Founded by Dr. Neelima Vemula, under the esteemed guidance of Apex Chairperson Smt. Satyavathi Prasanna Madipadige (MMN – Meeting Millions Network), Dewi was co-founded by Dr. Kalyani Guduguntla (Vice Chairperson), Dr. Sowmya Kolli (Co-founder), and Shri Madipadige Raju ( Advisor ). This empowering initiative aims to create a thriving platform for women from diverse professional and entrepreneurial backgrounds to connect, collaborate, and grow.

“Dewi is more than just a collective; it’s a movement to inspire, uplift, and unite women from every walk of life,” said Dr. Neelima Vemula, Founder Chairperson.

Open to women from a broad spectrum of professions—including entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, doctors, legal professionals, financial advisors, jewellers, boutique owners, foodpreneurs, artisans, and weavers—Dewi is committed to promoting inclusivity, empowerment, and shared growth.

The official grand launch of Dewi will take place on June 27, 2025, in a unique and symbolic gathering of 108 members, graced by the presence of esteemed celebrities and dignitaries.

Membership is currently open, and interested women are encouraged to apply via the official Google form or by reaching out to the team directly at the provided contact numbers.

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India is undergoing a remarkable transformation in consumer behavior, fueled by widespread smartphone usage, affordable internet access, and increasing confidence in digital ecosystems. With over a billion mobile connections and a youthful, tech-savvy population, the stage is set for a digital banking revolution. Today’s consumers demand more than traditional banking—they want speed, simplicity, and security, all seamlessly integrated into a mobile-first experience. This is precisely the space Kotak811 is designed to lead.

Speaking at the launch of campaign, Rohit Bhasin, CMO and Head – Propositions, said “At the heart of this evolution is a vibrant campaign featuring Ranveer Singh, capturing the essence of what modern banking should feel like: effortless, fast, and smooth. The campaign’s core message—“Banking so smooth, it’s Makkhan”—reflects the app’s frictionless user experience and its ability to meet every financial need with just a few taps.”

Manish Agarwal, Business Head, Kotak811, said, “India stands on the brink of a digital banking breakthrough, and Kotak811 is built for this very moment. From instant onboarding in under five minutes to seamless UPI payments, smart investment tools, and cashbacks, backed by the credibility of Kotak Mahindra Bank, our platform delivers a truly digital-first experience. It’s not just about ease of use; it’s about trust, security, and a user journey that feels second nature. That’s our differentiator.”

Jay Kotak, Co-head, Kotak811, emphasized the customer-centric approach behind the platform’s evolution, “This is not just a new campaign—it’s a reflection of how deeply we’ve listened to our customers. Today’s Indian consumer expects more than just an amazing payment app. They want a full-service bank that’s fast, intuitive, and always accessible. Kotak811 delivers exactly that.”

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This collaboration will enable access startups to industry reports, research papers, datasets, and other studies published by government authorities for market research and fast-track patent applications filed by startups for timely opportunities.

Reinforcing its commitment to fostering tech advancements in India, Flipkart will provide resources, guidance, and support for different milestones, such as prototype development, and offer connections and insights for international expansion. The company will also provide startups with infrastructural support and access to a stronger network of opportunities, including evaluation for funding under the Flipkart Ventures initiative.

Through the MoU, DPIIT will also enable accessibility and connections to Startup India’s ecosystem and network for greater program adoption, reach, and participation.

Speaking on the collaboration, Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group, said, “As an organization driven by a passion for innovation, Flipkart is honored to collaborate with DPIIT in advancing India’s startup ecosystem. This MoU reflects our shared goal of empowering startups through strategic support, resource access, and global market connections. With the continued association and combined synergies, we aim to unlock opportunities for entrepreneurs with our 100 million USD venture fund to pioneer breakthroughs that shape the future of technology and business in India and beyond.”

Ravi Iyer, Head of Corporate Development, at Flipkart, said, “The convergence of technology and innovation has the power to redefine industries and economies. Through this collaboration with DPIIT, we are poised to provide startups with the technological expertise, mentorship, and resources they need to build transformative solutions. The partnership demonstrates our shared belief in nurturing talent, fostering collaboration,n and driving India’s next wave of innovation on the global stage.”

