Major Mohini Kulkarni, a decorated Indian Army veteran who served in Kashmir and the Himalayas, has transformed her life of service into a mission of inspiration and empowerment. An academic achiever with an LL.B. (topper), LL.M., and MBA, she is now a respected writer, educator, and public speaker focusing on leadership and women empowerment. Author of the acclaimed book Aparajita and a regular columnist in Dainik Sakaal, she shares her voice across national forums. As a certified Life Coach and NLP expert, she promotes holistic growth and guides individuals toward purpose-driven lives, exemplifying courage, resilience, and transformation.
Aparna Popat is one of India’s most accomplished badminton players, known for her exceptional consistency, dedication, and sporting excellence. A 9-time National Champion, she dominated Indian women’s badminton for nearly a decade. She has proudly represented India in numerous international tournaments, including two Olympic Games, and has won multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games, bringing global recognition to Indian badminton. In recognition of her outstanding achievements and contribution to sports, she was honoured with the Arjuna Award, one of India's highest sporting accolades. Aparna Popat continues to inspire generations of athletes with her journey of perseverance, discipline, and national pride.
Dr. Ratna Krishna Raje Thar is a distinguished academician, researcher, and consultant in nutrition and public health, serving as Course Creator, Visiting Faculty, and Academic Advisor at Sophia College, Mumbai, and as Advisor to the Nutrition Society of India. She also holds the honorary role of Police Nutritionist for the Maharashtra Police, guiding wellness and dietary initiatives, and acts as a CSR Consultant to corporates, aligning business practices with health and nutrition goals. As Research Director at the Research Centre, College of Home Science, Nirmala Niketan, and Advisor at POSHAN – Nutrition Consultancy Services, she leads impactful research and promotes evidence-based approaches to holistic health. Her work exemplifies a unique blend of academic excellence, social impact, and visionary leadership in the field.
Geeta Tandon is one of India’s most fearless and inspiring stuntwomen, known for her powerful journey from personal struggle to professional triumph. Overcoming a difficult past marked by abuse and hardship, she rose to become a leading stunt double in Bollywood, performing high-risk action sequences for top actresses in major films. Her strength, resilience, and determination have not only broken barriers in a male-dominated industry but have also inspired countless women across the country. Today, Geeta is not just a stuntwoman but a motivational speaker and symbol of empowerment, proving that with courage and grit, it’s possible to rewrite your own story.
Dr. Jahnavi S. Kedare, a distinguished psychiatrists and gold medalists, serving as professor at T. N. Medical College and B.Y.L. Nair Hospital. She specializes in geriatric mental health, caregiver support, and workplace mental well-being, and is a proud recipient of the Savitribai Phule Gaurav Puraskar 2024 for her outstanding contributions. Ms. Rutaja Kedare is a promising psychologist from Mumbai University with an advanced diploma in Clinical Forensic Psychology. She specializes in forensic profiling, psychological assessments, and is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. Together, they exemplify dedication to advancing mental health care and advocacy through their clinical expertise and research.
Kalyani Deopujari is a dedicated and skilled researcher at IdeaForge, a leading manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and aircraft systems used in military and strategic operations. With over seven years of experience in perception systems, she has played a significant role in advancing computer vision and signal processing technologies for drone applications. Kalyani holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering, Nagpur (2009–2013), and a Master’s in Signal Processing from Savitribai Phule Pune University (2014–2016). Her work is rooted in extensive R&D on drone perception systems, making her a valuable contributor to the field of intelligent aerial technology. Kalyani’s passion for innovation continues to drive her impactful work in cutting-edge aerospace applications.
Dr. Laxmi Rao is a respected retired judge with an illustrious career spanning 18 years in the Indian Judiciary. Throughout her service, she has presided over cases in Civil, Criminal, and Family Courts, demonstrating deep legal insight, fairness, and compassion. She retired as the Principal Judge of the Family Court in Bandra, where she played a pivotal role in resolving complex and sensitive family matters. Dr. Rao’s distinguished career is marked by her commitment to justice, her balanced approach to the law, and her dedication to upholding the rights of individuals and families.
Dr. Dhanashree Lele is a distinguished Sanskrit scholar, author, orator, and performer, known for her remarkable ability to speak six languages fluently. With top academic honors from Mumbai University and a PhD from IIT Bombay, she has dedicated her life to making Indian classical literature, especially Sanskrit, accessible and engaging to diverse audiences. Her work beautifully bridges the gap between tradition and modernity. As a celebrated Marathi author and dynamic public speaker, she has delivered thought-provoking lectures across the world, bringing ancient wisdom to life through storytelling, performance, and scholarship. Her contributions to literature, language, and culture have earned her numerous prestigious awards and widespread respect.
Varsha Parchure is a dedicated social entrepreneur, education leader, and grassroots changemaker with decades of experience transforming rural and tribal communities. As Managing Director of Parivartan Mahila Sanstha, she leads initiatives like Dilasa, a home for the elderly, and Mukta Balikabhavan, an orphanage for girls, while also running a garment factory that provides sustainable livelihoods for tribal youth. She conducts training on PESA, MGNREGA, and Panchayati Raj to foster informed rural governance. As National Program Lead at CEQUE, she drives quality education programs across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. Her work has earned her honors including the Antyoday Award, Vidulatta Puraskar, and Rotary Vocational Excellence Awards.
Aabha Chaubal is an adventurous solo traveler, accomplished photographer, and dynamic business owner. She has journeyed across diverse landscapes and cultures, capturing the beauty of the world through her keen photographic eye. Alongside her travels and creative pursuits, Aabha is also a dedicated German language teacher, passionate about empowering her students to explore new horizons through language learning. Her multifaceted career blends exploration, creativity, and education, inspiring others to embrace curiosity and independence.
