Lucknow – In a resounding celebration of women’s achievements, the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), North India Council in collaboration with Swati Foundation hosted a high-impact seminar titled “Breaking Barriers – Women in Leadership and Entrepreneurship”. The event witnessed a powerful confluence of voices from politics, industry, health, fashion, and social welfare, underlining the spirit of female empowerment.
The Chief Guest, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel, inaugurated the seminar with her powerful address, emphasizing the need to bridge gaps in education, health, and social equity for women across regions like Sonbhadra, Chandauli, and border areas. She called upon civil society and private sector players to support underprivileged women, particularly in accessing health services like the HPV vaccine and vocational opportunities for transgender communities and Musahar women.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Horticulture, Agricultural Exports, and Foreign Trade Dinesh Pratap Singh, Padma Shri folk singer Malini Awasthi, and social activist Namrata Pathak graced the seminar as Guests of Honour. The event was also co-convened by former minister Swati Singh and Reena Singh, Chairperson of the Lucknow Chapter of IACC.
A major highlight of the seminar was the felicitation of 14 outstanding women entrepreneurs and professionals from diverse sectors, recognized for breaking societal and professional barriers. These women included:
- Sunaina Chaudhary (social worker, fashion entrepreneur) for outstanding contributions to child and women welfare.
- Namrata Pathak for empowering women through grassroots initiatives.
- Dr. Kavita Somani for pioneering diagnostic and super-specialty healthcare in Lucknow.
- Dr. Neena Bhasin, Supreme Court advocate and president of Society of Indian Law Firms, for legal leadership.
- Anita Mishra, Lakmé Salon entrepreneur, for job creation through skill training.
- Smriti Bansal, plywood industry trailblazer, for revitalizing a traditional family business.
- Shikha Gupta, founder of Project Sneh, for transformative work in blind children’s education.
- Gunjan Agarwal, bakery and floral business leader.
- Mamta Kohli, fashion entrepreneur.
- Anita Srivastava, architect and entrepreneur.
- Kashish Tyagi, Regional Director, IACC, for fostering Indo-US business relations.
- Dr. Pranshu Mishra, dermatologist.
- Nivedita Singh, Hindi poet and author.
- Shailja Arora, saree industry employer from Varanasi.
Each of these women was lauded for their perseverance in overcoming economic, social, and systemic challenges to chart a successful path, thereby inspiring the next generation.
Dr. Upasana Arora, Executive Council Member of IACC and Managing Director, Yashoda Hospitals, stressed the crucial role of women in India’s health ecosystem, noting that women make up nearly 50% of its workforce. She also highlighted the critical improvements in maternal health outcomes due to government schemes like Ayushman Bharat.
Dr. Lalit Bhasin, former National President of IACC, echoed the sentiment of equality and mutual progress. “When men and women walk together, there are no barriers,” he stated.
Padma Shri Malini Awasthi, in her keynote remarks, shared personal insights on how women have shattered long-held biases in sectors like music, politics, and education. She urged the audience to foster an environment that respects and uplifts women, recognizing their multi-tasking capabilities and creative strength.
Former Minister Swati Singh reflected on her journey and mentorship under Governor Patel. She emphasized that leadership is cultivated through empathy, awareness, and social engagement—far beyond holding a position of power.
The seminar also included two vibrant panel sessions:
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Trailblazers in MSMEs, Industry, Health, and Legal Professions – moderated by senior journalist Gyanendra Shukla. Panelists offered practical insights on overcoming gender-based barriers in professional environments.
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Pioneers in Industry, Entertainment, Fashion, and Social Welfare – anchored by senior journalist Manoj Rajan Tripathi, who led candid discussions on the gendered challenges faced by women in traditional male-dominated fields.
Wrapping up the event, Mukesh Singh, Chairman, UP State Coordination Committee, IACC, thanked all dignitaries, especially the Governor, for her inspiring presence and message. He pledged the Chamber’s continued commitment to addressing the issues highlighted during the seminar and supporting policy advocacy for inclusive development.
The seminar was not only a celebration of individual success but a clarion call to amplify women’s leadership across sectors, particularly in underserved regions. Through meaningful dialogue, recognition, and collaboration, the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for gender-inclusive growth in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
