(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM) by Nazli: International Women’s Day is a momentous occasion to honor the invaluable contributions of women who are transforming the world, one step at a time. The importance of this day transcends celebration—it calls for reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to gender equality and empowerment. THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM proudly features an exclusive set of inspiring women leaders who have made extraordinary strides in their respective fields, contributing immensely to the progress of our nation. These women—trailblazers in banking, governance, public service, social activism, and corporate leadership—represent the power of resilience, innovation, and determination. From being pillars of support in their communities to influencing global platforms, they are not just leaders; they are agents of change, shaping India’s future through their vision and action. Their stories resonate far beyond their individual achievements, serving as beacons of hope and empowerment for future generations. In the following profiles, we delve into the lives of these remarkable women whose roles in nation-building exemplify the strength and potential of women everywhere. Their journeys, challenges, and triumphs are a testament to the indomitable spirit of women in leadership.

Smt. Avantika Singh Aulakh – IAS Officer and Secretary to the Chief Minister of Gujarat Smt. Avantika Singh Aulakh, an IAS officer from the 2003 batch of the Gujarat cadre, is a beacon of excellence in public service. Her career is a testament to the power of technical expertise combined with public policy acumen. Avantika’s educational background is impressive, holding a B.E. in Instrumentation & Control Engineering from Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, Delhi, followed by a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. In her two-decade-long career in the civil services, Avantika has held several key administrative positions that have shaped the governance landscape in Gujarat. She has served as the District Collector in various districts, including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Anand, where she earned accolades such as the Best District Collector Award for her exceptional work in governance. Her innovative and proactive approach to administration has made a significant impact on these districts, particularly in areas of development, disaster management, and public welfare. One of her most notable achievements came when she served as the Vice Chairman & CEO of the Gujarat Maritime Board, where she was instrumental in enhancing Gujarat’s maritime infrastructure. This role underscored her ability to bridge governance with economic development, particularly in sectors that are crucial to India’s overall growth. Her other leadership roles, such as CEO of the Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board and Managing Director of Gujarat Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, further demonstrate her versatility in handling large-scale infrastructure and development projects. Avantika’s leadership goes beyond just administrative duties. She has been deeply involved in enhancing the state’s educational initiatives, particularly as Director of Technical Education in Gujarat, where she worked towards aligning the state’s technical education curriculum with industry needs. Her commitment to public welfare, governance, and infrastructure development has earned her numerous national awards, including the National Award for Best Electoral Practices from the Election Commission of India in 2012 and 2017. In her current role as Secretary to the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Avantika continues to play a crucial role in driving the state’s policies and initiatives forward. Her holistic approach to governance has made her an instrumental figure in Gujarat’s rise as one of the most progressive states in India, showcasing the vital role that women leaders play in steering the country toward a brighter future.

Smti Aruna Rajoria – Commissioner Secretary, Government of Assam Smti Aruna Rajoria is a shining example of women’s leadership in governance, bringing a combination of strategic foresight and compassion to her role as Commissioner & Secretary for multiple departments, including Agriculture and Information & Public Relations, in the Government of Assam. An IAS officer from the 2010 batch, Aruna’s career has been characterized by her dedication to public service and her focus on bringing about transformative changes within the state of Assam. Aruna’s leadership is marked by her commitment to the welfare of the people, especially women. In Assam, she has been instrumental in initiating several key programs that aim to uplift the socio-economic status of women, particularly in rural areas. Her work within the Assam Silk Outreach Mission (ASOM) has led to the promotion of Assam’s silk industry on both national and international levels, preserving traditional crafts while providing economic empowerment to women artisans. One of the unique aspects of women’s empowerment in Northeast India, as emphasized by Aruna, is the high status and recognition women hold in the region. Women in the Northeast enjoy greater respect and freedom of decision-making compared to other parts of the country, and Aruna has worked tirelessly to ensure that this tradition of gender equity continues to thrive. In addition to her work in agriculture and public relations, Aruna’s tenure as Agriculture Production Commissioner has been pivotal in driving agricultural reforms in Assam, focusing on sustainability and innovation. Her efforts to modernize the agricultural sector while preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage are commendable, positioning Assam as a leader in agricultural development. Aruna’s work reflects her deep understanding of the need for inclusive governance that values every citizen’s contribution. She continues to be a role model for aspiring civil servants, especially women, showing that with determination, a vision for social equity, and an unwavering commitment to public welfare, one can drive significant positive change in society.

