars, has helped
earlier. As a successful entrepre- in pharmacies and in store locations reduce the use of plastics by almost 70
neur and leader, her ability to an- that we were offered when we started, per cent,” she concluded.
ticipate the needs of her custom- but we chose to only go for our com-
ers has always stood her in good pany owned stores in the most pres- By JYOTSNA SHARMA
stead. To power down she likes to tigious locations.
cook, and spends time with her
grandchildren. Even in our hotel business, we de-
cided to go into only high-end five star
BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT properties, which again reinforced
When asked about what was the big- the brand image. It was, for us, a wise
gest achievement for Forest Essen- decision in the long run, because it
tials India, she quipped, “Our big- built the brand,” she added.
gest achievement is the fact that we
created a completely new segment
in the market. There were no high

74 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE POWER LIST Rekha Menon, Chairperson & Senior
Managing Director, Accenture In India
When one thinks
about the leaders The original
who are driving the technocrat
technology agenda
in India, it is near Creditedwith
impossible to not shapingthe
include Rekha M. Menon in the ranks. technology
The chairperson and senior managing sectorinIndia,
director at Accenture in India, Menon RekhaM.Menon
is a leading industry voice on advanced isamongtherare
technology-led innovation and socio- leaderswhohas
economic progress. nurturedmany
more
A keen advocate of equality at the
workplace, Menon has always prioritised Menon is the first woman to take on the role
‘people’. In a conversation with BW Busi- of chairperson of the National Associa-
nessworld, she had once explained that tion of Software and Services Companies
not just diversity, but equality is a power- (NASSCOM) in its 30-year history
ful multiplier of innovation, and research
shows that people are more successful in technology companies and a not for present she is also a member of the Na-
organisations that have an intentional profit. tional Council of CII, and USIBC’s India
strategy to create equality. Advisory Council. She is the Chair of the
THE MANY FIRSTS Governing Council of National Skill De-
INDIA ON GLOBAL STAGE Menon is the first woman to take on velopment Corporation’s (NSDC) Sec-
As the country celebrates India@75, an- the role of chairperson of the National tor Skills Council and is on the Boards
other factor high on Menon’s agenda is Association of Software and Services of NASSCOM Foundation and Invest
the role India can play on the global stage. Companies (NASSCOM) in its 30-year India.
She believes that advanced technologies history. Apart from NASSCOM Chair, at
such as artificial intelligence, the internet By TEAM BW
of things, big data analytics, extended
reality and robotic process automation
not only help Indian businesses become
more efficient and competitive, creating
new opportunities for growth across sec-
tors but also strengthen India’s position
in the global innovation ecosystem and
bolster the export-oriented IT services
industry. “They can also help drive equi-
table growth through improved access
to work opportunities, universal health-
care and education for all – but for this,
we need to make the right investments,”
Menon advises.

Menon is on the Board of Gover-
nors of her alma mater, XLRI School
of Business, and two not-for-profits
— Pratham Books and Akshara Foun-
dation. She is recognised among the
top 10 LGBT Ally Executives globally.
Before joining Accenture, she was an
entrepreneur, and she co-founded two

26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 75

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE POWER LIST

Roshini Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson,
HCL Technologies

Committing To
India’s Future

Technology,environment,governance,socialare
thethingsthatonewillfindRoshniNadarMalhotra
alludetowhiletalkingaboutherpriorities

R oshni Nadar Malhotra, “This integration leadership, Malhotra is also the chairper-
Chairperson, HCL Tech- of technology with son and driving force behind VidyaGyan.
nologies, a $11.2 billion the human spirit
global technology com- has become ‘the This leadership academy for the eco-
pany powered by over new essential’ for nomically underprivileged, meritori-
198,000 employees, across ensuring continuity ous, rural students of Uttar Pradesh has
52 countries, also wears the hat of chair- and progress across been working towards nurturing future
person of its CSR Board Committee. ecosystems” leaders from rural India. Even the movie
Under her leadership, HCL’s commit- and TV series she has invested in, such
ment and adherence to ESG (environ- for our clients, employees, investors, as Halkaa that delves into open defeca-
ment, social and governance) guidelines and the communities where we live and tion issues and On The Brink about en-
over the years has continued to evolve. work,” Malhotra stated during the 29th dangered species, drive home important
“We firmly believe the integration of AGM of the company. HCL was named societal and environmental messages.
ESG programmes into our strategies and a leader in the Edelweiss ESG Scorecard
company goals is critical as we chart a and Ratings in the IT/ITES, BFSI and TECH AS CHANGE AGENT
path towards creating sustainable value Consumer categories. In her address, Malhotra reminded that
the pandemic was one of the greatest re-
LEADER WITH A CAUSE affirmations that science and technol-
Some of these aspects that reflect in the ogy are and will continue to be powerful
company’s ethos have been close to her engines of human progress. “This inte-
heart and can be seen in the slew of ac- gration of technology with the human
tivities she has been engaged in. A trustee spirit has become ‘the new essential’ for
of the Shiv Nadar Foundation that has ensuring continuity and progress across
invested $988 million in nation-building ecosystems,” she said.
institutions and driving transformational
The radical changes resulting from
the pandemic spurred the acceleration
of digital transformation in business en-
terprises around the world, and HCL,
with its culture of ideapreneurship and a
vibrant ecosystem of innovation, helped
businesses steer through this transition.
Its industry-leading performance in
FY21, where it exceeded the $10-billion
annual revenue mark was a pivotal mile-
stone for the company.

