Apollo Tyres & French Institute in India Honor Eight Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs

By: WE staff | Thursday, 6 March 2025

• Apollo Tyres recognized the achievements of eight exceptional women entrepreneurs from Project Navya
• Project Navya, an initiative by Apollo Tyres Foundation (ATF), focuses on empowering rural women
• The event was organized in collaboration with the French Institute in India (IFI)

Apollo Tyres recognized the achievements of eight exceptional women entrepreneurs from Project Navya, an initiative by Apollo Tyres Foundation (ATF) aimed at empowering rural women. The inspiring event was organized in collaboration with the French Institute in India (IFI) and was honored by the presence of H.E. Dr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, and Onkar Kanwar, Chairman of Apollo Tyres Ltd.

Since 2019, #EkNaam has become a symbol of hope, celebrating exceptional change agents who have made a significant impact on their communities. Over the years, Apollo Tyres has honored more than 40 inspiring women, highlighting the power and influence of grassroots movements. In the sixth edition of #EkNaam, Apollo Tyres and IFI have recognized:

• Leena Krishnakumar, initially facing financial pressure, has empowered 20 women in her community.
• Raji K K, struggling with limited income to educate her children, supports 80 women in her community with their apiculture endeavors.
• Nilamben Rameshbhai Parmar, overcoming a low family income, leads large-scale vegetable cultivation and has mentored 50 women in income generation.
• Snehalben Sanjaybhai Parmar, facing financial instability, started a pickle-making business and has helped 125 women enhance their skills.
• Shabira Abubhai Shaikh, abandoned by her husband, has empowered over 80 women to engage in milk production and poultry farming.
• Vaishali Pravin Shelar, after her husband lost his job, trained to become a tailor and has trained 400 women to earn for their families.
• Sanchita Daphal, confronting financial instability, founded a dairy cooperative for herself and her community.
• G Devi, dealing with unhygienic conditions in her village, embraced waste management, transforming waste into valuable resources with the help of 24 women.

Paris 2024 Paralympic Bronze Medalist, Simran Sharma, and Padma Shree awardee, Dulari Devi, attended the event, reaffirming their commitment to gender equality and development. They were also honored by Onkar Kanwar, Chairman of Apollo Tyres Ltd.

In his impactful address, Onkar Kanwar, Chairman of Apollo Tyres Ltd, championed the spirit of ‘One Family,’ emphasizing the company’s strong commitment to empowering women in the community. He praised ATF’s consistent efforts in supporting women’s entrepreneurial journeys, fostering personal growth, and nurturing a deep sense of unity among all.

The French Institute in India, supported by Apollo Tyres, promotes equality and diversity through the ‘French for All, French for a Better Future’ program. This initiative introduces French language learning in 38 government schools in Delhi, benefiting around 4,000 students. It also includes diversity awareness sessions and a wall art project.