"Empowered Women: Catalysts of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Transformative Change"

Trailblazers of Tamil Nadu: 25 Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs Who Are Redefining Success Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu, a land rich in culture and tradition, is also home to a growing number of women entrepreneurs who are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and leaving an indelible mark in various fields. These remarkable women have not only achieved success in their respective industries but have also become beacons of hope and inspiration for future generations of entrepreneurs.

1. J. R. Lalitha – Aachi Masala

J. R. Lalitha’s journey with Aachi Masala is a testament to her vision and tenacity. Focusing on authentic South Indian spices, she turned Aachi into a household name, bringing the flavors of Tamil Nadu to kitchens across India.

2. P. C. Musthafa – iD Fresh Food

Shamsunisa Begum, an integral part of P. C. Musthafa's success story with iD Fresh Food, helped shape the brand’s early stages by delivering homemade-style batter. Today, iD Fresh Food is a major player in the ready-to-cook market, known for its quality and convenience.

3. Shanti Raghavan – Enable India

Shanti Raghavan’s vision led to the founding of Enable India, a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through meaningful employment. Her work has transformed countless lives, challenging societal perceptions and proving that everyone deserves a chance to contribute.

4. Revathi Roy – Hey Deedee

Revathi Roy revolutionized the logistics sector with Hey Deedee, India’s first all-women delivery service. By training women from low-income backgrounds, she not only provided them with job opportunities but also shattered gender stereotypes in the industry.

5. P. C. Kalpana – K’sirs International School

P. C. Kalpana’s passion for education led her to establish K’sirs International School in Coimbatore. Her innovative approach to holistic education has made K’sirs a premier institution, nurturing young minds with modern teaching methods.

6. Hema Malini – Amma Naana Supermarkets

Hema Malini’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in the success of Amma Naana Supermarkets, a chain known for offering high-quality, imported, and local products. Her business acumen set a new standard in retail, making Amma Naana a beloved brand in Chennai.

7. Maha Sinnathamby – Springfield Land Corporation

Maha Sinnathamby, originally from Tamil Nadu, made her mark in Australia by developing Greater Springfield, the country’s first privately built city. Her visionary leadership turned this urban development into a thriving community, recognized for its smart city initiatives.

8. Preetha Reddy – Apollo Hospitals

As the Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, Preetha Reddy has been instrumental in expanding and modernizing the healthcare giant. Her focus on patient care and medical technology has strengthened Apollo’s reputation as a leader in healthcare.

9. Vandana Gopikumar – The Banyan

Vandana Gopikumar co-founded The Banyan, an organization that provides mental health care and social support to the homeless. Her dedication has created a significant impact, offering hope and dignity to those who need it most.

10. Nirmala Lakshman – The Hindu

Nirmala Lakshman, as the Director of The Hindu Group of Publications, has played a key role in modernizing the newspaper’s editorial content and digital presence. Her efforts have solidified The Hindu’s position as a leading newspaper while also enriching India’s literary landscape.

11. Dr. Kamala Selvaraj – Fertility Research Centre

Dr. Kamala Selvaraj, a pioneering fertility specialist, delivered South India’s first test-tube baby. Her contributions to reproductive medicine have brought hope to countless couples, making her Fertility Research Centre a leading institution in the field.

12. Chitra Ravi – Chrysalis

Chitra Ravi’s mission to revolutionize education led her to found Chrysalis, an organization focused on child-centric learning and innovation. Her work has impacted thousands of children and educators, promoting a more holistic approach to education in India.

13. Padmasree Warrior – Fable

Padmasree Warrior, a tech visionary from Tamil Nadu, founded Fable, a company dedicated to mental wellness through curated reading experiences. After a stellar career in technology, she continues to inspire women to pursue careers in tech and entrepreneurship.

14. Meena Ganesh – Portea Medical

Meena Ganesh, co-founder and CEO of Portea Medical, has transformed healthcare delivery in India by bringing high-quality services to patients’ homes. Her work is especially impactful for the elderly and those with chronic conditions, making healthcare more accessible.

15. G. Revathi – Magizhchi Clothing

G. Revathi’s social enterprise, Magizhchi Clothing, empowers women from marginalized communities by providing them with skills training and employment in the fashion industry. Her initiative has helped many women achieve financial independence and improve their quality of life.