By TEAM BW

76 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE POWER LIST

She has walked many
miles, from a television
actor to a Union
minister and
acquired much
admiration in every
role she has played

Smriti Irani, Union Minister THE POLITICIAN
When she was sworn in as a minister
A Lady with the in 2019, Irani was the youngest cabi-
Midas Touch net minister at the age of 43 years.The
Member of Parliament from Amethi
The Union Minister for Women and Child had a landslide victory in 2019, dethron-
ing her predecessor in the constituency.
Development is known to be a people’s Since then she has been a front row seat
holder in the Lok Sabha. As a politician,
politician, known to keep her word she has been known to fulfil the promises
she makes.
S OME PEOPLE they say, ment, Minister of Textiles and Minister
are born with the Midas of Information and Broadcasting. She is multilingual and is proficient in
touch. All they touch, turn Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati and
to gold. Smriti Zubin Ira- TELEVISION STAR Punjabi. Her first book Lal Salaam, pub-
ni’s journey through life Irani began her career as a television lished in 2021, is based on the 2010 Mao-
ist attack in Dantewada and the role of
has been somewhat similar actor and quickly acquired a huge fan central police agencies. Yes, Smriti Irani
has many feathers to her cap and she has
to that of the Greek mythological king, base. Her entry into politics was equally been showered with many national and
international awards. Her role as a lead-
be it as an afternoon soap actor or as a smooth. She joined the Bharatiya Janata er has been acknowledged by the World
Economic Forum (WEF) and USAID,
Cabinet minister in the Narendra Modi Party (BJP) in 2003 and became a na- among others.

led government. tional secretary by 2010. She was soon Smriti Irani is a source of inspiration
to many young women around the world,
Ms Irani, now Union Minister of appointed chief of the women’s wing of as someone who has fulfilled not just one,
but many dreams, without ever having
Women and Child Development, has the party. She was then elected to the Ra- to look back. Irani has always stood up
for herself and for women, be it in Par-
previously held the portfolios of Union jya Sabha (Upper House) in 2011 from liament or beyond it. Yes controversies
have touched her too, but she has always
Minister of Human Resource Develop- the state of Gujarat. emerged unscathed and been able to hold
her head high. Even though she first ac-
quired fame as an actor, she is now ad-
mired as a people’s politician, known to
keep her word.

By URVI SHRIVASTAV

26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 77 Photograph by Himanshu Kumar

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE POWER LIST

a difference and bringing the satisfac- of an exciting period for e-mobility.
tion of creating something. I find that “We can confidently say that as India
perseverance and self-motivation are celebrates this milestone, it has also
critical to the everyday quest,” says embarked upon a massive disruption
Motwani. in its mobility sector. With this e-rev-
olution, we will see a greener, cleaner
THE EARLY EV ENTRANT India, with reduced pollution in its
A key landmark for Motwani came in cities, lower transportation cost for
2013, which marked Kinetic Green’s citizens, and a global leadership posi-
entry into the electric vehicles (EV) tion in the new EV technology.”
sector. “We showed courage, commit-
The Indian government has un-

A Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder &
CEO, Kinetic Green & Vice Chairperson,
Kinetic Group

Growing with
the beat

name that has been part of India’s Motwanihasseenthehighs,thelows
automobile sector for over 25 years, andthesharptransitionoftheIndian
Sulajja Firodia Motwani is among autosector,notasaspectatorbutasan
the entrepreneurs who have not only activecontributor
seen the Indian auto sector evolve and
grow but has actively contributed to ment and passion when we committed leashed a massive focus on electrify-
the form it currently takes. ourselves to this technology. We sold ing its transport sector, with a focus on
thousands of EVs in various innovative electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers
Motwani describes her journey as ways,” she recounts. and buses, which are the vehicles used
“learning with many ups and downs” by over 85 per cent of the Indian popu-
but her dream is to “have a Kinetic ve- “One of the most rewarding expe- lation.
hicle in every household in India and riences was when we partnered with
to take the company’s products to the the UP government to give 10,000 e- “With these segments going elec-
world”. rickshaws to cycle rickshaw pullers. It tric, green mobility will be brought to
transformed their lives. From earning the masses and our crowded cities will
The founder and CEO of Kinetic a meagre Rs 200 a day, they now earn see reduced emissions. India is also
Green and the vice chairperson of the over Rs 1,000. Their health, econom- the world’s largest three-wheeler mar-
Kinetic Group, Motwani’s commit- ic and social standards, all improved ket and second-largest two-wheeler
ment is to make a difference to India. with this,” adds Motwani. market. Thus, mass production in
these spaces will lead to the Indian
“This purpose not only keeps me As independent India enters its 75th EV and EV component sector achiev-
awake at nights, but I wake up ex- year, she believes this is the beginning
cited each day to keep working hard
towards it. Entrepreneurship is a jour-
ney fraught with risks and failures. But
it is also fulfilling in being able to make

78 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

“Entrepreneurship is a journey fraught with “Women are expected to spend more
risks and failures. But it is also fulfilling in time with their family members. They
being able to make a difference and bring- do not encourage women to travel ex-
ing the satisfaction of creating something” tensively for exploiting business op-
portunities. People hesitate to invest
ing global scale, even becoming a sup- tunity for Kinetic but also made a money in the business venture initi-
plier to the world with Made in India wider impact. “We work on the Make ated by women entrepreneurs.”
components. I am excited that Kinetic in India principle for technology crea-
Green is emerging as a front runner in tion, developing a manufacturing and The world, however, is changing.
this revolution,” states Motwani. supply-chain ecosystem, bringing in- Citing her experience, she advises,
novative, advanced yet affordable ve- “The automotive world is highly male-
CONTINUING THE LEGACY hicles to the consumers in India and dominated but in a business meeting,
Taking forward her family’s history the world.” my voice is heard. Be relentless in your
of introducing innovation, the EV pursuit. The way to succeed your busi-
technology was not only a pivot that On the gender parity point, Mot- ness idea is to align it with the social
opened up a massive growth oppor- wani firmly believes that women in the needs of the country and benefit peo-
workforce face additional challenges. ple at large.”

