Independence Day 2026: What Freedom Means to Indian Women Founders

By: Supraja Mohanty, Senior Correspondent

Independence Means the Freedom to Build with Global Ambition: Sanya V. Jain, Co-founder, Mohulo Gin (NV Group)

What does independence mean to you as a woman founder in today’s India?

For me, independence means having the freedom and confidence to build something of your own, take calculated risks and make decisions with conviction. As a woman entrepreneur building a contemporary Indian spirits brand, I see independence as the ability to take an idea rooted in India and give it a larger, global ambition. The opportunity today is to create businesses that are not only commercially successful but also reflect India's evolving identity.

At Mohulo Gin, this translates into building a brand that celebrates Indian ingredients and craftsmanship while creating a product that can compete in a global premium market. I believe true independence comes from having the agency to shape your own path while creating value and opportunities for others along the way.

What role are women leaders and entrepreneurs playing in shaping India's growth story?

Women entrepreneurs will be important drivers of India's next phase of growth; particularly as home-grown businesses increasingly look at building brands with global relevance. We are seeing women take leadership across sectors, bringing new perspectives to product development, consumer engagement and business building.

The opportunity now is to move from participation to scale by creating stronger access to capital, mentorship, talent and global markets. In the consumer and spirits space, for instance, there is significant potential for Indian brands to leverage our ingredients, culture and craftsmanship to create differentiated products for both domestic and international consumers.

I believe women founders will play an important role in this journey by building businesses that combine commercial ambition with innovation, authenticity and a distinctly Indian point of view.”

About Sanya V Jain: A Parsons School of Design and Central Saint Martins graduate, Sanya is an entrepreneur and designer. She founded Smoke Lab Wear, a gender-neutral, sustainable label and co-founded Smoke Lab Vodka, India’s first homegrown premium vodka brand.