Quick Summary
- Each time a Woman Stands Up for Herself, She Stands Up for All Women.
- Each of the women mentioned in the article has some important life lessons to offer.
- India is home to a diverse range of leading successful women who have broken barriers of hardships and patriarchy.
Table of Contents
India boasts a diverse array of successful women who have overcome significant challenges and shattered patriarchal barriers. These pioneering women have defied stereotypes and reached remarkable milestones in their fields. Despite their achievements, their stories often go untold and underappreciated.
A McKinsey report highlights that empowering women and promoting equality could boost India’s GDP by $700 billion by 2025. This blog shares the stories of these successful women in India to inspire and motivate the female workforce. It encourages women to recognize their potential and strive for excellence.
Read on to discover the inspiring journeys of India’s leading women and learn how they navigated challenges to achieve greatness.
Most Successful Women Politicians in India
Politics in India has traditionally been male-dominated, with only a few remarkable women choosing this challenging path. Despite the obstacles, those successful women in India who ventured into politics have made significant and impactful changes.
History has witnessed some exceptional female politicians whose ambitions and political strategies have faced criticism. Nevertheless, their contributions and unwavering determination stand out, making their achievements undeniable.
1. Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi is recognized as one of the most successful politicians in India. As the country’s first and, to date, only female prime minister, she made a profound impact on Indian politics. Named Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi by Rabindranath Tagore, she served as the second-longest-serving prime minister in the history of independent India.
Under her leadership, the Congress party reached its pinnacle of popularity, and she gained widespread admiration, especially among women. Her charisma and formidable presence cemented her status as one of the most successful women in India.
2. Sushma Swaraj
At just 25 years old, Sushma Swaraj became India’s youngest-ever cabinet minister, showcasing her versatility and passion for music, culture, and drama. A three-time best NCC Cadet, she is celebrated for her remarkable political career and stands out as one of the most successful women in India.
Among her notable achievements, Swaraj was the first woman Chief Minister of Delhi and the first female spokesperson for a national political party. Her tenure as External Affairs Minister earned her global acclaim, and she was highly regarded by the youth. Her exceptional work during evacuation missions in crises won admiration from foreign students and international communities.
With over 11 million followers on Twitter, she was recognized as the world’s most followed female leader and the most followed foreign minister, further solidifying her status among the successful women in India.
3. Mamta Banerjee
She is credited as the founder of All India Trinamool Congress. Mamta Banerjee is the first woman Chief Minister of West Bengal. She was also the first-ever woman to serve as the railway minister twice. Under her leadership, Trinamool Congress won the elections in West Bengal without any alliance.
She is largely credited with the empowerment of women in the state. Her efforts for the beautification of Kolkata are also widely admired. She was named in Forbes’ List of 100 Most Influential People in the World. Her name is also registered in Bloomberg Market’s list of 50 Most Influential People in the World of Finance.
3 Top Successful Women in Business & Entrepreneurship
Business and entrepreneurship were traditionally understood to be removed from the realm of successful women in India. However, in recent times, women are engaging in all scales of business, including those from rural and disadvantaged groups.
A report published by the National Association of Software and Services Companies showed that 18% of start-ups in India are led by at least one woman founder or co-founder. Explore our list highlighting the achievements of the most successful women in business, showcasing their impact on India’s entrepreneurial landscape. Here is a list of the most successful women in business.
Business and entrepreneurship were traditionally understood to be removed from the realm of successful women in India. However, in recent times, women are engaging in all scales of business, including those from rural and disadvantaged groups.
A report published by the National Association of Software and Services Companies showed that 18% of start-ups in India are led by at least one woman founder or co-founder. Explore our list highlighting the achievements of the most successful women in business, showcasing their impact on India’s entrepreneurial landscape. Here is a list of the most successful women in business.
1. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
She is the Chairman and Managing Director of Biocon India. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw is recognized as the first self-made woman billionaire in India. She is a true inspiration to many. She did not let skepticism and discrimination stop her from achieving great heights.
She has been awarded Padma Bhushan and Padma Shree for her excellent work. She was also honored with the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020. She had to face many obstacles including financial difficulties, gender discrimination, and a lack of resources. Yet she did not give up on her dreams.
2. Roshni Nadar Malhotra
Roshni Malhotra, one of the most successful women in India, is the CEO of HCL Technologies and the first woman to head a publicly traded IT company in the country. She is counted among the most influential women entrepreneurs in India, ranking 54th on the Forbes 100 Most Powerful Influential Women list in 2019.
She was also awarded The World’s Most Innovative People Award in 2015 and gained unmatched popularity for her excellent leadership skills during Covid-19. Beyond her professional achievements, Malhotra’s interests include yoga and classical music. She has also served as a trustee at a non-profit engineering college and is a passionate wildlife conservationist.
3. Falguni Nayar
The mere fact that she quit her job to start a business venture from scratch shows how courageous Falguni Nayar is, making her one of the most successful women in India. She is recognized as the Founder and CEO of Nykaa, representing the perfect blend of commitment and faith.
Despite being busy with her job and family, she decided to prioritize her dreams. Today, Nykaa is the most preferred brand for makeup and cosmetics in India.