16. Ashwini Asokan – Mad Street Den

Ashwini Asokan, co-founder and CEO of Mad Street Den, is pushing the boundaries of AI in the fashion industry. Her innovative approach to visual intelligence has made her a role model for women in technology, inspiring others to explore new frontiers in AI.

17. Pavithra Y. S. – Vindhya e-Infomedia

Pavithra Y. S. founded Vindhya e-Infomedia, a BPO that primarily employs people with disabilities and economically disadvantaged women. Her company not only provides meaningful employment but also promotes dignity and financial independence.

18. Deepa Babington – HelpMeSee India

Deepa Babington, as the Managing Director of HelpMeSee India, is on a mission to eradicate cataract blindness in rural India. Her work has restored sight to thousands, making a profound difference in their quality of life.

19. Sangeetha Madhavan – Geographic India Pvt. Ltd.

Sangeetha Madhavan’s passion for geography and technology led her to found Geographic India, a company specializing in geospatial data and mapping services. Her work has been pivotal in areas such as urban planning, disaster management, and environmental conservation.

20. Saroja Subramanian – Saroja & Associates

Saroja Subramanian is a prominent chartered accountant and founder of Saroja & Associates. Her success in a male-dominated field has inspired many young women to pursue careers in finance, and she continues to mentor the next generation of professionals.

21. Lakshmi Narayanan – Cognizant

Lakshmi Narayanan, one of the founding members and former Vice Chairman of Cognizant, played a crucial role in building the company into a global IT services giant. Her leadership and advocacy for women in technology continue to influence the industry.

22. Jayashree Ravi – House of Angadi

Jayashree Ravi, founder of House of Angadi, has modernized the traditional saree industry while supporting weavers in Tamil Nadu. Her brand is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and has played a key role in preserving and promoting Indian textiles globally.

23. Valli Arunachalam – Murugappa Group

Valli Arunachalam, a nuclear scientist, made headlines for her fight for gender equality in the Murugappa Group. Her efforts to secure her rightful place in the family business have sparked important discussions about gender roles in Indian family-run enterprises.

24. Nirmala Kumari – Manna Foods

Nirmala Kumari founded Manna Foods with a vision to revive traditional millet consumption and promote healthy eating. Her brand has played a significant role in promoting sustainability and health through its millet-based products.

25. Nandini Vaidyanathan – CARMa

Nandini Vaidyanathan, founder of CARMa, is dedicated to mentoring and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women. Her organization provides the tools and resources necessary to overcome challenges in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, empowering the next generation of women leaders.

Conclusion

These 25 women are not just entrepreneurs; they are trailblazers who have redefined success in their fields. Their stories of perseverance, innovation, and leadership are a powerful reminder that with passion and determination, women can achieve anything. As we celebrate their achievements, may their journeys inspire more women to follow their dreams and create their own paths to success.

