From India’s first all-women mine rescue team to pioneers in sport, science, and entrepreneurship—season 3 spotlights resilience, innovation, and inclusive leadership
Bengaluru, July 30, 2025: As part of India’s largest initiative championing gender parity, CNBC-TV18 and HSBC, in partnership with Cognizant, hosted a special felicitation ceremony under Future. Female. Forward Season 3, celebrating extraordinary women whose journeys exemplify grit, innovation, and leadership that drives change on the ground.
This year’s honourees spanned diverse sectors—from science and sports to armed forces and social impact. Among them was Roshni Devi, national-level weightlifter fondly known as the Weightlifter Mummy, who continues to inspire with her unwavering discipline and a goal to lift 100 kg en route to a gold medal. “Try hard, stay disciplined, and be mindful of your nutrition and body,” she advised aspiring athletes.
Alina Alam, Founder & CEO of Mitti Café, was celebrated for building a network of inclusive cafés led by people with disabilities. Starting with zero capital at age 22, Alam recalled how community support helped transform a modest café into a movement for dignity through employment. “Today, our first employee, who once crawled to her interview, manages 10 others from her own wheelchair,” she shared.
India’s only Master of Wine, Sonal Holland, Founder & Director of SoHo Wines, was lauded for pioneering India’s wine culture. “Wine struck me like a bolt of lightning,” she said, reflecting on her decision to leave a corporate career two decades ago to pursue a title held by fewer than 500 people globally.
The spotlight also turned to the Joshi sisters—Shreyasi and Swarali, figure skating champions who’ve brought global acclaim to a sport still emerging in India. Having recently won Gold at the Asian Roller-Skating Championship, the sisters reaffirmed their dream to bring pride to the nation at the World Games.
Scientific excellence was represented by Prof. Savithri H. S, the first and only woman to chair the Department of Biochemistry at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. Meanwhile, Lt Commander Roopa Alagirisamy and Lt Commander Dilna K of the Indian Navy were recognized for their extraordinary 25,400-nautical-mile voyage across three oceans, redefining courage and teamwork in service.
One of the night’s most powerful moments came with the recognition of SMART-191, the Singareni Mahila Active Rescue Team—India’s first all-women mine rescue unit—who work in some of the country’s most high-risk environments. Social impact leader Sandhya Puchalapalli, Founder of Aarti for Girls, was also honoured for her work with vulnerable children, alongside Meena Ganesh, Co-founder & Chairperson of Portea and Trustee at Bahaar Foundation, for transforming access to home healthcare across India.
The evening also featured an inspiring leadership address by K. Sunitha, Principal Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh, who reflected on her early days in rural administration and the real lessons she learned in service. “True governance begins where the textbooks end,” she said.
Each honouree embodied a unique blend of courage, conviction, and vision—collectively showcasing how women across India are reshaping what leadership looks like. From mines to ministries, skating rinks to scientific labs, these leaders are not just breaking ceilings—they’re building legacies.
About Future. Female. Forward:
Future. Female. Forward is an initiative by CNBC-TV18 and HSBC, in collaboration with Cognizant, aimed at spotlighting women leaders who exemplify excellence across sectors. Now in its third season, the platform continues to drive conversations around inclusive leadership, equity, and empowerment in India.
