Champions of Change – Top 10 Women Shaping Modern India” is a testament to the indomitable spirit and extraordinary achievements of pioneering women who are not just shaping, but revolutionizing, the narrative of contemporary India. Through their unwavering dedication, groundbreaking initiatives, and unwavering commitment to progress, these remarkable individuals serve as beacons of inspiration, illuminating paths of empowerment, equity, and excellence for generations to come.
1. Aishwarya Biswas:
Auli Lifestyle has been conceptualised and created by the effervescent Aishwarya Biswas. Her passion for wellness essentials, pamper packages and in fact every single product is an echo of not just her heart and soul but also of her expertise and experience. A well-known face today, in the beauty and fashion products industry, Aishwarya wears a humble feather on her cap as the winner of Lakme Sananda Tilottama in 2001. She then went on to complete her graduation from NYU, with no less than a double major. She capped off her academic achievements with a post-grad MBA from one of the most premier globally-ranked business schools alongside a short stint at the London School of Economics. Aishwarya is also a Trained Image Consultant from the iconic Fashion Institute of Technology, New York and has left a significant global footprint. Having lived in 5 countries and having worked at senior management levels for over a decade for top corporate houses; she brings her formidable corporate and world experience to her unique line of branded, natural and handmade products. Infused with her unadulterated sense of ‘joie-de-vivre’, Auli Lifestyle products are a lush and tempting testament of her passion and knowledge – a wide range of skin products and healthy living methods that will keep you shining; feeling like a million bucks and diving back in for more! Affordable, unique, Indian and lush; defined by just 4 letters – AULI.
2. Dr. Ritika Sahni Ahuja:
As the Director of Law Academy and an Assistant Professor at Katni Arts and Commerce College in Katni, oversees a range of classes catering to various legal fields. These classes cover a spectrum of legal examinations, including Civil Judge, ADPO (Assistant District Public Prosecutor), LLM (Master of Laws), LLB (Bachelor of Laws), BALLB (Integrated Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws), and other competitive legal examinations. Under her guidance, students receive comprehensive preparation tailored to the specific requirements of each examination. Dr. Ahuja’s expertise and experience in these areas ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to excel in their legal careers and competitive exams. Her commitment to providing high-quality education and preparing students for the challenges of the legal profession make her classes highly sought after among aspiring legal professionals in the region.
3. Falguni Kharwa:
She is a versatile artist renowned for her expertise in graphic design and her passion for photography, particularly in maternity, newborn, children, and family photography. With over twenty years of experience and certifications from esteemed institutions like J.J. School of Arts in India and HND in Advertising & Graphic Designing in the UK, Falguni has established herself as a leader in the field. Transitioning from a successful career as Head of Design at a multinational corporation, Falguni pursued her love for photography professionally in 2018. Her work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Times of India and Vogue India Mother and Baby Magazine. Notably, she has received accolades from the International Rise Awards and Mother & Baby Magazine India. Falguni is internationally recognized as both a certified photographer and trainer, having spoken at conferences and summits worldwide. Recently, she organized a groundbreaking mega event and masterclass in Ahmedabad, in collaboration with Littolo House, marking a significant milestone in newborn photography. Falguni’s dedication to her craft and her commitment to creating timeless memories for families underscore her remarkable career trajectory.
4. Dimpal Mulani:
Her story is a testament to the power of following one’s heart and embracing entrepreneurial spirit. A Chartered Accountant by profession, she defied convention and pursued her passion for newborn photography. Today, she stands tall as a successful woman entrepreneur, carving her niche in the industry with her venture, Littolo House. Dimpal’s journey began with a single unique product that garnered overwhelming response, igniting her entrepreneurial spirit. Despite facing challenges, she persisted, driven by her unwavering determination and passion. Through years of hard work and perseverance, she transformed her vision into reality, establishing Littolo House as a leading creator and supplier of baby photography props. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs resonates with her journey – identify your goal and relentlessly pursue it. Dimpal’s story inspires not just in Ahmedabad, where Littolo House is based, but across the globe, where her brand is recognized and trusted. Her tale serves as a beacon of hope for those daring to follow their dreams and turn them into reality, reminding us that with dedication and resilience, anything is possible.
5. Ananya Das Mahapatra:
Her story of resilience and empowerment takes on new heights with her prestigious accolades. Despite facing health challenges, Ananya’s passion and dedication led her to receive the Bengal Achievers Award, Srhestha Bangali Award, and Natya Mohini Award from international dance shows. From her humble beginnings in Mohanpur, West Medinipur, Ananya’s upbringing instilled in her strong values and a drive to pursue her passions alongside her academic endeavors. Despite the setback of being diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, Ananya remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence. Fuelled by her love for education and a desire to uplift others, particularly women, Ananya established “Ana Knowledge Arena Private Limited.” Through her company, she aims to provide opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive and succeed, inspiring others with her resilience and determination.