No.	Name	Background	Journey	Impact
1	J. R. Lalitha	Founder of Aachi Masala	Started Aachi Masala focusing on authentic South Indian spices.	Aachi Masala became a household name in Tamil Nadu.
2	P. C. Musthafa	Co-founder of iD Fresh Food; story includes Shamsunisa Begum	Shamsunisa played a crucial role in the early stages of iD Fresh Food, delivering homemade-style batter.	iD Fresh Food is now a major brand in India, offering various ready-to-cook products.
3	Shanti Raghavan	Founder of Enable India	Started Enable India to empower people with disabilities through employment opportunities.	Thousands of people with disabilities found meaningful employment, changing societal perceptions.
4	Revathi Roy	Founder of Hey Deedee, India's first all-women delivery service	Trained women from low-income backgrounds as delivery personnel.	Created job opportunities for hundreds of women, challenging gender norms in the logistics sector.
5	P. C. Kalpana	Founder of K'sirs International School	Established K'sirs in Coimbatore with a focus on holistic education and modern teaching methods.	The school has become a premier institution known for quality education in the region.
6	Hema Malini	Founder of Amma Naana Supermarkets	Started Amma Naana supermarkets, focusing on quality, imported, and local products in Chennai.	Her supermarkets set high standards in the retail industry in Chennai.
7	Maha Sinnathamby	Founder of Springfield Land Corporation	Developed Greater Springfield, the first privately built city in Australia.	Created a thriving urban development recognized for its smart city initiatives.
8	Preetha Reddy	Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals	Expanded and modernized Apollo Hospitals, focusing on patient care and medical technology.	Apollo Hospitals became synonymous with quality healthcare in India.
9	Vandana Gopikumar	Co-founder of The Banyan	Started The Banyan to provide mental health care and social support to homeless individuals.	The Banyan has grown into a significant organization, impacting thousands of lives.
10	Nirmala Lakshman	Director of The Hindu Group of Publications	Modernized The Hindu’s editorial content and digital presence; founded Lit for Life.	Strengthened The Hindu’s position as a leading newspaper and enriched India’s literary landscape.
11	Dr. Kamala Selvaraj	Pioneering fertility specialist; Founder of the Fertility Research Centre	Delivered South India’s first test-tube baby and made significant contributions to fertility treatments.	Her center became a leading institution in reproductive medicine, providing hope to countless couples.
12	Chitra Ravi	Founder and CEO of Chrysalis	Started Chrysalis to bring systemic change in education, focusing on child-centric learning and innovation.	Chrysalis has impacted the lives of thousands of children and educators across India.
13	Padmasree Warrior	CEO & Founder of Fable; tech visionary	Founded Fable, focusing on mental wellness through curated reading experiences after a successful career in technology.	Inspires many women to pursue careers in technology and entrepreneurship.
14	Meena Ganesh	Co-founder and CEO of Portea Medical	Founded Portea Medical to provide high-quality healthcare services at home.	Revolutionized healthcare delivery in India, especially for the elderly and those with chronic conditions.
15	G. Revathi	Founder of Magizhchi Clothing	Started Magizhchi Clothing to empower women from marginalized communities by providing them with skills training and employment.	Provided livelihood opportunities to many women, enabling financial independence and improved quality of life.
16	Ashwini Asokan	Co-founder and CEO of Mad Street Den	Founded Mad Street Den, an AI company building models for visual intelligence, particularly in the fashion industry.	Pushing the boundaries of AI application across various industries, serving as a role model in the tech world.
17	Pavithra Y. S.	Founder and Managing Director of Vindhya e-Infomedia	Started Vindhya e-Infomedia with a mission to employ people with disabilities and economically disadvantaged women in the BPO sector.	Vindhya e-Infomedia has empowered many individuals by providing them with dignity and financial independence.
18	Deepa Babington	Managing Director of HelpMeSee India	Scaled HelpMeSee’s mission to eradicate cataract blindness in India, particularly in rural areas.	Had a profound impact on reducing preventable blindness, restoring sight to thousands.
19	Sangeetha Madhavan	Founder of Geographic India Pvt. Ltd.	Founded Geographic India, providing innovative solutions in geospatial data and mapping services.	Her work has been pivotal in urban planning, disaster management, and environmental conservation.
20	Saroja Subramanian	Founder of Saroja & Associates	Established Saroja & Associates, becoming a prominent figure in the male-dominated field of accountancy.	Inspired many young women to pursue careers in finance and mentored the next generation of professionals.
21	Lakshmi Narayanan	Founding member and former Vice Chairman of Cognizant	Played a crucial role in building Cognizant into a global IT services giant.	Her leadership and vision have established Cognizant as a major player in the IT industry, and she advocates for women in technology.
22	Jayashree Ravi	Founder of House of Angadi	Modernized and promoted traditional Indian textiles globally through House of Angadi, supporting weavers in Tamil Nadu.	Her brand has become renowned for its craftsmanship and has sustained the livelihoods of many traditional weavers.
23	Valli Arunachalam	Businesswoman and nuclear scientist	Fought for gender equality in the traditionally male-dominated Murugappa Group after her father’s passing.	Sparked discussions about gender roles in family businesses, inspiring women to assert their rights.
24	Nirmala Kumari	Founder of Manna Foods	Started Manna Foods to promote healthy eating habits through traditional millet-based products.	Played a significant role in the revival of millet consumption in Tamil Nadu, contributing to both health and sustainability.
25	Nandini Vaidyanathan	Founder of CARMa	Founded CARMa to mentor and support aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, after a successful corporate career.	Empowered many women entrepreneurs by offering mentorship and access to markets, helping them overcome challenges in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

1. J. R. Lalitha (Aachi Masala)

a. Background: J. R. Lalitha, popularly known as Aachi Lalitha, is the founder of Aachi Group, a household name in Tamil Nadu known for its masala products.

b. Journey: Lalitha started her journey in the 1990s, initially working with her husband in a small-scale oil and flour business. Realizing the demand for quality masala products, she launched Aachi Masala with a focus on delivering authentic South Indian spices and blends.

c. Impact: Under her leadership, Aachi Masala has grown into one of the most recognized brands in Tamil Nadu, offering a wide range of products. Lalitha’s story is a testament to how perseverance and understanding local market needs can lead to entrepreneurial success.