By NOOR FATHIMA WARSIA

26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 79

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE ACHIEVERS

Donning A Class Apart Driving Change A Green Affair
Multiple Hats
Harshbeena MahimaDatla, Mahua
AshuSuyash, Acharya,MD&
Zaveri , ViceChairman MD & CEO, Vaccines and
Independent Director,HUL Branded Formulations, CEO, CESL
and MD,NRBBearings Biological E
Ashu Suyash was ap- Mahua Acharya, MD
pointed as an Indepen- Harshbeena Zaveri Ma h i m a D a t l a , a and CEO of Con-
dent Director on the Board has ensured that one name that has been vergence Energy Services
of Hindustan Unilever third of her employees are instrumental in project Limited (CESL) is not just
Limited in November 2021. under the age of 30, as she management, building making a mark in the en-
A Chartered Accountant feels the younger genera- quality systems and driv- ergy sector but looking to
from the Institute of Char- tion can deliver and attain ing operations at the com- provide leadership in new
tered Accountants of India, great heights. A graduate pany, engages with the GoI fields of electric vehicles
Suyash has more than three of the Wellesley College and Gavi, the Vaccine Alli- (EVs) and renewable en-
decades of experience in the in Massachusetts, Zaveri ance , on public policy. She ergy. A subsidiary of En-
financial services and glob- got an idea in 1997 that has a Bachelor’s degree in ergy Efficiency Service
al information services sec- the Board thought was Business Administration Limited (EESL), CESL
tor. She was, until recently, crazy. She wanted the Management from Web- is looking to be the cata-
the CEO and MD at CRISIL company to set up its own ster University, London. lytic financer in the EV
R&D centre. The decision Her thought process has space. Acharya serves as
and a member of the Oper- transformed the compa- always been to move for- a perfect candidate, with
ating Committee of S&P ny and has allowed NRB ward, overcoming chal- over two decades of expe-
Global. She led CRISIL’s Bearings to compete very lenges. The Federation of rience in green finance,
growth through acquisi- well with multinational renewables, and carbon
tions in a challenging envi- rivals. In the present day a Asian Biotech Associa- markets. She has proven
ronment. Suyash serves on large number of bearings tions (FABA) conferred to be a visionary and a
advisory boards and com- NRB makes are custom upon her the Dr. B. S. Bajaj leader with a niche and
mittees of institutions like engineered and custom Memorial FABA Special laser focus, to which her
the Sebi, Insolvency and made. Zaveri is now able Award-2022 for intro- life bares testimony. She
Bankruptcy Board of India, to work with the engineer- ducing Corbevax vaccine inspires women world
and National Institute of ing team and go through in augmenting the global over to believe in their vi-
Securities and Markets. computer aided designs of fight against Covid-19. sion, while taking calcu-
their bearings. lated risks.
KAVI KAVI
KAVI URVI

Photographs: Alexraths,Twitter@mahuaacharya 80 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE ACHIEVERS Dipali Goenka,
CEO & Joint MD, Welspun India
R ooted in the very fibre of
our country is the indig- “Respect the equal
enous talent of our com- contributor”
munities nurtured over
generations. The onus WhilethereismuchtocelebrateforIndia@75,
is on us, as custodians of expectationsregardinggenderrolesmustchange,
the Indian textile heritage, to ensure it saysGoenkawhorunsherbusinessonherterms
reaches international consumers and
captures global acclaim,” says Dipali
Goenka.
The CEO and joint managing direc-
tor of Welspun India, Goenka believes
that as India celebrates 75 years of in-
dependence, the textile and apparel
industry is among the biggest growth

argues that leaders and entrepreneurs
have a bigger role to play in supporting
the government’s Atmanirbhar drive
and becoming a $5 trillion economy
by 2025.

She says, “Over the past decade, In-
dian entrepreneurship has received a
major fillip due to policy reforms, taxa-
tion policies, technological talent pool,
etc. Welspun India is humbled to be a
key player in the domestic textiles and
apparel industry.”

“We adopted the philosophy of growth with A BIGGER IMPACT
responsibility laying a roadmap for busi- In the next normal, there is a need to
nesses to not just take on environmental and adopt a fundamental approach to pur-
social issues but to effectively solve them” pose in business, delivering community
impact initiatives and focusing on ESG
drivers of the economy, accounting for towels and one in seven sheets sold in (environment, social, governance).
around 5 per cent of the GDP and 12 per the US, made by us. Welspun supplies
cent of its export earnings. to 17 of the world’s top 30 retailers and “We adopted the philosophy of
has a distribution network spanning growth with responsibility laying a
“In cotton home textiles, India is a over 50 countries,” informs Goenka. roadmap for businesses to not just take
leading player in the world with more on environmental and social issues but
than 46 per cent of towels and 59 per LEADING BY EXAMPLE to effectively solve them,” says the Wel-
cent of sheets being exported to the US Stating that the textile sector will con- spun Indiaa CEO.
from India. Welspun is the largest towel tinue to play an integral role in the
and bed sheet player globally and is the country’s economic revival, Goenka She cautions though that expecta-
highest among them with one in four tions regarding gender roles must
change. “Women are multi-taskers but
the men of the family need to start tak-
ing up more responsibilities in the daily
household affairs. Women deserve the
respect of equal contributors.”

By NOOR FATHIMA WARSIA

26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 81

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE ACHIEVERS

The Fearless Taking Initiatives Leading By Caring For Life
Example
Giant Proactively Samina Hamied
Renuka
Nisaba Godrej, Radhika Gupta, Ramnath, Executive Vice

