Is the purpose of Women’s Day merely to celebrate women, appreciate them, or understand the impact they bring to our lives? Should the acknowledgment of women be confined to just one day? I believe this day is more of a reminder that women and the impact they bring to the world should be recognized and celebrated every single day.
‘Momentum’ is an editorially curated list of a handful of the most impactful women in India. Women who have made their mark and their voices have finally become powerful enough to be considered. These remarkable personalities belonging to diverse domains have used their power and influence to uplift others, paving paths for more women to contribute to a growing momentum, something far bigger than life itself. Something that goes beyond the idea of reserving just a single day to acknowledge and celebrate women. This thoughtfully handpicked listicle will inspire and motivate you to be part of this momentum, a larger-than-life journey toward a greater impact that uplifts not only women but humanity as a whole.
“To rise above suppression and patriarchy, women of each generation have been taking those steps that make the next generation a little more empowered. And they, in turn, the nextgeneration of young women. Liberation is never stagnant.” – Sudha Kongara
Sudha Kongara is an Indian filmmaker, known for her critically and commercially acclaimed films. She is celebrated for her emotionally rich portrayals inspired by real-life stories and has established a distinct cinematic voice over the years. Her filmography includes the 2016 bilingual film Irudhi Suttru (Tamil) and Saala Khadoos (Hindi). Irudhi Suttru won four Filmfare awards, including Best Director, and was screened at the 29th Tokyo International Film Festival in October 2016 and the Indian Panorama section at the 47th International Film Festival of India. Sudha Kongara’s production company, Meenakshi Cinemas, born out ofa passion to create original content, has produced the acclaimed segment “Thangam” for Netflix.
India’s anthology Paava Kadhaigal and the romantic comedy segment “Ilamai Idho Idho” for Amazon Prime Video’s lockdown-inspired anthology series “Putham Pudhu Kaalai”. Her next was the blockbuster venture “Soorarai Pottru”, inspired by the true story of Captain G.R. Gopinath, which was 2020’s most anticipated Tamil film. The film has won accolades all over the world and was also recognised by the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes, and was also the most-watched regional language film in the history of Amazon Prime Video in India. At the 68th National Awards, the film took home the top honours, including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Film and Best Screenplay categories overall.
“Over the years, women have shaped society through empathy and collaboration, bringing attention to a more sustainable world. This inclusive ethos begins in the practice itself – a collaborative act, not a diva-led movement” – Chitra Vishwanath
As an architect who actively fosters meaningful transitions towards sustainability, Chitra Vishwanath contributes to creating a responsible built environment. She is the principal architect of Biome Environmental Solutions, a Bangalore-based ecological architecture firm. Her expansive portfolio ranges from individual residences to large-scale master plans spanning educational, hospitality, and institutional typologies. Previously known as Chitra Vishwanath.
Over the past three decades, the practice has steadily cultivated a large and diverse body of work. At the forefront of this journey, Architect Chitra, together with her team at Biome, has consistently championed a thoughtful and responsible approach to design. In particular, their work places strong emphasis on climate-responsive architecture, conscious material innovation, circular construction methodologies, and smart, integrated water management strategies. Through this holistic approach, the practice continues to shape built environments that are both environmentally sensitive and deeply contextual. Through both her practice and ongoing engagement with academia, she contributes to the broader discourse within the architecture fraternity.
“Women have always shaped society; as creators, nurturers, thinkers, and changemakers – often invisibly. When empowered with voice and opportunity, they transform communities with resilience, empathy, and fearless leadership” – Mallika Sarabhai
“I use performance as a powerful tool for dialogue and change,” says Mallika Sarabhai, founder of Darpana Academy of Performing Arts. Her expertise spans choreography, direction, cultural leadership, arts-based advocacy, and the design of large-scale communication initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences. Over time, however, her practice has evolved far beyond the conventional stage. Instead, it has moved into communities, institutions, and public spaces, where performance becomes a powerful catalyst to question injustice, provoke dialogue, and inspire collective reflection.
confront patriarchy, and reimagine democracy. Through her leadership at Darpana, she has woven the performing arts with development communication, addressing critical issues such as gender equity, human rights, environmental sustainability, and governance. At the heart of her practice lies a deep commitment to amplifying unheard voices and nurturing safe spaces for dialogue. Through this approach, she consistently encourages meaningful conversations that inspire collective action toward a more compassionate and equitable society. For her, therefore, art extends far beyond the realm of entertainment; rather, it carries an inherent responsibility to question, connect, and catalyse change.
“Throughout history, women have shaped the world with grace and compassion – nurturing economies, safeguarding culture, and quietly redefining power through endurance, intellect, and imagination” – Karishma Swali
She is an artist and craft practitioner committed to preserving India’s intangible cultural heritage. Influenced by the philosophies of Rabindranath Tagore and Jiddu Krishnamurti, she leads Chanakya International and founded the Chanakya Foundation in 2015 to advance cultural sustainability and skill development. In 2016, she established the Chanakya School of Craft, a nonprofit institution dedicated to empowering women through craft and culture. The school’s holistic curriculum teaches over 300 hand-embroidery techniques & has trained more than 1,300 women. Her interdisciplinary practice.
situates handcraftsmanship within a contemporary framework, engaging in significant collaborations with celebrated artists, including Judy Chicago. In 2024, she was honoured with the Badass Art Woman Award for her pioneering work in education through craft, and in the same year was conferred the Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite. In 2025, she received the Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the Consul General of France in Mumbai, on behalf of the French government, and was also awarded the Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia by the Consul General of Italy in recognition.