2. P. C. Musthafa (iD Fresh Food)

a. Background: Though the company was co-founded by P. C. Musthafa, an entrepreneur from Kerala, the story includes Shamsunisa Begum from Tamil Nadu, who played a crucial role in the early stages.

b. Journey: iD Fresh Food began with the idea of providing fresh, homemade-style idli and dosa batter to busy urban households. Shamsunisa Begum, along with her family members, was instrumental in making and delivering the first batches of batter.

c. Impact: The company has since grown into a major brand across India, offering a variety of ready-to-cook products. Shamsunisa's dedication and traditional culinary skills contributed significantly to the brand’s authenticity and success.

3. Shanti Raghavan (Enable India)

a. Background: Shanti Raghavan is the founder of Enable India, a non-profit organization that empowers people with disabilities through employment opportunities.

b. Journey: Inspired by her brother's experience with visual impairment, Shanti started Enable India in 1999. She worked tirelessly to break the stereotypes and barriers faced by disabled individuals in the workforce.

c. Impact: Shanti’s efforts have resulted in thousands of people with disabilities finding meaningful employment. Her work has not only transformed lives but also challenged societal norms about disability and capability.

4. Revathi Roy (Hey Deedee)

a. Background: Revathi Roy is a social entrepreneur who founded India’s first all-women delivery service, Hey Deedee, focusing on empowering underprivileged women by providing them with employment opportunities.

b. Journey: Although originally from Mumbai, Revathi's work in Tamil Nadu has been significant, where she expanded her services. She started Hey Deedee to train women from low-income backgrounds as delivery personnel, providing them with a steady income and a sense of independence.

c. Impact: Revathi’s initiative has created job opportunities for hundreds of women, transforming their lives and challenging gender norms in the logistics and delivery sectors.

5. P. C. Kalpana (K'sirs International School)

a. Background: Kalpana Saroj is the driving force behind K'sirs International School, which she established in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

b. Journey: Kalpana, an educationist, aimed to provide world-class education while emphasizing holistic development. With a vision of creating a nurturing environment for students, she has integrated modern educational practices with traditional values.

c. Impact: Her school has become one of the premier institutions in the region, known for its quality education and innovative teaching methods. Kalpana’s dedication to education has empowered numerous students to achieve their full potential.

6. Hema Malini (Amma Naana Supermarket)

a. Background: Hema Malini is a well-known entrepreneur in the retail industry, particularly in the food and grocery sector, through her successful chain of Amma Naana supermarkets in Chennai.

b. Journey: She started the first Amma Naana store in the late 1990s, focusing on providing high-quality, imported, and local products to Chennai’s residents. Her commitment to quality and customer satisfaction quickly made the store a favorite among shoppers.

c. Impact: Hema’s supermarkets have become a household name in Chennai, offering a wide range of products and setting high standards in the retail industry. Her success story is a classic example of how passion and customer focus can drive business growth.

7. Maha Sinnathamby (Founder of Springfield Land Corporation)

a. Background: Though based in Australia, Maha Sinnathamby has roots in Tamil Nadu. She is the founder and chairman of Springfield Land Corporation, which developed the first privately built city in Australia—Greater Springfield.

b. Journey: Maha's journey began with a vision to create a sustainable city that would foster innovation, education, and community living. Overcoming numerous challenges, she transformed an area of unused land into a thriving urban development.

c. Impact: Greater Springfield is now a booming city, home to over 40,000 people, and recognized for its smart city initiatives. Maha’s success demonstrates the power of visionary thinking and persistence.

8. Preetha Reddy (Apollo Hospitals)

a. Background: Preetha Reddy is the Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, one of India’s leading healthcare providers. The group was founded by her father, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, but Preetha has played a crucial role in expanding and modernizing the network.

b. Journey: Preetha took over the operations at a time when healthcare was rapidly evolving. She spearheaded several initiatives to enhance patient care, introduce new medical technologies, and expand Apollo’s footprint across the country.

c. Impact: Under her leadership, Apollo Hospitals has become synonymous with quality healthcare in India, setting benchmarks in medical excellence and patient care. Preetha’s contributions have significantly impacted the healthcare landscape in India.