ExecutiveChairperson, MD & CEO, Edelweiss AMC FounderandCEO,Multiples Chairperson, Cipla
AlternateAssetManagement
GodrejConsumerProducts Having started her ca- Samina Hamied is a mul-
reer with McKinsey For close to three de- tifaceted leader in her
More often called Nisa, & Company as a Business cades in financial ser- own right. Besides being the
Nisaba Godrej is not Analyst, Gupta was a part vices, Renuka Ramnath Executive Vice Chairperson
your average Indian enter- of the global asset alloca- successfully built several of Cipla, she also represents
prise leader. Even before tion team at AQR Capital businesses in the ICICI the third generation of the
she was given the charge Management, LLC, as Group including invest- founding family of Cipla.
of Godrej Consumer Prod- Portfolio Manager. She ment banking, ecommerce She is the granddaughter
ucts Limited (GCPL) as its started at Edelweiss Global and private equity. As the of Khwaja Abdul Hamied
Executive Chairperson in Asset Management as Busi- MD & CEO of ICICI Ven- who founded Chemical, In-
2017, her strategy revolved ness Head of Multi-strate- ture for almost 10 years, dustrial and Pharmaceuti-
around questioning how gy Funds. Being extremely she made the firm very suc- cal Laboratories (Cipla) in
things are done. talented and committed cessful in a holistic man- 1935. She likes participat-
to her work, she founded ing in half-marathons, and
Under her leadership, Forefront Capital Manage- ner. Ramnath has played holds a Master’s degree in
GCPL not only set new ment in 2009, which was a major role in shaping International Account-
market defying trends but acquired by Edelweiss Fi- the Indian private equity ing and Finance from the
also became an India-born nancial Services Limited market. She set up Multi- London School of Eco-
giant known for its inclu- in 2014. In 2016, Gupta as- ples in 2009. Multiples is a nomics and Political Sci-
sive culture and sustainable sisted with the acquisition US$ 1 billion independent ence. She is goal-oriented,
efforts globally. of Ambit Alpha Fund and private equity fund that has disciplined and passionate
acquisition of the onshore the rare distinction of be- about ‘caring’. Therefore, it
Her penchant for holistic business of JPMorgan As- ing backed by 17 Indian and is no surprise that Hamied
growth is evident in GCPL’s set Management. She has global institutions. was among the six Indian
current scenario that scores been instrumental in creat- Pharmaceutical Alliance
well on every revenue count ing new horizons through KAVI bosses to have worked with
while making a larger dif- her positive attitude. ICMR.
ference to the countries it
operates in. KAVI ASHISH

NOOR

82 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022 Photograph: UmeshGoswami

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE ACHIEVERS “Women are conten-
tious and hardworking
E ven though she hails from and perhaps more ef-
a legal background, Pallavi ficient. They need men-
Shroff was always interested tors who can guide them
in business. So much so, that in difficult situations in
after her graduation, she their lives and careers”
enrolled at Jamnalal Bajaj
Institute of Management Studies in CREATING OPPORTUNITIES
Mumbai. “Towards the end of the fi- As independent India marks its 75th
nal year, I got engaged to Shardul (S. anniversary, Shroff believes that wom-
Shroff ). Soon, I realised law was a jeal- en need more opportunities. “If this
ous mistress. I did not want to compete is done and unconscious biases are
for his time, so I joined him by studying checked, women will rise. Women are
law.” contentious and hardworking and per-
That was a simple start to a career haps more efficient. They need mentors
spanning four decades, during which who can guide them in difficult situa-
tions in their lives and careers. Respect
Pallavi Shroff, Managing Partner, for women has to be top-down,” she
National Practice Head, Dispute explains.
Resolution, Shardul Amarchand
Mangaldas & Co As for her advice to aspiring women
lawyers, it is as straightforward as most
“If not given, of her perspectives. She says, “If I could
ask for it” do it, so can you. Believe in yourself and
there is nothing that you won’t be able
Shroffadvocatespatience,determinationand to do. Have patience, grit and determi-
gritbutsheadvisestonotletanopportunitypass nation. Grab every opportunity you get.
—ifitisnotgiven,thengoaskforit If that opportunity is not given to you,
go and ask for it.”
Shroff has been regarded as one of the Her father-in-law has been her ‘pro-
first competition law specialists and fessional life’ inspiration. “His insight By NOOR FATHIMA WARSIA
consistently counted among India’s into matters, lateral thinking, depth
most influential women. of knowledge and ability to put every-
thing together with ease and simplicity
THE INSPIRATIONS AT HOME was phenomenal. He mentored me to
Shroff ’s journey has been an inspira- achieve this.”
tion to young women but her source
of inspiration was right next to her. “I From her mother-in-law, Shroff
have been inspired by my father and learnt how to manage a home and a ca-
father-in-law. My father was the ulti- reer at the same time and her mother
mate role model of how one should live is an inspiration even to this day. “She
life with humility and compassion. I started her small home food catering
try to live by this philosophy. His hard business at the age of 90 after my father
work, quiet and equanimity in the most passed away and for the last five years,
difficult situations are awe-inspiring.” she has been running her home kitchen
catering tirelessly,” says Shroff.

26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 83

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE ACHIEVERS “My journey has been
full of highlights, bring-
F rom PwC to IBM and then ing me to my most excit-
Adobe, throughout the 25- ing chapter yet, which
plus years of her profes- is leading a fantastic
sional experience, Prativa organisation like Adobe
Mohapatra has always been India”
associated with brands that
have inspired her to excel at each stage
of her career.
“My journey has been full of high-
lights, bringing me to my most excit-
ing chapter yet, which is leading a fan-
tastic organisation like Adobe India,”
says the first woman managing direc-
tor of the company in India.
Looking back, for her, it was her

Prativa Mohapatra, Managing
Director, Adobe India

A path to climb
and grow

Mohapatra’sexperiencespanningovertwoand MORE TO BE DONE
ahalfdecadesnowpreparesherforthemost Workplace sensitivity and out-of-the-
“excitingchapteryet” box thinking on the various life stages
as well as physiological changes that
‘never-give-up’ mantra that served as feel more empowered to make their are unique to women must be thought
a driving force. life choices and thrive as mothers, through as well.
homemakers, artists, sports players,
“Whenever against a brick wall, I officers, entrepreneurs, functional Traits such as empathy, accessibil-
tend to think of alternative and crea- leaders, CXOs and more. However, we ity, personal touch and authenticity
tive solutions. I view speedbumps as still have a long way to go,” she states. should be encouraged.
the inevitables that help build charac-
ter and a value system, develop analyt- Mohapatra cites several instances to “Organisations must wake up to the
ical thinking and instil a mindset that make her case. The success of girls in fact that simply hiring more women is
seeks all opportunities to succeed,” STEM as opposed to very few women not the answer to solving gender im-
says Mohapatra. occupying roles as CFOs or business balance at the workplace. They must
unit leaders is one such point. adopt a holistic approach to diversity
WOMEN IN INDIA@75 and inclusion through aspects like un-
The managing director of Adobe In- She points out, “Women-led uni- biased hiring procedures, embracing
dia firmly believes the society as well corns or companies going for IPOs are diverse leadership styles, offering pay
as the workforce in the country have few. Women must be given opportuni- parity, and providing equal opportuni-
become more inclusive. ties to prove their mettle in finance- ties for everyone to succeed,” advises
related roles, and actively build their Mohapatra.
“Over the years, I’ve seen women business acumen.”
By NOOR FATHIMA WARSIA