6. Ms. Apoorva Shukla:
The founder of Samaprabhan Psychotherapy and Training Centre in Lucknow. With a master’s degree in clinical psychology and certifications in various therapeutic modalities including hypnotherapy, CBT, and past life regression therapy, she offers a holistic approach to addressing psychological issues. She helps people with their feelings and mental health using proven methods and a caring approach. Additionally, at Samaprabhan she conducts certified courses and workshops, disseminating invaluable knowledge and skills in areas such as CBT, REBT, and Gestalt therapy. They also offer help to individuals, couples, families, and even organizations dealing with things like anxiety, depression, fear, phobia, stress, work-life balance, handling work pressure, managing employees, improving work culture and relationship troubles.
7. Rajni Shah:
An educator and community leader, illuminates through her YouTube channel “India in my heart” and as the deputy director of Inspiring Indian Women (IIW) UK, Guwahati chapter. Her resilience as the sole breadwinner of her family underscores her strength since age 15, empowering women, breaking taboos, and raising awareness on crucial issues like women’s safety and social development. With 17 years of teaching experience, she mentors many, earning the reputation as a one-stop solution from KG to PG. Rajni’s magnetic personality transcends age barriers, cementing her as an icon. A skilled dancer and singer, she embodies beauty and talent, inspiring through actions. Rajni Shah isn’t just a woman; she’s an inspiration. Her journey reflects steadfast commitment to education and social upliftment, earning prestigious awards like the Sheinspire Award by the UK Parliament and the Kakoli Patwari memorable award. She’s acknowledged by esteemed institutions like the Indian Book of Records and SKRIS Mumbai. Her dedication as an educator has earned national recognition with awards from the Welred Foundation New Delhi. Rajni’s influence extends across organizations like Stree Mission, Sahara Charitable Trust, and Vidya Academy of Fine Arts Chennai, solidifying her reputation as a beacon of inspiration nationwide. Her unwavering commitment and remarkable talent continue to uplift communities and ignite profound change.
8. Archunaa Jaiin:
Archunaa Jaiin is a dynamic entrepreneur and beacon of inspiration, known for her unwavering commitment to excellence and individuality. At thirty, she has already left an indelible mark on various domains including entrepreneurship, social activism, fashion modeling, and authorship.Through ventures like the Florian Foundation, Florian Spa N Salon, and India Brainy Beauty, as well as acclaimed books such as “She’s Unlimited” and “Unboxing Beauty,” Archunaa has made significant strides in making a positive impact on society. Her mantra, “Don’t let others convince you that the idea is good when your gut tells you it’s bad,” reflects her bold approach to life.In 2023, she wowed audiences at the Bombay Times Fashion Week with a purpose-driven presentation, solidifying her status as an influential figure. Beyond her professional pursuits, Archunaa is deeply committed to uplifting underprivileged individuals, particularly advocating for women’s financial independence.As the editor-in-chief of “IBB Chronicles- The World of Inspiration,” Archunaa continues to lead by example, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams with passion and purpose. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of determination, passion, and compassion, proving that age is just a number when coupled with will and courage.
9. Malvica Saxena:
The mind behind The Quirky Naari, a fashion and lifestyle company that uses digital platforms and developing technology to promote quirky fashion among millennials and Generation Z. The Quirky Naari originates in Mathura, where Malvica lived and experienced personal struggles before realizing the healing potential of art. Her love of hand-drawing patterns on shoes inspired her to create a fashion company that encourages people to embrace their uniqueness and take risks with their lives. Her study revealed that firms creating handpainted footwear did not focus on customization, which could potentially be her area of expertise. The Quirky Naari sells a variety of customized things, including bridal sneakers, handpainted sneakers, and handpainted jackets.Malvica made an appearance on Shark Tank India Season 1 Episode 20, during which she captivated the judges with an exhibit of her unique creations and secured INR 35 lakhs from Vinita Singh and Anupam Mittal in exchange for a 24% stake in his business
10. Rishika Nayak:
A creative soap-maker from Mumbai. She is the owner of The Sass Bar which makes dessert-looking soaps — yes, soaps that look like cupcakes, pastries and everything sweet! Even though you can’t eat it, the soaps are truly a dessert for the skin, as they are made with organic ingredients. Her soaps are unlike anything we’ve seen so far. An important value for their brand was putting ‘fun’ in function. The soaps had to look beautiful without compromising on scent, lather, and moisturizing. They also aimed to use sustainable packaging and worked hard on making it look good without the use of any plastic opening. So, they switched to biodegradable bubble wrap and cellulose cling film as alternatives. The quality of ingredients was extremely important to them, but they couldn’t find any certified fragrance oils and colors in India. The colors there faded away after a few days, and the fragrance was very artificial. So, they started importing them from certified suppliers.