At the signing of the MoU, Sumeet Jarangal, Director of DPIIT, said, “India’s startup ecosystem represents the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that drives our nation’s progress. We are happy to partner with Flipkart to bolster our focus on creating a thriving environment for startups to scale new heights. By combining our strengths, this MoU will accelerate the transformation of ideas into impactful solutions, strengthening India’s position as a global innovation leader.”

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The event was graced by Kiran Bedi as the Chief Guest and her presence undoubtedly set the tone for an evening of empowerment and celebration. Among the incredible women being honored are Pooja Bedi, an actress turned wellness entrepreneur; Rashi Narang, founder of Heads Up for Tails; Madhura Dasgupta Sinha, founder of Aspire for Her; and Anuradha Das Mathur, founding dean of The Vedica Scholars Program for Women.

Archana Dutta, Founder and CEO at SecondAct, expressed her excitement about the event stating, “SecondAct inaugural awards event is a tribute to the remarkable women who have not only transformed their own lives but also paved the way for others to follow. Their stories serve resilience and reinvention as powerful reminders that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams and make a significant impact. By shining a light on their stories, SecondAct aims to inspire countless others to embrace their second acts, rewrite their narratives, and find strength in vulnerability.”

Kiran Bedi added, “I am honored to be a part of the SecondAct event that celebrates the strength and courage of women who have dared to chart their paths. Their journeys are a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit. I hope their stories inspire others to find their second acts and make a difference in their lives and communities.”

The Inaugural SecondAct Awards mark the culmination of three years of dedicated groundwork. The awards honor the transformative power and unwavering courage of women who defy convention, reinvent themselves, and redefine their lives.

The Inaugural SecondAct Awards promise to be an evening of inspiration, celebration, and recognition of the phenomenal women who have redefined their lives and continue to inspire others.

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Talking about the program, Rajneesh Chopra, Managing Director, of Amway India,  said, “At Amway India, we firmly believe that empowering women is not only a moral imperative but also crucial for creating a more inclusive society. Through Project Nari Shakti, we aim to empower women by equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to pursue sustainable livelihoods. By fostering their economic independence, we aspire to inspire them to lead empowered lives, thereby contributing to their families and communities wellbeing. This program has positively impacted over 3,000 women so far, and we are delighted to launch it in Madurai to upskill women from economically disadvantaged communities. We are committed to providing comprehensive support, ensuring these women have the tools and resources necessary to compete in today’s economy and make meaningful contributions to society.“

Addressing the launch, Mr. Gowri Gopinath, Director, of YellowBag Foundation said, “Women are the backbone of our economy, but often struggle to achieve financial independence. Since 2019, the YellowBag Foundation has helped over 500 women gain skills and work opportunities. We are proud to collaborate with Amway India on Project Nari Shakti – Women Livelihood Program, which aims to tackle these challenges head-on. The 10-month program is divided into 10 batches spread over two months. It combines theory, practical skills, nutrition education, entrepreneurship training, and a 30-hour industry internship. By providing underprivileged women in Madurai with essential vocational skills and entrepreneurship training, we strive to empower them to lead independent, successful lives and create a world where all women can thrive.“

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MUMBAI: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) Centre for Family Business & Entrepreneurship (CFBE) invites applications for its Ladies in Family Enterprise (LiFE) program. LiFE is an enriching short-term program that seeks to nurture and empower women from business families with little or no experience in the business currently. They can be related to the owner/s either as wives, daughters-in-law, mothers, or daughters.   

LiFE is a four-month program where sessions are conducted twice a week in a hybrid mode (both offline/online). It aims to build a basic understanding of the business and the family, and the inter-relationship between the two. It also helps women to explore their role in the family business or start a new entrepreneurial venture supported by family and networks. Sessions are led by experienced academicians, industry experts, and alumni. The flexible program structure allows participants to integrate it into their daily routines perfectly.

On successful completion of the program, the participants shall be awarded the ‘Certificate of Participation’ from SPJIMR, recognized by the Financial Times Master in Management Ranking 2023 as India’s number 1 business school.

In a message to aspirants, Prof. Tulsi Jayakumar, Executive Director, CFBE, and Chairperson, Post Graduate Programme in Family Managed Business (PGPFMB), said, “90 percent of businesses in India are family businesses. Women from business families play a silent role and constitute silent assets. LiFE seeks to realize the hidden gems among business families by providing structured learning about business and its various dimensions. The end goal of the program is to build knowledge and skills needed to run a business and also to build confidence and empower women in business families.” 