84 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

A Front-runner Standing Strong A Corporate

Suparna Mitra, Upasana Taku, Maestro

CEO-Watches&Wearables Chief Operating Officer & Vibha Padalkar,
Co-founder, MobiKwik
Division,TitanCompany MD and CEO, HDFC Life
India’s largest indepen-
With extensive busi- dent mobile payments Vibha Padalkar, one of
ness acumen, Su- company, MobiKwik was the main decision-
parna Mitra is a sales founded by Upasana Taku makers in the company,
and marketing veteran and Bipin Preet Singh in always aims to revive the
with close to 30 years of April 2009 when India was investment and boost con-
experience. a 100 per cent cash econo- sumption at the macro
my. Hailing from a middle- level.
Her exposure through class family of Kashmiri
marketing roles over the Pandits, Taku graduated Under her leadership,
years has helped her ce- from the National Insti- HDFC Life has reached
ment Titan’s presence in tute of Technology with heights and she injected
domestic and international a degree in Industrial the diversity agenda in the
markets. Engineering. Pursuing a company. Recently, the
Master’s from Stanford standalone net profit of the
A disruptor by nature, University pushed her to company for the quarter
Mitra believes in creating take the entrepreneurial ended December rose 3.2
memorable experiences for per cent to Rs 273.65 crore
her consumers. She also plunge. Before establish- from Rs 264.99 crore in the
envisions a society where ing MobiKwik, Taku was corresponding quarter last
women enjoy an egalitarian associated with HSBC year.
status and do not hold back and PayPal. Today, Taku
to their ambitions. is an inspiration to many. Over the years, Padalkar
She has been immensely has been the recipient of
On the personal front, recognised for her contri- various accolades, however,
she is an avid reader, an bution to India’s digital what remains constant is
enthusiastic traveller and landscape. her passion and dedication
takes pride in her personal towards her duties.
collection that is quintes- RESHAM
sentially and singularly ABHISHEK
Titan.

SOUMYA

26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 85

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE ACHIEVERS

Zarin Daruwala, Cluster CEO, India
& South Asia markets, Standard
Chartered Bank

The turnaround
master

TurningaroundtheStandardChartered

storyinIndia,ZarinDaruwalaisoptimistic

Saboutthechangesshesees “Glass ceiling exists powerhouse.”
tandard Chartered (SC) within women. We as
India was the second- women need to shed THE BIASES WITHIN
largest contributor to self-doubts and or- Reflecting on women’s inclusion in
the group’s global prof- ganisations need to India, Daruwala says bias and glass
its in 2020 and is among ceilings exist across industries in
its top three franchises accept that women India and abroad. Some manifest
for income and profits in 2021. This wear many hats” through assumptive biases and cul-
fact is interesting when compared tural stereotypes, some industries
to 2016 when the bank posted large lot more to do,” she says as she looks have lower women representation,
losses and lagged across businesses. back. and across sectors there is lower rep-
This was the year Zarin Daruwala resentation in top management and
took charge. INDIA@75 – THE POWER- board positions for women.
HOUSE
Her immediate mandate was re- Today, the cluster CEO for India “Glass ceiling exists within women.
building existing businesses like and South Asia markets including We as women need to shed self-doubts
corporate and institutional banking Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka at and organisations need accept that
to make it stronger and sustainable Standard Chartered Bank is bullish women wear many hats. Women’s
and scaling up the retail banking on India’s digital prowess. ability to juggle multiple roles is a
business with cutting edge tech- strength and as leaders, we must help
nology, competitive products and “Digital is a tremendous source of them maximise it,” says Daruwala.
sharper client focus. competitive strength, and the gov-
ernment looks to grow its contribu- By NOOR FATHIMA WARSIA
RELENTLESS EFFORT tion to GDP from 8 per cent to 20
Daruwala had to plan and deliver per cent in five years. With some of
a transformation that included di- the largest public digital platforms
verse areas of business, risk, govern- in the world such as Aadhaar and
ance and culture, and she continues UPI, democratised data access and
to do this. a strong digital infrastructure, cou-
pled with being home to a fourth of
“The last six years have been tough all engineers globally, are tailwinds
but rewarding. We have turned for India to grow as a technological
around the business and posted an
impressive set of results across. The
bank is back to sustained growth
and profits. This is a journey without
full stops though, so there’s always a

86 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022



MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE FRONT LEADERS

People’s Leader Holding Sway Razor Sharp ATrue Fighter
Over Eastern UP
Annpurna Devi, Economics AtishiMarlena,
Anupriya
Minister of State for SinghPatel, Anuradha Member of Delhi
Education Legislative Assembly
Minister of State for Thakur, Additional
Afour-time MLA from Commerce & Industry Astrong-headed woman
Jharkhand and Bihar, Secretary, Ministry of and a focused politi-
Annpurna Devi is currently Anupriya Patel is the cian, Atishi Marlena speaks
serving her first term as MP. Minister of State for Corporate Affairs her mind and puts across
She is the second Lok Sabha Commerce and Industry her views on several social
member from the state to in the Modi 2.0 govern- An u r a d h a T h a k u r issues. Marlena, an Aam
have joined the Union cabi- ment. In the first govern- is an officer of the Aadmi Party leader and a
net after tribal affairs min- ment, she was the Min- IAS and is currently the member of the party’s Po-
ister Arjun Munda. Devi ister of State for Health Additional Secretary in litical Affairs Committee
represented the Koderma and Family Welfare. Her the Ministry of Corporate (PAC), is not just fighting
party Apna Dal (Sonelal), Affairs. She has vast experi- elections but a political en-
assembly seat on four occa- of which she’s the Presi- ence in corporate manage- vironment ruled by sexist
sions and was also a min- dent, is a key ally of the ment and was the advisor men. “Politics is the only
ister in the Hemant Soren in the World Bank for three means to achieve large scale
government in 2013. The BJP in Uttar Pradesh. She years. Since 2017, due to and long term change,” says
current Minister of State represents the Mirzapur her proficient understand- Marlena. Her politics is fo-
for Education won a popu- constituency in the Lok ing of the economy, she has
lar mandate because of her Sabha and has a significant been on central deputation. cused and driven by the
contribution towards social inf luence over the Patel She was the Joint Secretary issue of education. She is
welfare and working for community in eastern UP. in the Department of In- teaching fellow politicians
the betterment of people in The BJP is banking on her vestment and Public Asset how to make a positive im-
need. Devi believes that the party’s inf luence in the Management for nearly pact in the lives of people.
teaching and learning of region for the 2022 polls. three years. Her scholarly She played an important
Indian languages should be Patel has been a vocal pro- work has focused on the im- role in revamping Delhi’s
integrated into schools and ponent of empowering portance of city regions and education system.
higher educational institu- women and their participa- metropolitan governance
tions. tion in the public sphere. and how attention needs to ABHISHEK
shift to these if the econom-
ABHISHEK ARJUN ic potential of urban areas is
to be realised.