Ms. A. Manimekhalai – MD & CEO, Union Bank of India: A Visionary Leader in Banking Ms. A. Manimekhalai is a distinguished banking leader with over three decades of experience in India’s financial sector. Starting her career in Vijaya Bank in 1988, she quickly ascended the ranks, earning recognition for her exceptional leadership, strategic foresight, and profound understanding of banking. Her remarkable journey led her to her current position as the Managing Director and CEO of Union Bank of India, where she has been instrumental in driving the bank’s strategic growth and digital transformation, especially following its merger with Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank. As MD & CEO, Ms. Manimekhalai plays a pivotal role in shaping Union Bank’s vision for the future, focusing on expanding its presence both domestically and internationally. She has overseen the development of innovative financial solutions that have not only strengthened the bank’s position but have also contributed to India’s broader goal of financial inclusion. Under her leadership, Union Bank has successfully implemented programs designed to bring banking services to underserved rural and remote areas, ensuring that millions of Indians, especially in marginalized communities, gain access to essential financial services. Before her tenure at Union Bank, Ms. Manimekhalai served as Executive Director at Canara Bank, where she was a key architect in the successful amalgamation of Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank. This landmark merger reshaped the landscape of India’s public sector banking and set a new standard for consolidation in the industry. Ms. Manimekhalai’s expertise in credit management, financial inclusion, and agriculture finance has been instrumental in enhancing India’s financial ecosystem, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Ms. Manimekhalai’s influence extends beyond the bank. As an active participant in numerous governmental committees, she has been a driving force behind policy reforms aimed at strengthening the financial inclusion framework, improving agriculture value-chain financing, and modernizing banking regulations. Her work has helped reshape rural banking and broaden access to capital for agricultural enterprises, furthering India’s economic growth and development. With her vast experience in strategic planning, Ms. Manimekhalai has proven time and again that women can excel in leadership roles in even the most challenging sectors. Her commitment to fostering financial inclusion, promoting gender equality, and driving organizational transformation sets a powerful example for aspiring women leaders in India and globally. Her legacy stands as a testament to the fact that with resilience, vision, and dedication, women can not only lead large institutions but also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s economy.

Smt. Vartika Shukla – Chairman & Managing Director, Engineers India Ltd. Vartika Shukla has undoubtedly become one of the most influential women in the Indian oil and gas sector. As the Chairman & Managing Director of Engineers India Ltd. (EIL), Vartika has shattered glass ceilings in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated. Her long journey with EIL has been a testament to her outstanding leadership, vision, and technical expertise. With a Chemical Engineering degree from IIT Kanpur and an Executive General Management Program from IIM Lucknow, she is a seasoned expert in the hydrocarbon value chain. Under Vartika’s leadership, EIL has made significant strides in offering total energy solutions and has expanded its horizons beyond its core business in oil and gas, venturing into renewable energy, green hydrogen, and biofuels. Vartika has been instrumental in positioning EIL at the forefront of India’s energy transformation. One of her major contributions has been her relentless efforts to help EIL achieve the goal of becoming a Net Zero carbon emitting organization by 2035, aligning with India’s ambitious goal of becoming a Net Zero country by 2070. Her tenure has been marked by groundbreaking achievements in the development of refineries, petrochemical complexes, and fertilizer plants, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, Vartika’s strategic collaborations with industry leaders and academic institutions have helped EIL develop innovative technologies, bringing cutting-edge solutions to the energy sector. Her focus on Make in India initiatives has significantly strengthened India’s energy security and self-sufficiency. As a member of several prestigious boards and councils, including the Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB) and the Performance Appraisal Board (PAB) for CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute, Vartika’s contributions extend beyond her role at EIL. She is a thought leader in energy policy development and has been deeply involved in shaping national policies, particularly in areas like the Auto Fuel Vision & Policy, National Bio Fuel Policy, and strategies for the refining and petrochemical sectors. Vartika’s leadership not only paves the way for India’s energy future but also sets a remarkable example for women aspiring to break barriers in technical and corporate fields. Her unwavering dedication to excellence continues to inspire women across India to aim higher, innovate, and lead with purpose.