“I believe true empowerment lies in creating enduring cultural institutions that amplify diverse voices, preserve heritage, and give Indian art a confident, global presence for generations to come” – Kiran Nadar
As the visionary driving a global platform for Indian art, Kiran Nadar leads the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), India’s first philanthropic private museum of modern and contemporary art. The Government of India awarded her the Padma Shri for her distinguished contributions to art and philanthropy, and she has earned global recognition as one of the 100 most influential individuals in contemporary art.
Through her leadership, she has elevated Indian art on the world stage, forging groundbreaking collaborations with institutions such as Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (Madrid), The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), Tate Modern (London), Sharjah Art Foundation (Sharjah), Barbican (London), and many more. She also spearheaded the India Pavilion at the 2019 Venice Biennale, a landmark collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, KNMA, CII, and NGMA.
Building on this momentum, KNMA is now expanding with a spectacular new state-of-the-art building near Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Spanning 100,000 square meters, the architectural marvel will serve as a global cultural hub for visual arts, music, dance, and theatre, positioning itself as an international destination accessible to diverse audiences.
“In the world of architecture, long dominated by men, I believe deeply in nurturing women’s growth. I honour women as quiet stewards of wellbeing through homes, kitchen gardens, preserving ecological wisdom across generations” – Parul Zaveri
As a principal architect, Parul harmonises architecture with farming, continuing to promote heritage, sustainable design, and organic practices while safeguarding India’s legacy and nurturing ecological balance. Parul Zaveri is the founder of Abhikram, a practice focused on creating contextual, integrated, and comfortable environments through responsible architecture that conserves resources and protects built and cultural heritage. Her buildings, in form, space, and technology, strive to continue Indian traditions. She believes that every.
problem, regardless of scale or constraints, has an appropriate solution, and that such solutions emerge from clarity defining the problem, selecting the right tools, and applying them judiciously. Her buildings follow the principles of sustainability and offer strong value for money. For a given brief, her projects are often more economical than comparable developments, and hence users do not experience limitations in performing the functions for which the buildings are designed with efficiency, comfort, & long-term usability.
“Women have evolved from contributors to architects of change. Today, they build businesses, lead communities, and uplift other women, creating systems rooted in resilience, independence, and shared progress” – Isha Jajodia
Isha Jajodia, Founder and Creative Director of ROSEROOM, leads a contemporary Indian couture and bridal label celebrated for its refined craftsmanship and modern design perspective. Through her work, she actively shapes collections across couture, bridal, and elevated prêt, with a distinctive focus on lace development, structural silhouettes, and intricate surface techniques.
Under her leadership, ROSEROOM has presented collections at multiple editions of India Couture Week and established its flagship atelier in New Delhi, strengthening its presence within India’s evolving luxury fashion landscape.
With a strong foundation in design education and a clear entrepreneurial vision, she built Roseroom to bridge a noticeable gap in the market creating garments that remain globally relevant while staying deeply rooted in Indian artisanal excellence. She balances creative instinct with a disciplined business strategy, reflecting a new generation of Indian women entrepreneurs who lead their practices with clarity, purpose, and a long-term vision.
Beyond design, Isha also works to nurture an ecosystem that supports skilled artisans, particularly women, by creating opportunities for consistent employment and technical growth.
“Women have always shaped society, not only through visible power but through the invisible architecture of care, memory, resilience, and creation. They shape culture in ways that are rarely loud, yet endlessly enduring” – Soozana Pvan
“Colour, tone, and form are intentional in everything I do. I’m not just documenting what happens; I’m shaping how it feels,” says Soozana, creator of images that feel timeless, refined, and emotionally true. Soozana Pvan, founder of Soozana Pvan Photography, works at the intersection of science, art, and emotional storytelling. With a background in biomedical science and a PhD in cancer biology, her foundation is deeply analytical; however, her creative practice is rooted in colour, light, and human connection. She specializes in luxury wedding and editorial photography, focusing on the balance
between softness and strength, light and shadow the tension that gives an image depth and presence. Alongside photography, she teaches advanced workshops centered on colour, artistic identity, and helping creatives discover their own visual language. Her work emphasizes creating images that are considered, intentional, and meaningful. She firmly believes that everything she does comes back to learning how to truly see, reflecting on oneself, and helping others slow down enough to perceive in the same way.
“I believe women shape society long before policies do. When a woman chooses to speak openly, question taboos, and educate the next generation, she doesn’t just change her home. She changes the future” – Aditi Gupta
At a time when menstruation remained shrouded in silence and stigma, Aditi Gupta chose to challenge the narrative and spark meaningful change. She co-founded Menstrupedia and TruBuddy, two platforms dedicated to menstrual education, puberty awareness, and life-skills learning for children. She also co-authored the Menstrupedia Comic series alongside Gulu, Adi, and Anku, creating an engaging and accessible way to talk about puberty and health.
Today, schools across India actively use these books in more than 36,500 institutions, reaching over 15 million children. Published in 20 languages and used in 23 countries, Menstrupedia continues to grow as a trusted global resource for puberty education. Yet the true power of her work lies not only in its reach, but in the transformative conversations and social change it has sparked.
She made accurate, age-appropriate period education accessible to children across all backgrounds and helped normalize conversations that were once considered taboo. Because of her efforts, many girls today are growing up without the shame and confusion that earlier generations carried. Her work has contributed to a broader national movement promoting structured menstrual health education in schools and better menstrual hygiene support for girls everywhere. After more than a decade of working closely with adolescents, she and her co-founder, Tuhin, created TruBuddy Comics to equip preteens with life skills such as confidence, emotional awareness, financial literacy, and discipline.
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