ARJUN

Photographs: PIB, Macrovector,RiteshSharma 88 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE FRONT LEADERS

Grassroots Captain Of AWoman Of One Woman
The Ship Substance
Politician Army
H.K. Joshi,CMD, Meenakashi
Darshana Lekhi, MinofStatefor Punita K. Sinha,
The Shipping Corporation
VikramJardosh, of India Ltd. External Affairs & Culture Founder, Managing

State Minister for Railways Aleading business lead- Standing tall in a male- Partner & CIO, Pacific
er, Harjeet Kaur Joshi dominated political
& Textiles joined the Shipping Corpo- sphere, Meenakashi Lekhi Paradigm Advisors
ration of India in 2019 as is not just a leader who wit-
Darshana Jardosh rep- Chairman and Managing nesses the decision, she is Punita Sinha played a
resents the Surat con- Director (CMD) and after part of the decision-mak- crucial role to fortify
stituency in the Lok Sabha that, there was no looking ing process which has a corporate governance in
and is currently serving back for her. Interestingly, direct impact on the lives of the country by applying
her third term. In the most Joshi is the first woman to people. best practices from around
recent Cabinet expansion hold that position in India’s the globe and inventing
in July 2021, Jardosh took largest and most diversified The current Minister comfortable ways to deal
oath as the Union State shipping company. of State for External Af- with complex India-specific
Minister for Railways and fairs and Culture is actively rules and regulations. From
Textiles. As the first female to involved in providing ev- one of few women in her
lead, Joshi has had an im- ery possible assistance to class at IIT Delhi, the first
Surat has been her po- pressive career and jour- stranded Indians in the on- Indian woman to do a PhD
litical bastion. She first be- ney. She joined as Director going Ukraine crisis. in Finance at the Wharton
came the Corporator there (Finance) of the Shipping School to one of the first
in 2000 and since 2009 has Corporation of India on Apart from her involve- Indian woman global fund
been representing the city February 5, 2015. Before ment in social work, organ- managers, her journey is re-
in the Lok Sabha. that, Joshi was General isations working towards markable. Currently, Sinha
Manager (F&A) in Oil the protection of the rights is Founding Partner of Pa-
As the textile minister, and Natural Gas Corpora- of women and children, Le- cific Paradigm Advisors,
she has been vocal about tion. Specialised in Finan- khi is a stellar orator with a an independent invest-
internationalising the cial Management, Joshi’s strong attitude, favouring ment advisory focused on
Indian technical textile in- career has stretched over a the crucial policies of the Asia and Chairperson of In-
dustry. As the railway min- span of three decades. government. Cred AMC. She has been an
ister, the important Char independent Director for
Dham Project will be under ABHISHEK ABHISHEK Infosys, JSW Steel, Black-
her review. stone Embassy REIT, to
name a few.
ARJUN
ABHISHEK

Photographs: PIB,RiteshSharma 26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 89

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE FRONT LEADERS

Leena Nandan, Secretary, Ministry of cent of its cumulative electric power in-
Environment , Forest and Climate Change stalled capacity from non-fossil-based
energy sources by 2030, and reducing
Spearheading India’s emission intensity by 33-35 per cent
Climate Action Plan in 2030 against the levels of the year
2005.” She adds that the country has
one of the highest growth rates for re-
newable energy globally and its renew-
able energy programmes are poised to
attract more investments.

SELF-HELP GROUPS
Being part of the Indian Administrative
Services (IAS), Nandan has served in
various positions throughout her career.
Most notably, as the Director of Uttar
Pradesh Women Development Corpo-

As SecretaryofMoEFCC,LeenaNandanisfine- ‘As part of its NDCs,
India has committed
tuningIndia’sclimateactionplantospeedupitsfight to achieving 40 per
cent of its installed
againsttheclimateemergency electricity capacity
T here’s no doubt that from non-fossil en-
world over the momen- This includes enhancing forest cov- ergy sources by 2030
tum towards climate er in degraded forest land through
action is at its peak af- community involvement and owner- ration in 1995, she focused on main-
ter the COP26 Summit ship, developing and mainstreaming streaming the concept of mobilising
biodegradable alternatives to plastic rural women through self-help groups
for self-employment and income gen-
in Glasgow last year. In and devising innovative financial in- eration, which significantly contributed
towards the rural self-help movement
India, the Ministry of Environment, struments for funding climate change in Uttar Pradesh in the 90s. In 2002-03
as Project Director of National Leprosy
Forest and Climate Change (MoEF- adaptation and mitigation measures Elimination Mission for Uttar Pradesh,
she mobilised school children in the mis-
CC), under the leadership of Leena in critical sectors. sion for early detection and timely treat-
ment. With the successful involvement
Nandan, is enhancing India’s climate of schools in Uttar Pradesh, the first
stage identification of leprosy patients
action framework to help India meet RENEWABLE ENERGY GROWTH was brought to rural households in the
villages of Uttar Pradesh and was recog-
its climate commitments. On India’s energy transition drive, Nan- nised as a pioneering effort.