Smt. Amruta Fadnavis – Social Activist, Banker, and Classical Singer Amruta Fadnavis, a name synonymous with empowerment, is more than just the wife of Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. She is a remarkable individual who has carved a niche for herself in the worlds of banking, classical music, and social activism. A trained classical singer with a keen passion for the arts, Amruta’s influence extends far beyond her artistic prowess. Her role as the youngest First Lady of Maharashtra in 2014 marked the beginning of a unique journey. Amruta did not simply adhere to the traditional expectations of a political spouse. Instead, she used her position to champion social causes, particularly those related to women’s empowerment and underprivileged communities. Through the Divyaj Foundation, which she founded, Amruta has actively worked to improve the lives of marginalized women by providing them with skills, education, and financial independence. The foundation also works on issues like healthcare, clean-up drives, and childcare. One of Amruta’s most notable achievements was her representation of India at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2017, a global peace initiative presided over by then US President Donald Trump. This opportunity further highlighted her standing on the international stage, where she not only represented India but also exemplified the role of women in peace-building and diplomacy. Amruta’s life reflects a beautiful blend of multiple roles: a banker by profession, a classical singer by passion, and a social worker at heart. By balancing these varied aspects of her life, she has broken the conventional boundaries often placed on women, especially in public roles. Through her perseverance and multifaceted approach, Amruta has shown that women need not be confined to one identity. She continues to inspire millions with her message of individuality, independence, and social responsibility. Her journey is a compelling story of how a woman, no matter her background or circumstances, can rise to positions of influence, defy stereotypes, and drive positive change in society.

Ms.Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak – IAS Officer and Commissioner of Tourism, Gujarat Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak’s journey as a civil servant exemplifies her commitment to both governance and economic development. A 2008-batch IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre, Saidingpuii has held key roles in various governmental departments, where she has significantly impacted the state’s growth trajectory. Currently serving as the Managing Director and Commissioner of Tourism in Gujarat, Saidingpuii plays a pivotal role in shaping the state’s tourism policies, further enhancing its position as a vibrant and diverse cultural hub in India. Saidingpuii’s leadership in Gujarat’s tourism sector has been transformative. She has spearheaded multiple initiatives to boost the state’s tourism infrastructure, promoting both domestic and international tourism. Her strategic approach to sustainable tourism has helped preserve Gujarat’s cultural heritage while maximizing its potential as a significant contributor to the state’s economy. Under her leadership, the state has seen the development of innovative tourism projects, including promoting ecotourism, cultural tourism, and pilgrimage tourism, which have not only elevated Gujarat’s global standing but also created employment opportunities for thousands, especially women and youth. Before her tenure as the Commissioner of Tourism, Saidingpuii held several key positions, including Additional Secretary to the Government of Gujarat (Budget) in the Finance Department, and Director of Gujarat Energy Development Agency. In these roles, she worked on several crucial infrastructure projects, overseeing the development of the state’s energy resources and fiscal strategies. Her work has often bridged governance with technology and sustainability, helping Gujarat make strides in renewable energy and smart city development.