India revels in its diversity and cultural opulence. Despite a patriarchal backdrop, Indian women have forged their paths, demonstrating excellence across various domains. Whether in politics, finance, homemaking, or defense, these women have defied expectations, breaking through barriers and serving as inspirations for millions. Here we present top 5 remarkable Indian women list who have etched an enduring legacy in Indian society.
- Droupadi Murmu
India’s fifteenth and sitting president is Droupadi Murmu, who has been in office since July 25, 2022. She is the first member of an indigenous tribe to hold the office of President of India. In addition, she is the second female office holder after Pratibha Patil. The appointment of Murmu to the presidency is a symbol of women’s empowerment as well as a historic turning point. She created history as the country’s first female tribal governor when she was elected to the Governor of Jharkhand.
- Nirmala Sitharaman
Nirmala Sitharaman, assuming the role of India’s Finance Minister in May 2019, achieved a historic milestone as the country’s inaugural full-time female finance minister. With a diverse background encompassing engagements in international organizations and advocacy for women’s rights, Sitharaman’s leadership in finance and corporate affairs is shaping the economic landscape of India. Her political journey commenced with her election to the Rajya Sabha in the Parliament of India in 2014, and she was subsequently reelected in 2016. Since 2014, Sitharaman has held various ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Defense, Minister of State of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, and Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Her affiliation with the Bharatiya Janata Party dates back to 2006, and she has previously served as a spokesperson for the party.
- Madhabi Puri Buch
Madhabi Puri Buch’s elevation to the position of the first female chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in March 2022 highlights her deep expertise in financial regulation. With a wealth of experience in both domestic and international financial markets, Buch is steering SEBI towards ensuring robust governance and transparency in India’s rapidly growing stock market ecosystem. Notably, she is the founder-director of Agora Advisory Pvt Ltd, a consulting and incubation firm. Prior to her role as the SEBI chairperson, Buch contributed to the New Development Bank in China. With three decades of financial market experience, she commenced her career at ICICI Bank in 1989, where she served as an investment banker, led a prominent broking outfit, held a senior position at a private equity major, and briefly worked with the New Development Bank established by the BRICS bloc of nations.
- BV Nagarathna
Justice BV Nagarathna is on track to make history as the first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India in 2027, underscoring her steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law. Renowned for her principled stance and landmark judgments, Justice Nagarathna’s judicial expertise continues to shape the legal landscape of the nation. Her extensive legal practice covered diverse areas, including administrative law, constitutional law, commercial law, and family law. Beyond her individual cases, Justice Nagarathna made significant contributions by representing the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority and the High Court Legal Services Committee. Moreover, she served as Amicus Curiae in certain cases, showcasing her dedication to the legal community and justice system. Her impending role as the Chief Justice signifies a milestone in the Indian judiciary and reflects her exceptional legal acumen.
- Soma Mondal
Soma Mondal’s historic appointment as the first female chairperson of the Steel Authority of India (SAIL) in January 2021 marks a transformative period for the steel industry. Leading with vision and expertise, Mondal has steered SAIL to unprecedented growth, establishing herself as a trailblazing figure in the traditionally male-dominated field of heavy industry. Her journey with SAIL began in March 2017 when she assumed the role of Director (Commercial). In this capacity, Mondal played a pivotal role in executing marketing strategies outlined in the Comprehensive Turnaround Roadmap for the Company. Since 2017, under her guidance, SAIL experienced consistent sales growth and expanded its market reach annually. Notably, SAIL achieved its highest-ever sales volume consecutively for the three financial years from 2017-18 to 2019-20, and this positive momentum persisted into the current financial year of 2020-21 despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mondal’s leadership has been instrumental in positioning SAIL as a powerhouse in the steel industry.
