Empowering Women: Celebrating Beauty, Boldness, and Inspiration on International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day 2024 serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey towards empowering women and fostering gender equality across various domains. This day holds immense significance in advocating for progress in politics, economics, and social arenas, as we collectively strive for a future where women are afforded equal opportunities, representation, and influence.
In celebrating this day, we highlight the remarkable achievements of eight inspiring women who are forging paths to greatness in their respective careers and lives.
Krutika Shukla
Krutika, a mother of a 24-year-old, is much more than meets the eye. Alongside managing familial responsibilities, she’s an avid marathon runner, a dedicated yoga coach, and a motivational speaker and counselor to numerous friends and students. Graduating with double majors in sociology and human resources from Mumbai University, Krutika has spent over two decades honing her expertise in yoga, becoming a symbol of resilience and wisdom.
Within the sanctity of her yoga classes, Krutika conjures magic, blending asanas, pranayama, and intention into a symphony of empowerment. Her mat serves as a canvas where strength converges with serenity, and breath acts as a conduit to self-discovery. Through her teachings, Krutika imparts not just physical poses but the essence of possibility, encouraging her students to embrace life’s uncertainties with fortitude.
With a mantra of living in the present, Krutika emphasizes the importance of feeling each breath and relishing the journey rather than fixating on the destination. She believes in facing life’s challenges head-on, urging others to grow stronger with every hurdle encountered. For Krutika, life is about embracing the unknown, seizing each moment, and finding joy in the journey itself.
Poonam Kokane
Poonam Kokane embarked on her journey with academic achievements, earning a post-graduation and MBA in Travel and Tourism from the UK. With over 19 years of success in the travel industry, Poonam also navigated health challenges, including hormonal imbalances and ovarian cysts, while nurturing a deep interest in fitness.
At 42, Poonam found solace in powerlifting, securing a Silver Medal in a recent National competition and earning selection for the World and Asia Pacific in 2024. Despite her career and fitness accolades, Poonam’s ultimate dream remains unfulfilled: to maintain lifelong peak fitness and represent India in international competitions.
Driven by this ambition, Poonam pushes boundaries daily, fueled by dedication and perseverance. Her dedication extends to fitness training, powerlifting, kettlebell training, and sports nutrition, alongside her professional expertise in Travel and Tourism.
On Women’s Day, Poonam encourages women to pursue their passions boldly, regardless of challenges, advocating for the breaking of societal norms and the pursuit of self-empowerment. Together, let’s forge a world where women fearlessly chase their dreams, dismantling barriers along the way. Happy Women’s Day!
Vaania Dwivedi
At just 13 years old, Vaania Dwivedi, hailing from Palash Cooperative Housing Society in Wakad, is already making waves as an aspiring author. Currently enrolled at PICT Model School, Vaania, writing under the pseudonym “Ixor Wolfe,” has recently accomplished the remarkable feat of publishing her debut book, “The Saviour of Gloria – The Rightful Owner,” the inaugural installment in an enthralling three-part fiction series.
Reflecting on her journey and the inspiration behind her writing, Vaania shares, “Since I read my first word, I’ve been the definition of a bookworm. Reading satisfies me, inspires me. Around age seven or eight, I began writing short stories, like fairy tales, for my younger sister.”
Vaania’s formative years in England during primary school instilled in her a deep affection for the English language. The genesis of her debut novel, “The Saviour of Gloria,” occurred around sixth grade, though she initially began drafting it at eleven, taking a hiatus before completing it at age thirteen. Discovering her manuscript on her laptop two years later, she polished it, embracing the recognition that comes with being an author with joy and gratitude. Vaania hopes her readers find enjoyment in her current and forthcoming books, as she continues to craft stories that captivate and inspire.
Advocate Rutuja Bhosale
Advocate Rutuja Bhosale serves as the Director of SNBP Group of Institutes. According to Rutuja, education and awareness play pivotal roles in achieving gender equality and empowering women. A robust education system dismantles outdated notions regarding women’s capabilities, equipping them with the skills and confidence to pursue their aspirations. Similarly, awareness campaigns contribute to altering societal perceptions about gender roles.
