Women across diverse fields achieved unprecedented milestones, reshaping industries and inspiring generations. From Avani Lekhara’s Paralympic triumphs to Payal Kapadia’s global cinematic accolades and Manu Bhaker’s Olympic victories, these achievers represent the growing influence of women worldwide.
Avani Lekhara: Golden Triumphs in Paralympic Shooting
At just 22, Avani Lekhara created a new chapter in India's sports history by becoming the first Indian woman to secure two Paralympic gold medals. Competing in precision shooting events, her journey from overcoming personal adversities to dominating the global stage is awe-inspiring. Her consistent dedication to para-sports has established her as a beacon of hope and inspiration for individuals with disabilities, encouraging them to aim for greatness in the face of challenges.
Sunita Williams: Pioneering Space Exploration
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams achieved another milestone as the first woman to test a spacecraft on its maiden mission. Known for her extensive career at NASA, which includes multiple spaceflights and a record-setting number of spacewalks, her work has significantly advanced human space exploration. Her leadership on this ground-breaking mission not only highlights her technical expertise but also reinforces her role as a mentor for aspiring astronauts globally, especially women in STEM fields.
Professor Aditi Sen De: Illuminating the World of Physics
Professor Aditi Sen De’s ground-breaking work in quantum information and computation has earned her numerous accolades, including being the first woman scientist to receive the GD Birla Award and the Ghanshyam Das Birla Scientific Research Award. Her pioneering research has deepened our understanding of quantum entanglement and its applications. With prestigious honours like the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award and fellowship in both the Indian Academy of Sciences and the Indian National Science Academy, she continues to inspire young scientists, particularly women, to pursue careers in physics and other STEM disciplines.
Payal Kapadia: Cinematic Brilliance Honoured
Filmmaker Payal Kapadia became the first Indian to be nominated for Best Director at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards. Her critically acclaimed film A Night of Knowing Nothing won the prestigious L’Œil d’or (Golden Eye) award for Best Documentary at the Cannes Film Festival. Known for her innovative storytelling that interweaves personal narratives with political commentary, Kapadia has consistently challenged traditional cinematic conventions. Her work has been showcased at major international festivals, including Berlinale and TIFF, earning widespread recognition for its depth and artistic vision. Kapadia’s achievements have not only put Indian independent cinema on the global map but have also paved the way for young filmmakers to explore uncharted creative territories.
Jaya Varma Sinha: Pioneering Leadership in Indian Railways
Jaya Varma Sinha made history as the first female Chairperson and CEO of the Railway Board, leading India's largest transportation network. An alumna of Allahabad University, she joined the Indian Railway Traffic Service in 1988. Her career is marked by significant achievements, including her role as Railway Advisor at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, where she facilitated the Maitri Express, a symbol of cross-border cooperation. Under her leadership, the Railway Board has prioritized modernization, operational efficiency, and enhanced passenger safety, setting benchmarks for future infrastructural reforms.
Bilquis Mir: Navigating New Waters in Olympic Canoeing
Bilquis Mir, a pioneering figure in Indian water sports, became the first Indian woman jury member at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics for canoeing events. Starting her journey on Srinagar’s Dal Lake, Mir overcame societal and infrastructural hurdles to represent India in international canoeing competitions. Her contributions extend beyond competition as she served as National Coach for the women's team and represented India as a jury member at the 2023 Asian Games. Her role at the Olympics exemplifies her dedication to advancing water sports in India and inspiring young athletes, especially from underrepresented regions.
Dr. Sonali Ghosh: Guardian of Kaziranga's Legacy
Dr. Sonali Ghosh became the first woman to lead Kaziranga National Park (KNP) as Field Director. With over two decades dedicated to forest conservation and wildlife management, her expertise is critical in addressing challenges such as poaching and habitat degradation. Her leadership focuses on integrating sustainable eco-tourism with conservation efforts, ensuring the park's ecological richness is preserved for future generations while supporting local livelihoods.
Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair: Trailblazer in Military Medicine
Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair became the first woman to lead as Director General of Medical Services in the Indian Armed Forces. Her illustrious career includes ground-breaking roles in medical service administration, emphasizing research and innovation in healthcare for armed forces personnel. As a specialist in internal medicine, her initiatives have advanced medical readiness and improved healthcare delivery across military institutions.
Geetika Srivastava: Diplomatic Leadership in Pakistan
Geetika Srivastava became the first woman Indian Foreign Service officer to lead the Indian High Commission in Pakistan. Her career in diplomacy has been marked by significant contributions to India’s foreign relations and policy-making. Srivastava's leadership at a critical juncture underscores her ability to navigate complex geopolitical challenges, reinforcing India's commitment to fostering dialogue and regional stability.
Manu Bhaker: Shooting for Olympic Glory
Manu Bhaker made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first Indian woman to win not one but two Olympic medals in shooting. She clinched a bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event and followed it with a silver in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, partnering with fellow shooter Saurabh Chaudhary. Her performance demonstrated remarkable precision, composure, and resilience under intense pressure, marking a new high for India in the world of shooting sports.
These Olympic victories added to Bhaker’s already illustrious career, which includes multiple gold medals at ISSF World Cups, the Commonwealth Games, and Asian Championships. She also holds the distinction of being the youngest Indian shooter to win a gold medal at an ISSF World Cup. Beyond her achievements in competitions, Bhaker has been actively involved in promoting shooting sports across India. She serves as a mentor for young shooters, regularly conducting workshops and motivational sessions to inspire the next generation.
Divyakriti Singh: Equestrian Excellence Recognised
Divyakriti Singh became the first Indian woman to receive the Arjuna Award in equestrian sports. Her success in dressage and eventing has broken barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, bringing visibility to equestrian disciplines in India. Her dedication to the sport and her achievements serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring equestrians, particularly women.
Geetanjali Shree: Literary Laurels on the Global Stage
Geetanjali Shree made history as the first Indian author to win the International Booker Prize for her translated Hindi novel Tomb of Sand. Her evocative storytelling delves into complex social and cultural themes, earning acclaim from readers worldwide. By achieving this milestone, Shree has elevated Indian literature to global prominence, inspiring a renewed interest in translated works from regional languages.
These remarkable women have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also set new standards of excellence. Their accomplishments represent the growing influence, resilience, and leadership of women worldwide, inspiring generations to strive for greater achievements.