9. Vandana Gopikumar (The Banyan)

a. Background: Vandana Gopikumar is the co-founder of The Banyan, an NGO that provides comprehensive mental health care and social support to homeless individuals with mental health issues.

b. Journey: Vandana, along with her co-founder Vaishnavi Jayakumar, started The Banyan in Chennai in 1993. They began by rescuing women with mental illness from the streets, offering them shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation.

c. Impact: The Banyan has grown into a significant organization, impacting the lives of thousands of people. Vandana’s work has not only provided care to those in need but also raised awareness about mental health issues in India.

10. Nirmala Lakshman (The Hindu Group)

a. Background: Nirmala Lakshman is the Director of The Hindu Group of Publications and the founder of Lit for Life, a popular literary festival in India.

b. Journey: Nirmala, coming from a family deeply rooted in journalism, has been instrumental in modernizing The Hindu’s editorial content and digital presence. She also founded Lit for Life, which has become a prestigious platform for authors, thinkers, and readers.

c. Impact: Nirmala’s work has enriched the literary and journalistic landscape of India, promoting intellectual engagement and cultural dialogue. Her leadership has strengthened The Hindu’s position as a leading newspaper in the country.

11. Dr. Kamala Selvaraj (Fertility Specialist)

a. Background: Dr. Kamala Selvaraj is a pioneering fertility specialist and the founder of the Fertility Research Centre in Chennai. She is the daughter of legendary Tamil actor Gemini Ganesan.

b. Journey: Dr. Kamala began her medical career in the late 1970s, focusing on infertility treatment at a time when it was a relatively new field in India. She achieved a major milestone in 1990 by delivering South India’s first test-tube baby.

c. Impact: Dr. Kamala’s contributions to fertility treatments have brought hope to countless couples struggling with infertility. Her center has become a leading institution in reproductive medicine, making her a trailblazer in the field.

12. Chitra Ravi (Chrysalis)

a. Background: Chitra Ravi is the founder and CEO of Chrysalis, an educational research and innovation organization focused on transforming the way children learn in schools.

b. Journey: Chitra started Chrysalis with a vision to bring about a systemic change in education by focusing on the child’s individual potential. Her work involves developing innovative learning solutions and teacher training programs that foster critical thinking and creativity.

c. Impact: Chrysalis has touched the lives of thousands of children and educators across India. Chitra’s work is paving the way for a more child-centric and innovative education system.

13. Padmasree Warrior (CEO & Founder of Fable)

a. Background: Padmasree Warrior is a tech visionary who has held senior leadership positions at companies like Cisco and Motorola. She is originally from Tamil Nadu.

b. Journey: After a successful career in technology, Padmasree founded Fable, a company focused on mental wellness through curated reading experiences.

c. Impact: As a leader in the tech industry and now an entrepreneur in the wellness space, Padmasree has inspired many women to pursue careers in technology and entrepreneurship.

14. Meena Ganesh (Portea Medical)

a. Background: Meena Ganesh is a co-founder and CEO of Portea Medical, a leading home healthcare company in India.

b. Journey: After a successful stint in corporate roles, Meena ventured into entrepreneurship by founding Portea, which provides high-quality healthcare services at home.

c. Impact: Meena’s work has revolutionized healthcare delivery in India, making medical services more accessible, especially for the elderly and those with chronic conditions.

15. G. Revathi (Magizhchi Clothing)

a. Background: G. Revathi is the founder of Magizhchi Clothing, a social enterprise that empowers women from marginalized communities by providing them with skills training and employment in the fashion industry.

b. Journey: Revathi started Magizhchi to create sustainable fashion while also offering economic opportunities to women in rural Tamil Nadu.

c. Impact: Her initiative has provided livelihood opportunities to many women, enabling them to achieve financial independence and improve their quality of life.

16. Ashwini Asokan (Mad Street Den)

a. Background: Ashwini Asokan is the co-founder and CEO of Mad Street Den, an AI company that builds models for visual intelligence.

b. Journey: Ashwini’s background in design and technology led her to co-found Mad Street Den, which has gained recognition for its AI-driven products, especially in the fashion industry.

c. Impact: Her work in artificial intelligence is pushing the boundaries of how technology can be applied in various industries, making her a role model in the tech world.