When women are educated and aware of their rights, they surmount obstacles and enter fields previously dominated by men. This transcends individual success, benefiting entire communities.
Empowering women through education and awareness initiates a ripple effect. Educated women emerge as role models, challenging unjust norms and inspiring others. This endeavor isn’t solely about enhancing individual lives; it’s about fostering a society where equal opportunities are ubiquitous.
The transformative impact of empowering women through education resembles sowing seeds of change. As educated women navigate their paths, they defy conventional norms, serving as beacons of inspiration. This not only elevates individual lives but also advances the broader mission of establishing a society where equal opportunities are intrinsic, propelling progress for generations to follow.
Sharayu Patil
With 14 years of experience in the HR domain spanning both Industry and Education sectors, Sharayu Patil leads a team of five women employees, collaborating with 25 IT and Non-IT companies in Pune. Additionally, she serves as a guest lecturer at prestigious management colleges like Symbiosis, Indira, MIT SDE, NICMAR, and BITM.
Sharayu finds fulfillment in aiding startups and SMEs with their hiring needs and guiding students and candidates towards optimal career choices and professional growth.
Unfazed by challenges, Sharayu embraces them with equanimity, refusing to confine herself within boundaries.
Sharayu underscores the incredible strength, resilience, and determination inherent in women. Encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones, she advocates for pursuing passions fearlessly. Sharayu emphasizes the value of obstacles encountered along the journey, viewing them as opportunities for learning and personal enrichment. She calls upon women to empower each other, facilitating the pursuit of dreams and the realization of their fullest potential.
Kranti Mamidpalliwar
Kranti Mamidpalliwar hails from a secluded hamlet in Gadchiroli, instilled with a spirit of independence from an early age. Her upbringing was fostered by supportive parents who championed her education and career pursuits. Completing her LLB and teacher training at Nagpur University, Kranti dedicated years to Shri Datta Meghe’s Education Institute before relocating to Pune in 2008, where she briefly engaged in a BPO role. However, her true calling lay in establishing her own childcare and education venture.
Following the birth of her daughter, Kranti keenly felt the necessity for a secure and nurturing space for children, prompting her to launch Kids Den daycare in 2013, now catering to over 90 children. Empathetic, persevering, and meticulously attentive, Kranti derives immense joy from providing a haven of safety and growth for the children under her care.
To fellow women, Kranti extends a message of self-belief, asserting that our innate qualities as caregivers and nurturers also equip us for entrepreneurship. She urges them to trust in themselves, for therein lies the foundation of success both as parents and business leaders.
Vishakha Kulkarni
Vishakha Kulkarni completed her MBA in advertising at Indore before relocating to Pune after her marriage in 2010. For four years, she immersed herself in the advertising sector, where she excelled at bridging client concepts with creative design. It was during this time that Vishakha’s interest in design blossomed.
A trip to Switzerland left a lasting impression on her, particularly the meticulously landscaped gardens adorning every residence. Inspired, she departed from her job and dedicated herself to revolutionizing balcony and home garden designs with innovative organization.
Despite pregnancy interruptions and the hurdles of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vishakha’s clients continued to support and appreciate her work, motivating her to expand into interior design. Formal training in this field led to the establishment of Substance Living, a thriving interior design firm operating for the past four years.
Vishakha derives immense joy from transforming her clients’ visions into tangible dream homes, expressing gratitude to her family and team for their unwavering support. A risk-taker at heart, she emphasizes the rewards of following one’s passion, despite the challenges of entrepreneurship. Handling a team dominated by males, Vishakha encourages aspiring entrepreneurs, asserting that with passion and determination, success is within reach.
