Women Leaders Who Shaped Modern India: A Heartfelt Tribute this Independence Day

When we think of women, most of us immediately think of our mothers, their warmth, strength and ability to nurture us through our ups and downs. They care for us, guide us, and also give us courage to grow. Just like how our mothers shape our families, there are countless Indian women who have nurtured and shaped our nation. From freedom fighters to teachers, scientists, artists to changemakers. Their strength may not always make headlines, but it can be felt in every corner of the country. Indian women today beautifully balance modern ambitions with their traditions. From rural villages to urban centres, they have gracefully embraced education, entrepreneurship, public service, and care, all while honouring their cultural roots.  

Women in Nation-Building 

From the beginning of India’s modern history, women played important roles in the struggle for independence. Savitribai Phule is a prominent figure when it comes to girls' education in Maharashtra. She established the first school for girls and stood firmly against caste-based discrimination. Sarojini Naidu, a freedom fighter, became the first woman to lead the Indian National Congress and later went on to become the first woman governor of an Indian state. Captain Lakshmi Sahgal led the Rani Jhansi Regiment in Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army and went on to inspire several women to join the fight for freedom. These women not only laid the foundation for independence but also for gender equality.  

In the early years of independent India, visionary women helped frame our nation's future. Durgabai Deshmukh was a member of the Constituent Assembly, founder of Andhra Mahila Sabha and also led the Central Social Welfare Board, championing women’s rights and social welfare. Sucheta Kripalani was a parliamentarian who is known to have contributed to drafting the Indian Constitution. 
 

India’s Global Women Leaders 

Modern India’s science, technology, sports and business has been led by exceptional and talented women. Mary Kom, the renowned boxer from Manipur. She is a six-time world champion and India’s first female boxer to win a medal at the Olympics. Her journey from rural India to the global stage has been phenomenal and has inspired millions of women across the world. In the corporate world, Arundhati Bhattacharya became the first woman chairperson of State Bank of India and led major reforms in India’s banking sector. Forbes named one of the world’s most powerful women. 

In recent years, women across fields continue to break barriers. Falguni Nayar, the founder of Nykaa is India’s richest self-made woman. Gita Gopinath, the first Indian woman Chief Economist at IMF and a Harvard professor, represents our intellectual leadership on an international scale. Women like PV Sindhu, Mithali Raj, Manu Bhaker, and Avani Lekhara continue to win medals and lift India's flag high. They make us proud.  

Voices for Justice: Women in Law and Social Reform 

From the courtroom to the grassroot, women have spoken up for justice and truth. Indira Jaising, a prominent human rights lawyer, has fought legal battles for survivors, women's rights, and press freedom. Varsha Deshpande is the founder of Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal, she has worked for several decades to empower marginalized women through training, financial independence and policy. She was also awarded the 2025 UN Population award for her services.  

From freedom fighters and social reformers to athletes, lawyers, and scientists, Indian women have shaped modern Indian in numerous ways. They bring together tradition, modernity, values and innovation, faith and boldness. Their contributions remind us that the soul of India is made of millions of such women. As we celebrate Independence Day, let us salute these women and honour the hope they inspire. May their stories encourage us all, especially young girls, to dream big and become the architects of a better India.  
 
Happy Independence Day!