6 Women Leaders on Patriotism, Purpose and Building India's Future

By: Supraja Mohanty, Senior Correspondent

On Independence Day 2026, six Indian women leaders reflect on the true meaning of being patriotic and share a moment that makes them feel patriotic. Featured women leaders also talk about how their contributions in healthcare, technology, finance, entrepreneurship, and business have been helping make India ready for the future.

India's 80th Independence Day is marked by an increased presence of women in India's corporate and professional leadership landscape, although significant gaps still persist at the top level of decision-making. According to recent data from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs presented in Parliament, among the top 500 listed companies in India, there are 860 women board directors but only nine women CEOs and 25 women Managing Directors.

These figures illustrate a significant trend: while women have reached leadership positions, the gap widens as power increases. Another study conducted by AIMA-KPMG, titled "Women Leadership in Corporate India 2026," further emphasizes this trend, showing that while female leadership intentions are strong, organizational and structural obstacles remain.

Against this backdrop, patriotism becomes deeply personal for a female leader. One can express their love the nation through the work they do, the people they inspire, the innovations they create, and the communities they build.

This Independence Day 2026, let's look at how six women leaders have experienced patriotism and continue to serve the nation in building India's future.

1. When Women Take Charge of Their Own Lives: Dr Sudeshna Ray, Associate Director, OBGYN, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre; Senior Consultant, Breach Candy & HN Reliance

A Patriotic Moment Rooted in Women's Health

For Dr Sudeshna Ray, patriotism was never a single event or grand occasion. Rather, after 25 years spent working with women, she has found it in the silent yet important moments when women take charge of their health and freedom.

"I remember women who came to me after years of putting their families before themselves—ignoring symptoms, postponing treatment and accepting discomfort as part of their responsibilities. Seeing that change when a woman finally decides to seek care and prioritise herself has always felt deeply meaningful to me," she adds.

This experience has also shaped her perspective on India's progress. For Sudeshna , India's development should not be "measured only by its economic growth or infrastructure, but also by how much freedom its people have to live healthy, dignified lives."

For Sudeshna, "helping women understand that their health matters is a small but meaningful contribution to the India I want to see."

Patriotism Rooted in Everyday Service

It has also made Sudeshna see that patriotism need not necessarily be shown in large gestures, but can also come from professionalism and service.

"As a doctor, I believe my contribution to India is closely connected to the health and wellbeing of its women. A woman who is healthy, informed and confident is better able to participate in her family, her workplace and society. When women are forced to put their own health last, the impact extends far beyond the individual," says Sudeshna.

Adding more to her perspective, she explains, "My understanding of patriotism, therefore, is rooted in service. If we want a stronger and more progressive India, we must create an environment where women do not have to seek permission to care for themselves or choose between their health, careers, families and ambitions."

Her vision ultimately comes down to creating greater freedom and opportunity for women.

"I hope my role, in however small a way, is to help build that India—one where women have the freedom to make decisions about their own lives and the opportunity to contribute fully to the country's future."

2. When Women Discover What They Are Capable Of: Manpreet Jangra, COO, Digitally Next, BFG Market Consult

Independence Begins in the Mind

For Manpreet Jangra, her most patriotic moments are tied to the freedom Indian women have gained by moving beyond imposed limitations and understanding their true capabilities.

She views freedom as something that comes from within, especially when women define their goals independent of others' opinions.

"I have always believed that independence begins in the mind. Every time I see a woman stop editing her ambition to fit someone else's expectations, take a risk, build something of her own or simply give herself permission to pursue a bigger dream, I see a larger idea of India's independence taking shape."

She believes these changes are usually quite personal and not always spectacular. A woman becoming confident or taking an opportunity that previously seemed out of reach can be an example of freedom.

"What makes these moments particularly meaningful is that the change often begins quietly. A woman who once doubted herself starts making decisions with confidence; someone who believed certain opportunities were not meant for her begins exploring them."

And that is why these experiences remain deeply significant for her.

"That transformation stays with me because it represents a form of freedom that cannot be measured by headlines or milestones. For me, witnessing women unlock that sense of possibility has been deeply patriotic because every woman who realises her potential adds to the strength and possibilities of the country."