Since 1997, SPJIMR’s CFBE has pioneered formal learning for family businesses with its 18-month PGPFMB. The program aims to nurture and develop talent within Indian family businesses and has helped over 4,000 family enterprises with its unique pedagogy focused on next-generation leaders. CFBE provides a platform for networking, learning, and growth, helping family-run businesses to thrive by offering access to best practices and cutting-edge knowledge.

Eligibility

• Women from business families with little or no experience in their family business
• Should be at least an undergraduate degree holder
• Over 30 years of age
• Comfortable with English, as it is the medium of instruction

Important program information

• Batch commencing from September 03, 2024. Know more: https://www.spjimr.org/course/ladies-in-family-enterprise-life/
• Sessions shall be conducted twice a week over four months, followed by a business plan presentation.
• For important dates, please refer to: https://www.spjimr.org/course/ladies-in-family-enterprise-life/admissions/
• For more information about the LiFE program and the application process, please visit https://www.spjimr.org/course/ladies-in-family-enterprise-life/.
• Admissions are in progress. Aspirants should complete the application form via the online admissions portal at https://spjimr-pgpfmb.nopaperforms.com/spjimr-life-application-form

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MUMBAI:  Eveready Industries India Ltd (EIIL), India’s No.1 battery brand synonymous with power, performance, and reliability along with India’s First Woman IPS Officer, Dr. Kiran Bedi unveiled a first-of-its-kind flashlight with safety alarm – the Eveready Siren Torch. This market disruptor and pioneering siren flashlight emits a loud 100dbA safety alarm when the user pulls the attached key chain in a distressing situation. Designed to empower women and people at large, the newly launched siren flashlight aims to enhance safety and security in daily life. This innovative product is backed by the brand’s latest campaign, #AwaazUthaneyKaPower, which is led by deaf and verbally challenged people to highlight the need for this product to ensure safety and security for all.

For the #AwaazUthaneyKaPower campaign, Eveready collaborated with India Signing Hands, an organization dedicated to providing solutions to “accessibility” issues faced by the deaf community in India. To dispel the silence around women’s safety, the campaign connects with the deafening power of non-verbal communication through a powerful film crafted by Ogilvy India. The film features deaf and verbally challenged women, alone in different locations, narrating their traumatic experiences in sign language. They recount being very close to danger sometimes or being subjected to eve-teasing. Eveready Siren Torch empowers women to make noise even without a voice, with 100-decibel SOS alarms to prevent abuse and alert passersby. The film encourages others to stand up for themselves, feeling empowered by the message: “Ab awaaz main bhi uthaungi” – I will make my voice heard too.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Kiran Bedi, Social Activist and first woman IPS officer said, “A woman’s physical and inner feeling of safety empowers her; it is essential for her mental health. Sometimes an external tool is needed to feel safe in all circumstances—whether moving out at odd hours or traveling distances to fulfill their dreams. Eveready’s unique Siren Torch is a significant step in empowering women to feel safe with an assurance to go that extra mile without hesitation or apprehensions about safety.”

“I am proud to support the #AwaazUthaneyKaPower campaign and look forward to extending this partnership with my NGOs, Navjyoti India Foundation and India Vision Foundation, to further our shared goal of women’s empowerment and create a safer society for all,” she added.

Anirban Banerjee, Senior Vice President & SBU Head (batteries & flashlights), Eveready Industries India Ltd. stated “Eveready is a tireless champion of infinite power. This spirit has inspired us to design Siren Torch – a transformative solution beyond mere functionality, offering hope and empowerment for women across India. With women’s safety at its core, our commitment to excellence and innovation has led to the creation of a game-changing device that empowers women to make noise even without a voice. It’s 100-decibel SOS alarms to prevent abuse and alert passersby. Affordable, compact, and feature-rich, we believe this product will significantly impact women’s lives. From the often deserted farmlands of rural India at night to the solitary late nights of Urban India, Siren will empower women to unlock their power of self-defense, build confidence, and shape a safer future for themselves and their communities”.

“Giving voice to the voiceless is not an easy task. But the path ahead was simple enough when Sujoy and his team came up with the idea of using non-verbal actors for the campaign. The involuntary silence of the actors on screen drives home the impossibility of the situation that women face daily. Through their mute gestures, the characters in the films speak for women who suffer shame, indignity, and crude violence without a word. Now everyone will get to make a noise, even if they don’t have a voice.”, remarked Sukesh Nayak, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India.