Srividya Ravi
Srividya Ravi, a pharmacist and patent agent by training, recently attained her Doctoral degree in Health Sciences at the age of 55. With over three decades of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and Intellectual Property Rights, she presently leads a company, having also collaborated with esteemed organizations like the World Health Organization. Outside her professional realm, she dedicates her time to volunteering for the NGO, Goonj, focusing on reducing and recycling plastic waste.
Content with her current position, Srividya has achieved a harmonious equilibrium between work, life, and family responsibilities. Despite her career being part-time, she managed to prioritize family commitments while actively contributing to societal welfare. As a founding member of the Wakad Cultural Forum, she has fostered appreciation for Indian classical arts within the local community.
Throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Srividya remained engaged, providing support to those in need and advocating for affordable access to medication worldwide. Her endeavors reflect a blend of local and global contributions.
Ishrat Mehmood Auti, Educationist, Vice President, Pearl Drop School, Kondhwa
On this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the remarkable journey of resilience and determination embodied by countless women around the world.
For me, life was a struggle from the start, growing up as a girl in a joint family with financial constraints. However, my mother’s unwavering support and my determination led me through the challenges. Despite initial setbacks in education, my husband’s promise to support me propelled me forward, enabling me to become a commerce graduate. Inspired by my mother and aunts, who were teachers and science graduates, I embarked on a journey of education and empowerment. Starting a Montessori in Saudi Arabia marked a turning point, leading to a successful career as a primary teacher.
My journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the support of loved ones. I believe in continuous personal growth, drawing inspiration from everyday people’s resilience and determination. To all women aspiring to follow their passions, I urge you to embrace your journey with pride and resilience. Uphold your dignity and never underestimate your inner strength. Patience and perseverance are key on the path to success. Remember, your impact extends beyond yourself—you have the power to shape communities and inspire others.
Ridhiemaa Virddi, a Social Activist
Her career path, guided by instinct, led her from studying for an MBA to pursuing her passion for teaching and motivational speaking. Teaching brings her joy, especially when working with children, and she finds fulfillment in giving back to society. She firmly believes in sharing knowledge and spreading positivity.
Ridhiemaa’s choice to be socially involved and philanthropic aligns with her values. Teaching children in slums ensures no one is left behind, fostering a sense of belonging within the community. Overcoming failures with a positive mindset fuels her determination to achieve her goals.
Successful women, she believes, are goal-oriented and resilient. They assert their right to dream and persevere through challenges, continuously learning and growing. Prioritizing tasks and maintaining a clear vision are essential qualities she emphasizes.
For Women’s Day, Ridhiemaa encourages others to focus on karma, doing good deeds without expecting much in return. Consistency, she believes, is key to success, urging women to remain dedicated to their passions and pursuits.
Dr Ruchira Beri Khanna, Dentist
For nearly two decades, I’ve devoted myself to dentistry in Pune, specializing in Prosthodontics. With qualifications in BDS and MDS, our clinics have consistently ranked among Pune’s top dental facilities by the Times of India health survey. My focus areas include smile designing, cosmetic dentistry, and implants, where I’ve seen the profound impact of dental care on individuals.
My passion for transforming lives, whether through pain relief, restoring oral function, or boosting confidence, drives my professional journey. Supported by my family—parents, husband, and daughters—I’ve embraced community service, notably through my husband’s Health Chakra initiative, delivering healthcare to all.
What sets me apart is my belief in the strength of women and community. I advocate for unity and diversity, recognizing the collective power of women. This International Women’s Day, I encourage women to pursue their dreams, honoring those who came before us and striving for a brighter future for our daughters. Together, united by our strength, we can achieve anything. Cheers to women’s unwavering spirit!
Advocate Charmaine Ann D’souza, Wanowrie
Advocate Charmaine Ann D’souza reflects on her journey from uncertainty to success, emphasizing the importance of resilience, passion, and advocacy for women’s rights.