dan says, “India is leading the way in By ARJUN YADAV

ONGOING INITIATIVES fulfilling the commitments under the

As Secretary, MoEFCC, Nandan has Nationally Determined Contributions

several planned/ongoing initiatives. (NDCs), which include achieving 40 per

90 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE FRONT LEADERS

Top-notch Work ARay Of Hope ABreath Of A Lone Warrior
Fresh Air
Pushpa Renuka Singh Pratima
Subramaniam, Sadhvi
Saruta, Ministerof Niranjan Jyoti, Bhoumik,
Secy, Ministry of Food
Processing Industries State for Tribal Affairs Minister of State for Rural MoS, Social Justice &
Development
Know n for he r a c - Union Minister of State Empowerment
tive presence on the for Tribal Affairs, the Bor n i n a r u r a l l a -
ground, Pushpa Subraman- name itself highlights Re- bour family in Uttar Pratima Bhoumik, Tri-
yam is an Andhra Pradesh nuka Singh Saruta’s ex- Pradesh, Sadhvi Niran- pura’s only politician
(now Telangana) cadre, IAS pertise and duties towards jan Jyoti understands the in Centre and new Minis-
of the 1985 batch. In her the tribal people which is struggle of every Indian, ter of State (MoS), Social
earlier work, Subraman- often considered as the especially the middle-class Justice and Empowerment
yam has been very active in neglected population. Sa- family in rural India. The has come a long way and is
the field and made quite an ruta started her career as current Minister of State continuously working for
impression on cotton farm- the first woman president for Rural Development has the welfare of people.
ers of various southern and of Ramanujnagar Mandal, tirelessly worked towards
western Indian states. She Chhattisgarh of the BJP in the welfare of the society Bhowmik, popularly
took charge as a Secretary 2000. She also served in the with special attention to known as ‘Pratima di’
in the Ministry of Food Pro- Samaj Kalyan Board from the rural sector. Her pas- scripted history when she
cessing in 2018. Since then, 2001 to 2003. Known as a became the first politician
her efforts for cold chains people’s leader, especially sion for mass politics and from Tripura to be sworn in
or involvement in concepts in tribal areas, Saruta in religious expertise makes as a central minister. Prior
of mega food parks, food the past highlighted the for a potent combination to this, Bhowmik was the
plight of the poor people and a breath of fresh air. Jy- General Secretary of the
safety and quality stan- and raised demand for ra- oti works for the upliftment Tripura unit of BJP. Bhow-
dards are commendable. tion cards, sulabh shaucha- of the poor children (she mik has been with the BJP
From Pradhan Mantri layas (public toilets) and helps in marriages of poor since 1991.
Kisan Sampada Yojana to schools for them. Currently, girls) and vulnerable people
agro-processing clusters Saruta is acting as a bridge along with the protection of Coming from a humble
or operation greens, her between the tribal popula- cows and the environment, background, she practices
contribution in the field is tion and government ma- besides advocating and pro- farming. Bhowmik once
unmatched. chinery. moting social and cultural donated Rs 1,00,000 from
values. her first month’s salary for
ABHISHEK ABHISHEK Assam flood relief.
ABHISHEK
ABHISHEK

Photographs: Bigmouse,PIB, 26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 91

MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

THE FRONT LEADERS

An Efficient Leading India’s
Administrator
Largest State
Shobha
Karandlaje, Usha Sharma

MoS for Agriculture & Chief Secretary,
Farmers’ Welfare
Rajasthan
Shobh a K a r a nd l aje
is among the seven On January 31, 2022,
women MPs who took over Usha Sharma was
as Union ministers in the appointed as the Chief Sec-
Modi government’s most retary of Rajasthan and
recent Cabinet expansion became the second woman
in July 2021. She is the ever to hold the top bureau-
Minister of State for Agri- cratic post in the state. She
culture and Farmers’ Wel- was on Central deputation
fare. Her political growth in New Delhi since 2012.
began after being elected Sharma’s influence and un-
as an MLC in Karnataka derstanding of Rajasthan’s
in 2004. In 2008, when the polity can be estimated by
BJP formed its first govern- the fact that she has been
ment in Karnataka, she was transferred to her parent
made a minister. She also cadre in Rajasthan by the
became the first woman to Centre on the request of the
handle the energy portfo- state government led by
lio and was given credit for Ashok Gehlot. The appoint-
handling the power sector. ment gains significance be-
She has strong roots in the cause it comes a year before
Sangh Parivar and has a the 2023 Rajasthan Assem-
public image of being an bly elections. Sharma, in
efficient administrator and the past, has worked in Ra-
a firebrand politician. jasthan in areas spreading
across urban development,
ARJUN textiles, tourism, agricul-
ture and energy.

ARJUN

Photographs: PIB 92 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022



MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

GUEST COLUMN

By Susan Ferguson

Women
Can
Transform
India’s
Post-Covid
Recovery
T
WO YEARS AGO, we were only a decade away from the deadlines set by the Sustainable Develop-
ment Goals (SDG) for a just and equal world. Then the Covid-19 pandemic erupted, threatening
to reverse many of our hard-earned wins across the global agenda. The 2030 agenda aims to
transform economic, political, environmental and social landscapes. While progress was erratic,
the pandemic dealt it a big blow. Many people lost their livelihoods, and at a pace we never thought
we would witness in our lifetimes. The most affected were also the most vulnerable – women and
girls, particularly those from poor and marginalised backgrounds.

India has played an exceptional role in shaping the SDGs and it remains critical for the country

to continue the work to meet the targets. We need to continue to level the field by addressing

challenges such as accessibility and affordability of education, and existing social and cultural

biases that prevent women and girls from benefiting from the advances the country is making in

terms of financial and digital inclusion.

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ (Collective

Efforts, Inclusive Growth), there’s a great opportunity for Indian women to play a transforma-

tional role in the post-Covid recovery and rebuilding process, including stepping up measures

on the ground to respond to nutrition and food insecurities, livelihoods and healthcare needs of

rural communities, and so on.

Over the last one decade, women-led grassroots initiatives have played a key role among

low-income and rural communities in India. These women’s cooperatives and Self Help Groups

(SHGs), which came into being over a decade ago as an experiment in women’s financial inclusion

and empowerment, have proved to be a vital resource during the lockdowns.

