Over the past five years, Indian women have shattered glass ceilings, rewritten history, and inspired millions with their extraordinary achievements. From making history at Cannes and conquering Olympic podiums to leading space missions and redefining entrepreneurship, these trailblazers have proven that no dream is too big!
This Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the remarkable Indian women who have made headlines and left an indelible mark on the world.
Payal Kapadia
Payal Kapadia made history in 2024 by winning the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival for “All We Imagine as Light”, becoming the first Indian filmmaker to receive the honour. An alumna of FTII, her storytelling blends realism with poetic imagery.
Kapadia’s success has given global recognition to Indian independent cinema and inspired a new wave of filmmakers to challenge mainstream narratives.
Ritu Karidhal
ISRO scientist Ritu Karidhal played a key role in India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made history in 2023 as India became the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole. She was also the Deputy Operations Director for Mangalyaan, India’s Mars mission. Known as “Rocket Woman of India,” she has been an inspiration for women in STEM.
Avani Lekhara
Avani Lekhara made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, successfully defending her women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 title and becoming the first Indian woman to win two gold medals in the Games’ history. She scored 249.7 in the final, setting a new Paralympic record and breaking her own previous record of 249.6 from Tokyo 2020.
Overcoming a spinal cord injury, Avani has redefined resilience and excellence in para sports, inspiring millions with her remarkable achievements and unwavering determination.
Falguni Nayar
Falguni Nayar, the founder of Nykaa, became India’s richest self-made woman after the company’s blockbuster IPO in 2021. A former investment banker, she launched Nykaa in 2012, revolutionising the beauty and e-commerce industry.
Today, Nykaa is a billion-dollar company, revolutionizing online beauty retail in India. Nayar’s success has set a precedent for aspiring women entrepreneurs across the country.
Priyanka Mohite
Priyanka Mohite became the first Indian woman to scale five peaks above 8000 metres, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Lhotse. She reached the summit of Mount Annapurna in 2021, making history. Her achievements in mountaineering prove that women can conquer even the most extreme challenges!
Mohana Singh
Squadron Leader Mohana Singh made history in 2024 by becoming the first woman fighter pilot to join the prestigious 18 ‘Flying Bullets’ squadron, which operates India’s homegrown LCA Tejas fighter jets.
One of India’s first women fighter pilots, she was among the three Flight Lieutenants inducted into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force. She, along with her fellow officers, was honoured with the ‘Naari Shakti Award’ in 2020 for her remarkable achievements.
Mithali Raj
As the captain of India’s women’s national cricket team, Mithali Raj has been a trailblazer in the sport. In 2021, she became the first Indian female batter and the world’s second female player to surpass 10,000 runs across all formats. Her illustrious career, spanning over two decades, has been instrumental in elevating women’s cricket in India, inspiring countless young athletes to pursue the sport professionally.
Manu Bhaker
Manu Bhaker made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics, becoming the first Indian athlete in the post-independence era to win two medals in a single edition of the Games. The 22-year-old secured bronze in the 10m air pistol event at the Chateauroux Range, making her the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting. She added another bronze in the mixed 10m air pistol event, further cementing her place in India’s sporting history.
Versha Verma
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many families were unable to perform last rites for their loved ones, Versha Verma from Lucknow took it upon herself to ensure dignified cremations. She founded an NGO called “EK Koshish Aisi Bhi” and took responsibility for performing last rites of countless unclaimed bodies.
Her contact was listed in hospitals, mortuaries, and police stations to assist with cremations if a body remained unclaimed for 72 hours. Through her efforts, she ensured that every individual received a respectful farewell, even in the most challenging times.
Droupadi Murmu
Droupadi Murmu made history in 2022 by becoming India’s first tribal President and the second woman to hold the office. A leader from Odisha’s Santhal community, Murmu has been a strong advocate for tribal rights and education. Her journey from a humble background to the highest constitutional post in India, is an inspiring testament to perseverance and leadership!