The Eveready Siren Torch is more than just a product; it is a symbol of safety, empowerment, and the ability to raise one’s voice in critical moments. At 120 x 32 cm the Siren is a very compact and handbag-friendly torch. The product now in 3 modern colors, is equipped with USB TYPE-B charging, offering three versatile lighting modes that make it a multifunctional device for various scenarios. The product is a market disruptor as it is priced affordably at INR 225, making the Siren accessible and indispensable for women and people in vulnerable situations. Through the #AwaazUthaneyKaPower campaign and partnerships with inspiring figures and organizations, Eveready is committed to making a lasting impact on women’s safety and security.

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1. BMU’s Impactful Experiential Learning on World Youth Skill Day

Founded by the Hero Group, BML Munjal University (BMU) stands as a beacon of innovation and skill development in higher education. On World Youth Skill Day, BMU reaffirms its commitment to nurturing future leaders through pioneering educational initiatives. Emphasizing hands-on learning and entrepreneurial spirit, BMU equips students with practical skills essential for global competitiveness. Initiatives like ACIC-BMU empower rural women entrepreneurs, while Sankalp engages MBA students in transformative community projects nationwide. With a focus on experiential learning and holistic development, BMU continues to redefine education by fostering a dynamic environment where knowledge meets real-world application, preparing youth to excel in a rapidly evolving world.

2. Hero Vired – Equipping Young Learners with cutting-edge skills

Hero Vired is passionate about empowering young learners and equipping them with cutting-edge skills to be globally relevant in the fields of emerging technologies. To cope with the fast-paced industry, they focus on industry partnerships to form strong alliances with leading organizations across the Gaming, Esports, and other innovative sectors. This ensures that their programs are aligned with real-world industry requirements and provide learners with up-to-date, relevant skills. Additionally, they have incorporated the latest technological advancements into their programs. They enhance their learning modules with AI and customize learning paths for each student. This personalized approach ensures that learners become proficient with cutting-edge tools and techniques. Their program offerings emphasize skill-based learning, focusing on developing technical and soft skills.’

3. Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission

Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission (SMSGHM) exemplifies a pioneering approach to education, embodying the motto ‘One World One Family.’ Spearheaded by visionary humanitarian Sri Madhusudan Sai, the mission has established a completely free system of values-based education to nurture dedicated servants of society. This initiative includes the Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Gurukulam Group of Institutions, the Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, and the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, India’s first free residential private rural medical college. Through 28 educational campuses in India and one in Nigeria, SMSGHM provides free education from grade 6 to doctorate studies, emphasizing the holistic development of over 3,600 boys and girls.

4. Leading digital lender mPokket pioneers youth empowerment

mPokket stands out as one of India’s fastest-growing digital lending platforms, dedicated to uplifting the youth through financial empowerment and skill development. Founded by Gaurav Jalan in 2026 with a vision to bridge the credit gap among young adults, mPokket offers accessible loans via its mobile app, supporting everyday needs from educational expenses to personal finances. Beyond lending, the platform is also focusing on career advancement products reflecting mPokket’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion among India’s burgeoning youth population. Additionally, through impactful CSR initiatives, such as partnerships with Swapnopuron Welfare Society and Adhigam Bhoomi, mPokket extends its commitment to providing quality education and holistic development opportunities to underserved and underprivileged children.

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PUNE: “Women themselves need to alter their misconception of being the oppressed gender. They need to stop blaming themselves in every situation, not cry over failures, and change the approach of succumbing to any situation. Women along with men need to remember that women are capable in every sense”, opined Meenakshi Lekhi, Former Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India. 

She was speaking as the Chief Guest at a seminar on ‘Empowering Women and Children’ marking the Centenary Year Celebration of Poona Women’s Council yesterday at Shakuntala Shetty Auditorium at 11 am. Poona Women’s Council President Pushpa Hegde, Vice President Katyani Balasubramanian, renowned Child Psychiatrist Dr. Harish Shetty, Council Treasurer Mini-Grant, Managing Trustee Abeda Inamdar, and others were present on the occasion. During the seminar, Meenakshi Lekhi felicitated 11 ex-presidents of the council as well as famous social worker and director of ‘Manavya’ Ujjwala Lavate.