For example, Bank Sakhis, or women from local SHGs who work as banking intermediar-

94 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022

by some 20,000 SHGs across

27 Indian states, in addition to

over 100,000 litres of sanitiser,

and nearly 50,000 litres of hand

wash soap. Since production

was decentralised, these items

could be distributed easily with-

out the need for complex logis-

tics and transportation.

Women’s collectives also

helped connect to far-flung ru-

ral communities to disseminate

various Covid-related messages

through innovative approaches.

The pandemic, and low inter-

net penetration in remote and

There’s a lot we can do to level the field for women poorer communities, meant
these communities were cut

through our everyday actions – whether it’s off from the rest of the country
recognising and removing unconscious biases or being during the first chaos of the
pandemic and the lockdowns.

vocal supporters of gender equality Megha Mandali, a cooperative
of 1,000 tribal women farmers

in Tapi district in southern Gu-

ies, have continued to provide doorstep jarat, developed a training programme that could be delivered

banking services to far-flung communi- through mobile phones via conference calls. To kickstart the

ties. They have distributed pensions and project, initially 20 master trainers were trained, and each

helped the most needy to access credit of them trained 140 community leaders and members. The

through direct benefit transfers. Banks initiative connected these communities to the larger Covid

have given these women special training information pool, while also equipping local women with new

and provided them with financial incen- skills to be able to use digital tools for community service.

tives to enable them to continue to work The success of these women-led initiatives also show that

during the lockdown. a partnership with the Indian government in building social

Women SHGs have also helped ad- capital among the rural poor is crucial. India’s SHG movement

dress protective equipment shortage in has evolved from small savings and credit groups that sought

the initial months of the pandemic. The to empower poor rural women, into one of the world’s largest

Mask for India platform originated at institutional platforms for the poor. Today, 67 million Indian

the time to bridge the gap between the women are members of six million SHGs.

supply and demand of cotton, reusable There’s a lot we can do to level the field for women through

masks during the pandemic. Women our everyday actions – whether it’s recognising and removing

from various SHGs played an important unconscious biases, being vocal supporters of gender equality,

role in meeting shortfalls in masks, sani- questioning stereotypes – but most importantly – supporting

tisers and protective equipment. women to evolve into future leaders.

In Odisha, for instance, poor ru- International Women’s Day every year brings us an oppor-

ral women who were once engaged in tunity to reaffirm our commitment to equality. Keeping true to

stitching school uniforms, produced in UN Women India’s theme of ‘Gender equality today for a better

a few weeks more than a million cotton tomorrow,’ our campaign, #KisiSeKamNahi applauds, ac-

masks, helping equip police personnel knowledges and celebrates the contribution of women and girls

and health workers, while also earning from diverse backgrounds. On 8 March. And every day.

an income for themselves. More than

19 million masks have been produced The author is Country Representative, UN Women India

Photographs by UN Women India 26 March 2022 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 95

REPORT SANITATION

EVEN AS THE 21ST CEN- the ISC has been bringing the multiple “We are among those who not
TURY Indian woman was stakeholders involved in water, sanitation only witnessed the nation’s
making her presence felt in and hygiene (WASH) projects together. journey to an open defecation
business, academia, indus- It’s most effective role perhaps, has been free destination but also
try or the world of glitz and in involving India’s vibrant corporate sec- partnered with the initiative
glamour, a vast multitude in rural India tor into the mission, to enable corporate that aimed at beating the
remained apologetic about their femi- social responsibility (CSR) funds to flow menace of open defecation,”
ninity, even as they huddled in the fields into WASH projects.
for their morning ablutions. Through the NAINA LAL KIDWAI, CHAIR, ISC
apparently simple act of building a toilet It is perhaps serendipitous that
within the premises of a home or a school, ISC should be spearheaded and led by financial services industry in India and
the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has woman achievers. India Sanitation overseas across three decades, she veered
opened the vistas of a whole new world for Coalition Chair, Naina Lal Kidwai, was into the development sector in 2018. She
them – a world that is safe and sanitary. among the iconic first Indian women to took charge as India Sanitation Coalition
break through the corporate glass ceil- CEO two years ago.
Though an initiative of the Union gov- ing to head HSBC’s operations in In-
ernment, flagged off by Prime Minister dia as Country Head. She was also the The India Sanitation Coalition offi-
Narendra Modi on 2 October 2014, the first woman president of India’s oldest cially became functional in June 2015.
programme is essentially being imple- chamber of commerce, the Federation “We are among those who not only wit-
mented at the level of the state govern- of Indian Chambers of Commerce and nessed the nation’s journey to an ODF
ments and local communities, where Industry (FICCI). Working alongside (open defecation free) destination but
funding the projects is often a major hin- her is another amazing personality, ISC’s also partnered with the initiative that
drance. The India Sanitation Coalition Chief Executive Officer, Natasha Patel. aimed at beating the menace of open def-
(ISC), ensconced within the FICCI head- Patel is a banker, who also owns a PhD ecation, led by none other than the Prime
quarters at Federation House in New Del- in French literature from Sorbonne Uni- Minister of India,” says Naina Lal Kidwai.
hi, has been working closely on the SBM versity. After a successful career in the “After brainstorming with Hari Menon
goals. Apart from taking the messaging of at BMGF (Bill & Melinda Gates Founda-
the programme forward through its con- They tion), Neeraj Jain then CEO of WaterAid
ferences, literature and the ISC-FICCI and now Country Director, India PATH
Awards for best practices in sanitation, and others, my husband (the late Rashid
K. Kidwai) and I decided to work in sani-
Strive for tation in early 2014. We co-founded the
a Swachh India Sanitation Coalition with support
Bharat from BMGF and housed it in FICCI and
were delighted that soon after, the Prime
TheSwachhBharatMissionischangingthe Minister launched the Swachh Bharat
ethosandimageofruralIndiaandtakingitsgoals

forwardquietlyistheIndiaSanitationCoalition
By MadhumitaChakraborty
.

96 | BW BUSINESSWORLD | 26 March 2022