After completing her M.Com, D’souza felt drawn to the legal profession and pursued LLB and LLM degrees, specializing in criminal and corporate laws. Discovering her passion as a litigation advocate, she delved into family law after witnessing numerous women facing similar domestic issues, regardless of their backgrounds. She underscores the resilience of these women in seeking peace of mind and protecting their children from toxic relationships.
D’souza advocates for the incorporation of prenuptial agreements into the judicial system to streamline legal processes and alleviate burdens on courts and litigants. She attributes her success to hard work, passion, and the seamless alignment of client needs with legal services.
Reflecting on her experiences in Bharatanatyam and her tenure as the first female president of Pune’s oldest club, PGI, D’souza acknowledges the challenges women face in being heard and respected. Despite misogyny, she persevered with integrity and decisive leadership, serving for seven years.
As Women’s Day approaches, D’souza encourages women to remain resilient, focused, and confident in pursuing their goals. She emphasizes the power of a clear consciousness and unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and achieve success in any endeavor.
Aarti Kumar: Empowering Communities Through Affordable Education
Aarti Kumar stands as a beacon of achievement, particularly in the realm of education accessibility. Aarti’s expertise in child education spans over 32 years, with more than two decades spent in the Middle East working in British curriculum schools across Saudi Arabia and Dubai. During her tenure, she held key roles such as Kindergarten Coordinator, contributing significantly to curriculum development and advancing teaching methodologies.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Aarti has demonstrated a deep commitment to social work for several decades. During her time in Bahrain, she actively engaged with the Indian Ladies Association, providing support to migrant workers from India. She has also dedicated her efforts to serving autistic and mentally challenged children, as well as offering assistance to the Indian Labor community through financial aid and English language teaching initiatives.
Upon relocating to Pune, Aarti continued her altruistic pursuits by volunteering her services to Marathi medium schools in the vicinity of NIBM and Salunkhe Vihar. Her contributions included providing English language instruction to children on an honorary basis.
Notably, Aarti has extended her generosity by offering free preschool education to children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, including the children of maids and security workers.
Aarti’s overarching goal remains steadfast: to democratize access to high-quality preschool education within the community. Through her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, she continues to empower individuals and uplift communities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Meena Galani, Raheja Vistas Phase 3, Mohammed Wadi
Meena Galani, residing in Raheja Vistas Phase 3, Mohammed Wadi, has achieved remarkable feats as a single parent, raising her son to become a proficient IT engineer who now resides in America. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to both her family and community.
For years, Meena served as a teacher in a community school, where she not only imparted education but also instilled crucial life values in underprivileged students. Despite tempting opportunities elsewhere, she chose to remain committed to her students, firmly believing that their well-being depended on her presence. Her mantra was simple yet profound: “If we leave, who will be there for these children?”
Meena’s advocacy extended beyond the classroom. She tirelessly campaigned for scholarships for financially disadvantaged children, ensuring they had the means to pursue their education and dreams. Her efforts significantly contributed to providing opportunities for those who would have otherwise been left behind.
Throughout her journey, Meena faced formidable challenges, including battles with Typhoid and Breast Cancer. Despite these obstacles, she continued her work and efforts to uplift society, never wavering in her commitment to improving the lives of the underprivileged.
Her greatest triumph came when she witnessed her son’s successful settlement in the USA. It was a moment that validated her sacrifices and the values she instilled in him. Meena’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering determination—a beacon of hope for both her family and the community she serves.
Dr. Trishla Rane, HYPNOTHERAPIST & PSYCHIC HEALER, Wanowrie
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Dr. Trishla Rane spoke about the challenges she overcame. She recounted her own experience, emphasizing the importance of resilience and a creative mindset in overcoming challenges.
“At first glance, my endeavors may have seemed unsuccessful,” Dr. Rane began, “but I recognized the power of my creative mind and my desire to contribute positively to society.” Leveraging her expertise in treating mental health and utilizing social media, she initiated community projects aimed at neighborhood support and transformation. Through these initiatives, she not only fostered a shift in mindset but also assisted individuals in manifesting their aspirations through parapsychology and hypnotherapy.