Patriotism as a Proactive Duty

Manpreet's experiences have also shaped her outlook on patriotism as a proactive duty — not simply acknowledging India's successes, but actively participating in shaping its future. This involves more women becoming entrepreneurs and working with AI, digital technology, healthcare and sustainability, as well as taking Indian businesses global.

She says, "I believe women will play a defining role in that future. We are already seeing women build businesses, enter emerging fields such as AI and digital technology, create solutions in healthcare and sustainability, and take Indian ideas and enterprises to the world. They are no longer simply participating in India's growth story; they are helping write it."

Adding to her thoughts, Manpreet said her goal is to contribute to an environment where women feel empowered to build without constantly negotiating limitations that were never truly theirs to begin with. "I also believe the next phase of India's growth needs leaders who combine ambition with purpose, and vision with empathy," she adds.

"To me, that is what meaningful patriotism looks like—using whatever platform or opportunity we have to help create a more confident, ambitious and inclusive India, where women have the freedom to pursue their highest potential and, in doing so, contribute to the country's future."

3. Patriotism Through Consistent Contribution: Amrita Gupta, Director, Manglam Group

Patriotism in Consistent Contribution

For Amrita Gupta, patriotism isn't tied to a single achievement in her career. She sees it in the opportunity to build communities through her work and its impact.

"For me, patriotism has never been defined by a single moment but by the privilege of contributing to India's growth through my work. Every time I see a project create opportunities, generate livelihoods, or positively impact a community, it reinforces the idea that nation-building happens through consistent effort. Those experiences have stayed with me because they remind me that meaningful progress is created one step at a time," she continues.

Business as a Responsibility Towards India's Future

Amrita's understanding of patriotism is closely linked to the responsibilities she carries as a business leader.

"It has reaffirmed my belief that patriotism is best expressed through consistent contribution. As business leaders, we have a responsibility to create opportunities, build responsibly, and generate long-term value that contributes to the country's progress."

For Amrita, businesses that operate with integrity and purpose don't just drive economic growth; they help shape stronger communities and a stronger India.

4. Building Indian Brands That Grow With India: Anjana Ghosh, Managing Director, Scale Sherpas

When an Indian Brand Connects With India

For Anjana Ghosh, some of her most powerful patriotic experiences have come from watching an Indian brand grow and connecting emotionally with its customers. While working for over 16 years at Bisleri International, she held various positions related to marketing and business development, and was involved in projects which helped the brand become even stronger in India.

Talking about her journey, she says, "During my 16-plus years with Bisleri International, I had the opportunity to work across marketing and business development and be part of initiatives that strengthened the brand's presence across diverse Indian markets. What stayed with me was the ability to build a brand that could speak to both urban and Bharat consumers while continuing to evolve with the changing needs of India."

This experience left a lasting impression on Anjana, as it showed her that building an Indian brand is not simply about running a successful business — it's about understanding the diversity of the country, staying relevant to its consumers, and creating something that grows with India.

She adds, "Today, when I work with startups and MSMEs through Scale Sherpas, I find the same sense of purpose in helping Indian businesses build stronger foundations and scale with confidence."

Patriotism Through Building, Mentoring and Creating

Anjana's professional journey has shaped her belief that patriotism can also be expressed through everyday work. Rather than viewing it solely through the lens of national pride, she sees contribution, business-building, and mentorship as practical ways of participating in India's growth.

Mentioning her 35+ years of experience in the industry, Anjana explains, "I have seen how much India's business landscape has evolved. Today, my role at Scale Sherpas gives me an opportunity to work closely with founders and leadership teams, particularly in startups and MSMEs, helping them strengthen areas such as distribution, supply chain, marketing and business strategy."

She believes the future of Indian enterprise will be shaped by organisations that combine ambition with sound execution and sustainable thinking. According to her, if her experience can help emerging businesses avoid some of the challenges she has encountered over the years and build organisations capable of creating long-term value, that is a meaningful way for Anjana to contribute to India's future.

She concludes, "For me, patriotism is ultimately about contributing to the country's progress through the work we are best equipped to do—building, mentoring, creating and helping Indian businesses grow with confidence."

5. Proving India Can Build Its Own Technological Future: Garima Bharadwaj, CTO, Enlite Research

When an Indian Patent Became a Source of Pride

Garima Bharadwaj's most patriotic moment came from developing indigenous technology. She says, "My most patriotic moment was not loud. It happened when Enlite's first Indian patent was granted, for a building management system that could run wirelessly, without the tangle of cables every commercial building had always depended on."

