On Saturday, the 14th of October, Dr. Kiran Bedi visited the Symbiosis Medical College for Women to inspire the 4th batch of young doctors who were inducted into the medical college. I have known Dr. Kiran Bedi for quite some time. When you open the internet, you will find such inspiring information about her being a social activist, the first woman IPS officer of India, and the reforms that she brought into Tihar Jail, which won her the Ramon Magasaysay Award. However, it is her persona that touches me the most. Dr. Kiran Bedi is a true woman of substance, and to me, she is an epitome of humility and dignity, as I fondly call her didi.
Similarly, I feel immensely inspired when I look at Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is a prominent Indian billionaire entrepreneur. She founded Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics Limited, a leading biotechnology company. She was honoured with the prestigious Othmer Gold Medal in 2014 for her significant contributions to science and chemistry. She was also recognized in the Financial Times 2011 list of top 50 women in business and was ranked 68th on ‘Forbes’ list of the most powerful women in the world in 2019. Her remarkable achievements culminated in being named the EY World Entrepreneur of The Year in 2020. And the list is endless.
Indira Nooyi serves as an inspirational figure not only for women in India but also globally. She is primarily recognized for her roles as PepsiCo’s chairman and chief executive officer (CEO). Her remarkable leadership has consistently earned her a place among the world’s 100 most powerful women. She has been prominently featured on Forbes list of The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women and recognized as the second most powerful woman on the Fortune list. Additionally, she extends her influence by serving on the Amazon and International Cricket Council boards.
Talking about sports, I am amazed at the feats accomplished by the women athletes in the recent Asian games. Women athletes have brought in Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and excelled in sports such as shooting, golf, squash and even boxing. These young athletes have shown that if one has the talent, then with perseverance and dedication, one can achieve anything, irrespective of gender.
When I look at women who have consistently broken the glass ceiling, I wonder what sets them apart. Is it because they never think of the ceiling and set no limits for themselves? They speak their minds, not to hurt others’ sentiments but to make themselves heard. It is undoubtedly tougher for women to prove themselves professionally than men for several reasons, but the most prominent are gender bias and familial responsibilities.
Therefore, at Symbiosis, we endeavor to augur the skills of women who are enterprising enough to break the glass ceiling. By providing scholarships at various institutions, enhancing the financial knowledge of women entrepreneurs and also providing them with initial capital, we encourage women to create a better life for themselves as well as their families.
I hope more women from India appear in the limelight and inspire others to do so.