Dr. Rane highlighted the significance of maintaining faith in oneself and the greater purpose. “No matter how daunting the circumstances may appear, never lose faith in your abilities,” she asserted. “Persevere and continue striving towards your objectives.”
When asked about the qualities essential for women to succeed, Dr. Rane emphasized resilience, emotional intelligence, humility, accountability, integrity, empathy, intuitive power, and perseverance. “These qualities are inherent in many women and serve as pillars of strength, enabling them to progress despite adversities,” she remarked.
Addressing aspiring women, Dr. Rane shared “Nurture your inner spark and talents; let them flourish. Prioritize self-care, as it is the foundation for nurturing relationships and garnering respect from others.”
Ragini Kakkar, Clover Pinnacle Ridge, NIBM Undri Road
Ragini Kakkar, an Ikebana Artist, shares her life and career journey, reflecting on her choices, successes, and the qualities essential for women to overcome hurdles and achieve their goals.
Growing up in New Delhi, Ragini was fortunate to have parents who not only nurtured her but also instilled values in her and her three sisters. As the second among her siblings, she developed a deep love for nature from an early age, spending her childhood tending to the family garden and nurturing a variety of seasonal flowers.
Following her marriage, Ragini relocated to Pune, drawn by its vibrant cultural atmosphere and her husband’s family ties. The support and encouragement she received, especially from her husband Nitin, fueled her passion for nature and flowers. Under the tutelage of the late Mona Pingale, Ragini delved into the art of Ohara Ikebana, finding inspiration and guidance that shaped her artistic journey.
Despite encountering challenges along the way, Ragini remained grounded, adjusting her priorities as needed to balance her home life with her passion for Ikebana. Today, with her children happily settled abroad and two cherished grandsons, Ragini finds fulfillment in exploring the boundless possibilities of Ikebana, which continues to unveil new horizons for her.
Reflecting on her journey, Ragini emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset, love, patience, resilience, effective time management, and planning in navigating life’s highs and lows.
As Women’s Day approaches, Ragini offers a message of inspiration to fellow women aspiring to pursue their passions or advance in life. She encourages them to embrace their experiences as opportunities for growth and to stay true to themselves. Ragini reminds women that the world is full of possibilities, and by remaining focused on their paths, they can achieve anything they desire.
Jaya Lahiri-Mukherjee, Ph D, Nine Hills Society
Jaya Lahiri-Mukherjee, PhD, embarked on a diverse journey after earning her PhD in Microbiology, Virology & Immunology from Oregon Health Sciences University in the US. Starting as a Molecular Biologist at the National Institute of Immunology in New Delhi and TIFR in Mumbai, she later ventured into various fields driven by her multifaceted interests.
Upon becoming a mother, Jaya felt compelled to explore different paths in life. Over nearly three decades, she has worn many hats, including being a CADCAM-Autoflix designer in Pune and Muscat, a freelance journalist across Pune, Muscat, and Minnesota, the Editor for All Schools in Oman at the Youth Observer, a public speaking coach, and an organizer of children’s stage-plays and quiz competitions in Pune. In her twilight years, Jaya has found a new passion as the author of the Ravi Kumar Murder Mystery series, penning five books thus far.
Each new endeavor has enriched her life, fostering personal growth and instilling confidence in her abilities. She attributes her success to her husband, Sandip, who has stood by her side through thick and thin.
Time management, a skill honed during her PhD studies in the US, has been crucial in balancing her many roles and responsibilities. Despite facing challenges, Jaya’s resilience and prioritization have propelled her forward. She firmly believes in maintaining perspective and nurturing self-belief to overcome obstacles.
Reflecting on her journey, Jaya credits meditation, taught by her maternal grandparents, for helping her maintain focus during challenging times. Immersing herself in activities like music and Kathak dance has also provided solace and strength.
On the occasion of Women’s Day, Jaya offers words of wisdom and inspiration. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family, cherishing life’s experiences, and maintaining a positive outlook.
