Here is a compilation of remarkable women who serve as superior role models compared to our Bollywood ‘heroes.’
In recent years, Indian women have made significant strides across various fields, whether in scientific research or sports, and their outstanding achievements have brought honor to our nation.
- Faye D’Souza: Faye D’Souza has consistently raised her voice amid the noise and sensationalism that often permeates Indian media. Over the years, she has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted journalists in India. Her commitment to ethical journalism led her to leave a successful anchoring career at Mirror Now and start her own channel. Her social media updates on current affairs stand as beacons of honest, urgent reporting. In 2018, she received the RedInk Award for ‘Journalist of the Year.’
- Rana Ayyub: Rana Ayyub is another fearless female journalist known for her unfiltered criticism and courageous on-ground reporting. An award-winning investigative journalist, she was recently recognized for her relentless reporting on the rise of authoritarian Hindu nationalism. In February 2020, she was also awarded the McGill Medal for journalistic courage.
- Dhivya Suryadevara: In the predominantly male-dominated automobile industry, Dhivya Suryadevara is breaking barriers and encouraging women to join this sector. As the Chief Financial Officer of General Motors and a Harvard graduate, she has risen to the top through years of valuable experience in various key roles. She is an inspiring figure for women and young girls and was named in Fortune’s ‘Most Powerful Women’ as a ‘Leader to Watch.’
- Dipa Karmakar: Dipa Karmakar made history as the first Indian female gymnast to secure a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow when she was just 24 years old. She continued to represent India in various competitions, bringing glory to our nation and inspiring young women aspiring to pursue sports. Dipa is also a recipient of the Padma Shri and received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 2016 for her remarkable performance in the Rio Olympics.
- Hima Das: Despite limited resources, Hima Das achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal at the IAAF World U20 Championships. She serves as a role model for female athletes and millions of Indians, holding the national record in the 400 meters with a timing of 50.79 seconds achieved at the 2018 Asian Games. Recently, she was appointed as a Deputy Superintendent Of Police (DSP) in Assam Police, contributing to the state’s ‘Integrated Sport Policy.’
- Arunima Sinha: Arunima Sinha, a mountain climber and former volleyball player, overcame adversity to become the world’s first female amputee to conquer several of the world’s highest peaks. Despite losing her left leg in a train mishap in 2011, her unwavering determination led her to achieve her dream of scaling each of the highest peaks on every continent, hoisting the Indian flag at each summit. In 2015, she received the Padma Shri for her remarkable achievements.
- Latika Nath: Dr. Latika Nath, a wildlife conservationist known as India’s “Tiger Princess,” has been an inspiration to numerous wildlife experts with her work in Indian forests. Despite the male-dominated nature of the wildlife conservation and research fields, she displayed unwavering determination to overcome challenges. Since the 1990s, she has been dedicated to the conservation of tigers in India and was bestowed with the honorary title of “Her Daringness” in May 2020.
- Bhakti Sharma: Bhakti Sharma, the first Asian and youngest individual to set an open swimming record, swam a record-breaking 2.28 kilometers in 41 minutes in the frigid waters of Antarctica, a feat never before achieved. Her passion for swimming is unwavering, and she has swum in all five oceans of the world, along with several other seas and channels. In 2010, she received the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award.
- Dutee Chand: Dutee Chand, an Indian professional sprinter, secured her place in history as the first Indian to win a gold medal in the 100m race at a global competition. She is also the current national champion in the women’s 100 meters event. In 2019, she became the first Indian sprinter to claim gold at the Universiade, clocking 11.32 seconds in the 100m race. Her inspiring story is a testament to her determination, and she is also India’s first openly gay athlete.
- Mithali Raj: Mithali Raj, the captain of the women’s national cricket team, holds the title of the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket. She is the only female cricketer to surpass the 6,000 run mark in Women’s One Day International matches. Mithali serves as an exemplary role model for aspiring youngsters in the field of sports. She has achieved several national and international awards, including the Wisden Leading Woman Cricketer in the World, the Arjuna Award, and the Padma Shri.
- Manya Singh: Manya Singh emerged as the runner-up of Miss India 2020. Her inspiring journey from working as a dishwasher at a Pizza Hut store and in a call center during the night to support her family is a testament to her determination and resilience. Despite facing numerous challenges, Manya never lost hope and serves as an inspiration for those who dare to dream big.
- Mahua Moitra: TMC MP Mahua Moitra is renowned for her fiery speeches during parliamentary sessions and insightful interviews. She is among the few politicians in India who consistently speak their minds and champion what’s right. Fearlessly challenging the current government and questioning them, she stands as a beacon of hope for young individuals who wish to express their opinions and values in a world where politicians are often associated with corruption.
- Disha Ravi: Disha Ravi is a climate activist and the founder of Fridays For Future India. Her prominence grew when she was arrested in February for her alleged connection to an online ‘toolkit’ related to the farmers’ protest that gained international attention. Her arrest sparked outrage on social media, highlighting concerns about her detainment procedure. She was later granted bail.
These women are true heroes in their own right and deserve our utmost respect.