17. Pavithra Y. S. (Vindhya e-Infomedia)

a. Background: Pavithra Y. S. is the founder and managing director of Vindhya e-Infomedia, a BPO that primarily employs people with disabilities and economically disadvantaged women.

b. Journey: Pavithra started Vindhya e-Infomedia with a social mission to provide employment opportunities to those often overlooked by the mainstream job market.

c. Impact: Her company has not only grown successfully but also empowered many individuals by providing them with dignity and financial independence.

18. Deepa Babington (HelpMeSee India)

a. Background: Deepa Babington is the Managing Director of HelpMeSee India, an organization focused on eradicating cataract blindness.

b. Journey: With a background in healthcare and social entrepreneurship, Deepa has been instrumental in scaling HelpMeSee’s mission across India, particularly in rural areas.

c. Impact: Her work has had a profound impact on reducing preventable blindness, restoring sight to thousands of individuals, and improving their quality of life.

19. Sangeetha Madhavan (Geographic India Pvt. Ltd.)

a. Background: Sangeetha Madhavan is the founder of Geographic India, a company specializing in geospatial data and mapping services.

b. Journey: With a passion for geography and technology, Sangeetha founded her company to provide innovative solutions in the field of geospatial mapping.

c. Impact: Her work has been pivotal in areas such as urban planning, disaster management, and environmental conservation, showcasing the power of technology in addressing real-world challenges.

20. Saroja Subramanian (Saroja & Associates)

a. Background: Saroja Subramanian is a prominent chartered accountant and the founder of Saroja & Associates, a well-known auditing and consulting firm in Tamil Nadu.

b. Journey: Saroja’s journey began in the male-dominated field of accountancy, where she quickly established herself as a leader through her expertise and integrity.

c. Impact: She has inspired many young women to pursue careers in finance and has been instrumental in mentoring the next generation of professionals in the field.

21. Lakshmi Narayanan (Cognizant)

a. Background: Lakshmi Narayanan is one of the founding members and former Vice Chairman of Cognizant, one of the world’s leading IT services companies.

b. Journey: Although more of a corporate leader than an entrepreneur, Lakshmi’s contributions have been crucial in building Cognizant from a start-up to a global giant.

c. Impact: Her leadership and vision have played a key role in establishing Cognizant as a major player in the IT industry, and she remains a powerful advocate for women in technology.

22. Jayashree Ravi (House of Angadi)

a. Background: Jayashree Ravi is the founder of House of Angadi, a renowned saree brand known for its exquisite weaves and craftsmanship.

b. Journey: Jayashree comes from a family of traditional weavers and has successfully modernized the brand while preserving its rich heritage.

c. Impact: Through her brand, she has not only promoted Indian textiles globally but also supported and sustained the livelihoods of many traditional weavers in Tamil Nadu.

23. Valli Arunachalam (Murugappa Group)

a. Background: Valli Arunachalam is a nuclear scientist and businesswoman who has been in the spotlight for her efforts to secure her rightful place in the Murugappa Group, a conglomerate owned by her family.

b. Journey: Valli, who has an impressive career in the field of semiconductor technology, returned to India after her father’s passing to claim her stake in the family business. Her fight for gender equality in the traditionally male-dominated business environment of Tamil Nadu has been widely recognized.

c. Impact: Valli’s stand has sparked discussions about gender roles in family businesses in India, inspiring many women to assert their rights in similar situations.

24. Nirmala Kumari (Manna Foods)

a. Background: Nirmala Kumari is the founder of Manna Foods, a well-known brand in Tamil Nadu specializing in health foods, particularly traditional millet-based products.

b. Journey: Nirmala started her business in 2000 with a vision to bring back traditional Indian grains and promote healthy eating habits. Manna Foods quickly gained popularity for its high-quality, nutritious products.

c. Impact: Through Manna Foods, Nirmala has played a significant role in the revival of millet consumption in Tamil Nadu, contributing to both health and sustainability.

25. Nandini Vaidyanathan (Founder, CARMa)

a. Background: Nandini Vaidyanathan is the founder of CARMa (Creating Access to Resources and Markets), an organization that mentors and supports aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women.

b. Journey: After a successful corporate career, Nandini founded CARMa to help small and medium enterprises grow by providing them with the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources. She is also a well-known author and speaker on entrepreneurship.

c. Impact: Nandini’s work has empowered many women entrepreneurs by offering them mentorship and access to markets, helping them overcome the challenges they face in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.