Gitanjali Pandey Agnihotri: Strengthening India's Power Sector through Innovation & Leadership

By: Er. Geetanjali Pandey Agnihotri, CEO, Star Rising Energy | Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Leadership in core infrastructure sectors is often attributed to people who have both deep technical knowledge and a purpose-driven vision. In the changing power scenario of India, Er. Geetanjali Pandey Agnihotri, CEO of STAR RISING ENERGY, epitomizes a journey that has been driven by a strong sense of purpose.

Her early curiosity for systems and problem-solving was nurtured in a value-driven family which emphasized integrity, independence and education. A passionate mind, she pursued electrical engineering.

After pursuing a B.Tech (Honors) degree along with some professional certifications, she forayed into the energy sector which was then considered a male-dominated field. She was determined that only her performance would speak for her and establish her credibility.

Starting from scratch, working in technical, manufacturing and project execution roles, she gradually moved up to leadership positions, accumulating over 15 years of experience in electrical manufacturing, EPC projects, procurement, cost optimization and people management.

Today, as the CEO of STAR RISING ENERGY, Geetanjali formulates strategies, manages operations and enhances partnerships with clients and the government.

What inspired you to join the power and energy sector?

The power and energy sector fascinated me because it fuels infrastructure, economic growth, and national development. Electricity is not merely about wires and transformers, but about empowering the nation, industries, and homes.

Entering a male-dominated field motivated me to prove my capabilities through consistent performance and commitment. I began by manufacturing electrical goods and working closely with project execution, operations, and technical teams with steady learning and responsibility.

Introduce us to Star Rising Energy. What key responsibilities do you shoulder as the CEO?

Star Rising Energy was founded to deliver reliable, high-quality, and future-ready electrical solutions. We design, manufacture, and execute critical infrastructure, including MV switchgear, surge arrestors, control panels, and distribution products.

Today, SREPL is a trusted name in manufacturing, EPC execution, and power infrastructure development. As CEO, I define long-term strategy, oversee manufacturing and projects, strengthen client and government relationships, drive innovation and quality standards, mentor teams, and ensure financial discipline and transparency.

What challenges have you encountered as a woman leader? How do you address them effectively?

Leading in a technical domain as a woman comes with unique challenges, especially in markets where gender stereotypes persist. Breaking through these perceptions requires confidence, decisiveness, and a consistent track record of results.

Another significant challenge has been navigating market volatility, including fluctuating raw material prices, policy changes, and tight project timelines. Building skilled manpower in a technically demanding sector has also been a constant priority.

More recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring business continuity, aligning strategic initiatives, and managing supply chain uncertainties demanded resilience and adaptive leadership. Our ability to innovate, stay agile, and reinforce accountability enabled us to emerge stronger.

I addressed these challenges by focusing on strong internal processes, transparent communication, continuous skill development, strategic partnerships, and financial prudence. Most importantly, I learned to stay calm during uncertainty and make decisions guided by long-term vision rather than short-term pressures.

What key milestones define your journey at SREPL? What is your success mantra?

Some milestones I cherish include establishing SREPL as a credible organization, executing complex power projects, expanding manufacturing capabilities, building a skilled workforce, and gaining recognition as a woman leader.

Career highlights include recognition as one of “Rajasthan's Woman Leaders” by the World Women Leadership Congress & Awards (2020–2021), being named among the “Top 10 Best Women Business Leaders in Jaipur” by Women Entrepreneur Magazine (2022), successfully managing projects for NRL, L&T, ABB, Godrej & Boyce, and government bodies, and expanding SREPL’s manufacturing and EPC footprint.

My personal mantra is simple: lead with integrity, empower your team, and approach every challenge with a solution-oriented mindset; stay honest, consistent, and never stop learning.

Who has been your strongest support throughout your journey?

My journey would never have been possible without the blessings of my late parents, real-life superhero my father, Late Ram Chandra Pandey and my mother, Late Kanti Devi, who continue to guide me and their blessing from heaven.

I am deeply grateful for the constant encouragement of my elder brother, Dr Ganesh and Ramesh, my loving sister, Pushpanjali, my supportive in-laws Meera and Harishchandra Agnihotri, and my life partner, Er. Saurabh Agnihotri, who has been my strongest pillar through every phase of life.

My two beautiful daughters, Amayra and Radhhika, are my greatest source of strength and motivation. I am also sincerely thankful to my all Gurus and mentor, Vinod Bargoti, Managing Director of Star Rising Energy (SREPL), whose guidance and faith in me have shaped my professional journey. Their love, blessings, and unwavering support remain the foundation of all my achievements.

How is India’s power sector evolving, and how is SREPL aligning with these changes?

India’s power sector is entering a transformative phase. With rapid industrialization, digitalization, and growing demand for reliable, sustainable energy, innovations in electrical products, energy-efficient infrastructure, and government-backed development are reshaping the sector.

In regions like Rajasthan, strong growth in renewable energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure creates significant opportunities for integrated power solutions.

Key trends shaping the future include expansion of renewable and hybrid energy systems, smart grids and digital monitoring, energy storage technologies, electric mobility infrastructure, green manufacturing practices, and public-private partnerships.

At SREPL, our vision aligns with national priorities: delivering future-ready technologies with quality and safety, expanding into new markets, and creating op­portunities for skilled talent, especially women leaders.

Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders

To women and girls who aspire to lead: choose something you are passionate about, invest in both technical and business acumen, build networks with mentors and industry professionals, and embrace change with adaptability. True leadership comes from blending vision with action and believing that your perspective adds real value to your field.

Er. Geetanjali Pandey Agnihotri, CEO, Star Rising Energy

Er. Geetanjali Pandey Agnihotri, CEO at STAR RISING ENERGY, is one of the visionary leaders in the power and energy sector of India, a veteran of 15 years plus in electrical manufacturing, EPC project execution and power infrastructure development. She set up SREPL to supply dependable, top-notch, and forward-looking electrical solutions consisting of MV switchgear, surge arrestors, control panels, Electrical distribution products and SMC (Composite Enclosure).