As the lead inventor of the patent, Garima explains that it represents not only a product but also proof that Indians have the potential to develop solutions that set industry benchmarks.

"Before this, wireless, self-commissioning building automation at this scale did not exist in the way we had built it. That patent became a benchmark others in the industry began measuring themselves against," she explains.

Defining, Patenting and Building India's Future

This experience has profoundly shaped how Garima views her work and its role in India's technological future.

Instead of viewing India as merely a country that adopts technologies invented elsewhere, she sees the nation as capable of developing its own intellectual property and technological solutions.

"It shaped how I see my work now. Every building we make intelligent is a reminder that India does not need to import its technological future. We can define it, patent it, and build it here."

6. Taking Indian Excellence to the Global Stage: Nishu Jain, Chartered Accountant

When Indian Talent and Innovation Took Centre Stage

One of the most patriotic moments in Nishu Jain's professional life came when she led finance and AI transformation programs at global organizations, showcasing India's talent and innovation on the world stage.

Nishu says, "As a Chartered Accountant rankholder and a woman leader, I felt immense pride not only in representing the strength of Indian finance and technology leadership internationally, but also in mentoring and empowering women professionals to step into leadership roles."

For her, the significance of this accomplishment extended beyond her personal career.

"It left a lasting impact because it wasn't just about personal achievement; it was about proving that Indian women can drive governance, automation, and transformation at par with global standards."

She hopes this kind of representation will inspire future women professionals.

"Inspiring the next generation of women to believe that excellence from India can shape the future of business worldwide. I am proud to contribute to India's reputation as a trusted hub for ethical leadership and innovation, and proving that women leaders from India can set benchmarks in global finance and technology. I was also recognised in a Global Townhall for the same," she adds.

Patriotism as Responsibility and Inclusive Leadership

This experience reshaped her understanding of patriotism — from national pride alone to a sense of responsibility.

"That experience reshaped my understanding of patriotism from being not only about national pride, but also about responsibility - responsibility to uphold integrity, drive innovation, and create opportunities that reflect India's strengths globally."

Her projects throughout her career have, in fact, become another form of contribution to India's future, according to Jain.

"Throughout my professional journey, I realized that every project I lead - whether in governance, automation, or data integrity - becomes a way of contributing to India's future. Most importantly, it taught me that patriotism also means empowering women to rise, breaking barriers, and ensuring that India's future is built on inclusive leadership."

According to Nishu, it is about setting benchmarks of excellence, inspiring young women professionals, and positioning India as a trusted leader in global finance and technology.

She explains, "It taught me that patriotism is not just about celebrating the nation, but about ensuring that our work sets benchmarks of excellence, inspires young professionals, and positions India as a trusted leader in global finance and technology."

When Women's Work Becomes a Form of Patriotism

The narratives of these women leaders present a broader view of what patriotism means in India in 2026.

For Dr Sudeshna Ray, it means supporting women to manage their own healthcare and live with dignity. For Manpreet Jangra, it means watching women surpass their own boundaries and realize their capabilities. For Garima Bharadwaj, it means the assurance that India can innovate, patent, and manufacture its own technology. For Nishu Jain, it means showcasing India's talent and leadership on international platforms while enabling women to rise as leaders. For Amrita Gupta, it means generating livelihoods through responsible business. And for Anjana Ghosh, it means building, mentoring, and helping Indian businesses grow stronger and more sustainably.

This reflects a broader shift within the Indian economy itself. Women are playing an increasingly important role in business, science, technology, healthcare, global transformation, employment, and community engagement.

Patriotism for these leaders doesn't always come in grand gestures. It can be found in a doctor's consulting room, a technology lab, an international boardroom, a business project, and even in the simple act of believing in one's own abilities.

On India's 79th Independence Day, it is clear from their reflections that independence going forward is not just an occasion to commemorate what India has gained since 1947. Rather, it is also an opportunity to expand the freedoms and opportunities for those shaping the nation today.

And in the process, the contributions of India's women leaders are becoming an integral part of the country's growth story.

Women Entrepreneurs Review Team Wishes You A Very Happy Independence Day