Meenakshi Lekhi shared many personal examples while talking about the empowerment of women.  She said, “Women should always focus on their positive aspects. Emphasis should always be placed on teamwork rather than solo efforts as collective efforts always get better support than individual efforts. Women should always remember the mantra- ‘With each other for each other’ and work together with the belief that together we can do it and we will do it, as work that brings everyone together is not only successful but also long-lasting as is exemplified by the Poona Women’s Council celebrating its centenary year.“

Dr. Harish Shetty unfolded the facets of children’s emotions and qualities. He said, “Parents need to empower themselves before making any statements about children. It is the responsibility of parents to impart the right knowledge along with teaching children how to deal with rejections, be flexible, understand pain and suffering, respect food, emotions, and hardships, cope with pain, pressure, and stress, appreciate the success of others, stay together and maintain a sense of cooperation. The need of the hour is for parents to also involve children in every decision-making process at home.”

After being facilitated, Ujjwala Lavate detailed the social work being done by her organization ‘Manavya’.

Pushpa Hegde presented the introduction with a brief review of the progress of the Council over the last hundred years. Rakhi Shetty and Suchita Shroff introduced the guests. Katyani Balasubramanian was the event coordinator and the program was moderated by Vaishali Lakdawala and Rakhi Shetty. Council Secretary Ratush Wadia proposed the vote of thanks. Disciples of Bharatnatyam dancer Arundhati Patwardhan performed Ganesh Vandana.

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MUMBAI: The Press Club of Mumbai witnessed an inspiring event as Geet Mala Jalota unveiled her second book, ‘The Shattered Ceiling: Narratives of Pioneering Women’. This compelling collection of interviews features ten eminent women who are pioneers in the Indian industry. For the very first time, these women have shared their take on breaking glass ceilings and what women have to be mindful of at their workplace.

‘The Shattered Ceiling’ offers readers an in-depth look at the personal and professional lives of these trailblazing women. Each interview is accompanied by a resume and a synopsis of key takeaways titled “My Take.” Jalota expressed her gratitude to these influential women for their candid and unreserved responses, which she believes are full of valuable lessons for women navigating careers. Importance of financial independence for women, how networking helps, why women are better at some careers more than others, and how to ensure an inclusive culture in organizations.   

The book features interviews with:

• Deena Mehta – The first lady trader and former President of the BSE Exchange.
•  Sucheta Shah – Executive Director – Atlas Integrated Finance.
• Vijayalakshmi Chhabra – The first lady Director General of Doordarshan.
• Anita Khurana – The first lady appointed as Commercial Director in Indian Airlines/Air India post-merger.
• Panchali Mukhopadhyay – VP, Sales & Marketing at Herbalife.
• Kresha Bajaj – Founder of the label Krésha Bajaj.
• Sanju Yadav – Pharma Business Head is known for her innovative ideas on preventive health and wellbeing.
• Sushmita Chakraborty – One of the first women to reach an Associate Director-level position in the IT industry at CSC India.
• Kanika Mohan Saxena – The second lady Master Scuba Diving Trainer and VP of Digital Content Services at Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi).
• Anuradha Deb – Founder of the Process Work Institute of India and Dream Clinic.

Geet Jalota’s objective in writing ‘The Shattered Ceiling’ is to showcase these role models and provide the next generation of working women with the knowledge and support needed to navigate their careers confidently. Indian Corporate sector needs to acknowledge the contribution these women have made, opening up different sectors of industry for women’s entry and setting a trend for aiming high.

During the event, Jalota shared, “I am deeply grateful to all the established women who participated in this book. Their willingness to share their journeys and insights has made ‘The Shattered Ceiling’ a powerful resource for women everywhere. I hope this book serves as a reminder to women of their financial self-worth and encourages them to pursue their professional aspirations with confidence.”

‘The Shattered Ceiling’ is set to become a significant contribution to the discourse on gender diversity and women’s empowerment in India, providing valuable insights and inspiration to women to break through their ceilings.

A framework for leaping has been very well explained in Geet’s first book, “Have the Women Left Venus? Decoding gender at the Workplace”.

The Shattered Ceiling, a 207-page book, priced at Rs. 350 and published by Anecdote Publishing House, is currently available on Amazon as well as in bookstores.

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