The Week That Was: Divya Deshmukh Felicitated, National Freediving Records & More

By: WE Staff | Sunday, 10 August 2025

From boardrooms to battlegrounds, stadiums to startups, Indian women are breaking barriers and redefining leadership across every industry and sphere. Whether it's historic appointments in politics and administration, landmark victories in sports, pioneering roles in science and tech, or entrepreneurial success stories, the empowerment of Indian women is no longer a movement; it's a nationwide transformation. Their achievements are not only reshaping societal norms but also inspiring generations to aim higher and dream bigger.

The WER Team has been closely following and celebrating these milestones throughout the week. Here’s a glimpse into the stories that are shaping India’s women-led future.

MH Governor Honours Divya Deshmukh for Winning Women's Chess World Cup & Becoming Grandmaster

Divya Deshmukh was awarded by Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan at a function in Raj Bhavan in Nagpur on Sunday, August 4, for her exceptional work in chess. Divya, 19, recently shattered history after winning the final of the FIDE Women's Chess World Cup 2025 and becoming India's 88th Grandmaster.

Manipur Launches Initiative to Empower Rural Women through Direct Market Access

In order to reinforce grassroots-level economic empowerment and enhance direct market linkages for rural women, the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Government of Manipur, inaugurated the 'Rural Roots Market' at Leimapokpam Makha Leikai Community Hall in Nambol, Bishnupur.

Pooja Nangia Shines Wins Best Emerging Creative Personality Award in London

Pooja Nangia, the multi-talented and radiant wonder woman from Haryana, has won the prestigious Best Emerging Creative Personality award in London. The Honourable presentation took place at the House of Commons, British Parliament, to honor people making a mark with Fashion, Empowering Women, and representing the world.

Sushma Swaraj School of Excellence to Be Established in Budgam on Her 6TH Death Anniversary

On the sixth death anniversary of late Union Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, the Cultural Educational and Environmental Organisation (CEEO) India on Wednesday declared the setting up of the Sushma Swaraj School of Excellence in Budgam district of central Kashmir.

Nike Partners with India's Biggest Women's Sports Group to Help More Women Stay Active

Nike has come together with Sisters in Sweat (SIS), India's largest women's sports and wellness community, to inspire more women throughout the country to take up movement, sport, and confidence. The long-term partnership will bring more women access to empowering and positive fitness experiences, beginning with a multi-city football tournament.

Archana Sankara Narayanan Breaks Two National Freediving Records at Manado Apnea 2025

India's best freediver, Archana Sankara Narayanan, has again made her name in the history books with two new national records in the Manado Apnea competition in Indonesia, held between August 1 and 3.

In competition, Archana performed a dive of 38 metres in Constant Weight Bi-Fins (CWTB) and a never-before-attempted 40 metres in Constant Weight (CWT) — becoming the first Indian female to break the 40-metre barrier in a competitive freediving event. These records make her a remarkable 11-time national freediving record holder, becoming India's deepest female freediver.