Due to her sheer perseverance and determination, Falguni Nayar was named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year for 2021. She is truly an inspiration to those who feel that age is a restriction to pursuing dreams.
Most Successful Women in Sports
Many preconceived notions and stereotypes exist around women and sports. However, like all the other domains, women are breaking these prejudices and excelling in sports. Read about some famous women in sports.
1. PV Sindhu
This badminton player is regarded as one of India’s most accomplished athletes, exemplifying the spirit of successful women in India. She is the first Indian woman to win a silver medal in the Olympics and has been honored with the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards. In 2018, she was also ranked seventh on Forbes’ list of highest-paid female athletes.
She displayed an absolute sense of determination, consistency, hard work, and perseverance to achieve such heights. Her success makes her a role model for anyone who thinks it is difficult to establish a career in sports.
2. Mithali Raj
Mithali Raj is the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket. She is recognized as one of the world’s best female cricket players. She is the only female cricket cricketer who surpassed the 7,000 run mark in women’s one-day international matches. She has bagged many awards including Padma Shree, Vogue Sportsperson of the Year at Vogue’s 10th Anniversary in 2017, Arjuna Award, Khel Ratna, etc.
A biopic named ‘Shabash Mithu’ was also made based on her life in 2017.
3. Mary Kom
Nicknamed ‘Magnificient Mary’, this boxing player has managed to achieve the impossible, despite the hardships in her life. Even after marriage and family responsibilities, she chose not to compromise on her dreams.
She created history by becoming the first woman to achieve 6 World Championships at the 10th AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships held in New Delhi, India.
She belonged to a humble background where no one could imagine a woman making a career in boxing. Her determination, dedication, and passion made her one of the most successful women on a global platform.
A biopic titled ‘Mary Kom’ was made in Bollywood based on her life.
Most Successful Women in Entertainment
Entertainment is one domain where males and females are employed alike. However, discrimination comes in the form of casting couch, pay scale, and lead roles. Despite these difficulties, the entertainment sector has been able to produce some of the most influential women in India.
1. Priyanka Chopra
This Indian actor, now an international sensation, is a shining example of successful women in India who have followed their dreams against all odds. Starting her career as a model, she won the Miss India World Pageant while still in high school. Today, she is a singer, a philanthropist, and one of India’s highest-paid actresses.
Her journey was full of ups and downs. In her biography Priyanka Chopra: The Dark Horse, she details how she had to undergo surgery and face discrimination due to her skin tone.
For her hard work and unmatched achievements, she has been listed among the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women by Forbes, and she has received the Padma Shri and five Filmfare Awards. Her ambition and headstrong nature make her one of the most inspirational and successful women in India.
2. Kangana Ranaut
Kangana Ranaut has single-handedly reconstructed the image of an Indian actress. She is known for being bold and genuine and for revealing the not-so-glamorous side of Bollywood.
She never fails to break problematic societal norms and speak on issues of women’s empowerment and even religion.
Her strong opinions and work in the film industry have bought her many awards including the Filmfare Awards, National Awards, and IIFA Awards. She continues to inspire many young actresses to take a stand for themselves.
3. Lata Mangeshkar
Known as The Nightingale of India, Lata Mangeshkar was one of the most accomplished singers among successful women in India. From a very young age, Lata worked in her father’s musical plays and dramas.
She lent her voice to more than 50,000 songs in 14 different Indian languages, showcasing the diverse talent among successful women in India. However, her journey was not easy, as she faced a difficult start due to a lack of financial resources. As the eldest child, she took on the responsibility of her family at just 13 years of age after her father’s death.
Lata often struggled to get opportunities to playback because of her Maharashtrian accent. Her breakthrough came with the iconic song “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo” in 1963, which moved the then Prime Minister to tears, solidifying her legacy as one of the most inspirational and successful women in India.
Each time a Woman Stands Up for Herself, She Stands Up for All Women
The above quote by Maya Angelou precisely captures the importance of women being vocal about their goals and the kind of impact it has on society. It creates a sense of immense inspiration and gives confidence to others. Hence, the stories of these successful women must reach those who need them.
India has witnessed the rise of women in various spheres, be it business, technology, politics, sports, or entertainment. It is important to acknowledge and celebrate the lives of these leading women of India, as they have managed to create an impact in society despite hardships and setbacks.
Each of the women mentioned in the article has some important life lessons to offer. These women continue to inspire and encourage people to chase their dreams regardless of the shackles created by society.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the most successful woman in India?
Most successful women in India include notable figures like Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder of Biocon. These women have achieved significant success in the world of business and have made a substantial impact in India and beyond.
Who is the most inspiring woman in India?
Numerous inspiring women in India have made remarkable contributions in their fields. Some notable names include Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to helping the underprivileged, and Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian-born female astronaut. Each of these women has left a lasting impact and serves as an inspiration to many.
Who is India’s most famous woman?
One of the most widely recognized and iconic figures is Priyanka Chopra, an actress, singer, and former Miss World. She has achieved international recognition through her work in Bollywood and Hollywood, becoming a global icon and serving as a representative of Indian talent on the world stage.
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