Somya's Notebook

Farming in India has long been seen as a man’s job, even though women have always played an important role in the fields. From sowing seeds to harvesting crops, women contribute significantly—but their efforts often go unnoticed. However, many women are now stepping forward, becoming leaders in agriculture, and showing the world that farming is not just for men. Here are the list of remarkable women who have broken stereotypes, faced challenges head-on, and created success stories that continue to inspire others across the country.  1. Gaytri Bhatia – The Environmentalist Who Chose Farming over US Job  Hailing from: Wada, Maharashtra Profession: Former environmental analyst in the USA, now organic farmer Gaytri Bhatia left her high-paying corporate job in America to return to her family’s land in Maharashtra. She was shocked to see how farming had become dependent on chemicals and genetically modified seeds. Determined to make a change, she transformed Vrindavan Farm into a lu...

  From fashion and beauty to governance, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, women have proven that no field is off-limits. Whether starting from a single sewing machine, launching a business from home, leading billion-dollar projects, or taking Indian talent global, these trailblazers show that women can be visionaries, leaders, creators, and changemakers—all at once. Their journeys are powerful reminders that with passion, grit, and purpose, women truly can be everything. The Self-Made Women in 2025: Creative director and founder, Anamika Khanna and AK|OK (IndianFashion Designer)  In 2007, Anamika Khanna became the first Indian designer to showcase her collection at Paris Fashion Week, gaining international fame. She started with just one sewing machine and is now known for blending traditional Indian fabrics and embroidery with modern fashion. Her designs are sold in India and abroad, and celebrities like Sonam Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Jennifer Lopez, and Shakira have worn her ...

India is the world’s largest democracy, but when it comes to political representation, women still face significant challenges. Despite making up nearly half of the population, women account for only 15.2% of seats in the Lok Sabha and 13.9% in the Rajya Sabha as of September 2023. Historically, Indian politics has been a male-dominated space, but over the years, many remarkable women have broken barriers, led political movements, and held some of the highest offices in the country. From Indira Gandhi, India’s only woman Prime Minister, to Droupadi Murmu, the first tribal woman President, Indian women leaders have demonstrated extraordinary strength, vision, and leadership. While the road to equality is still long, the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, which reserves one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures, marks a significant turning point. Women’s Participation in Indian Politics Despite their achievements, women remain underrepresented i...

  In recent years, Indian female athletes have emerged as powerful symbols of determination and resilience, not only achieving glory on the global stage but also redefining the essence of women empowerment. Their inspiring journeys have shattered stereotypes, broken barriers, and etched a new chapter in India’s sporting history.  In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most inspiring Indian sportswomen who have made the country proud—both in India and on the international stage—with their incredible achievements.  Wrestling Warriors: Phogat Legacy Geeta & Babita Phogat: Trailblazers in Indian wrestling, the Phogat sisters brought global attention to women’s wrestling, inspiring the Bollywood hit Dangal. Their fight against gender norms in Haryana made them household names. Vinesh Phogat: Following in her cousins’ footsteps, Vinesh is a three-time Olympian with multiple Commonwealth and Asian Games medals, proving that strength runs deep in the Phogat famil...

  India has long revered women as symbols of power and wisdom—celebrated in mythology as goddesses of knowledge and strength. In modern India, this spirit lives on through countless women who are breaking barriers in science and technology. Whether in laboratories, hospitals, research centers, or space agencies, Indian women are not just participants—they are leaders and pioneers. From the first female doctors in the 1800s to the directors of today’s space missions, their stories are a testament to perseverance, innovation, and trailblazing courage. Historical Pioneers: The First Steps into Science Women in India began entering the field of science over a century ago, challenging deep-rooted gender norms. Kadambini Ganguly became the first female graduate of the British Indian Empire and South Asia’s first woman physician trained in Western medicine. Anandi Bai Joshi was the first Indian woman to study medicine abroad. Despite her short life, her achievements continue to inspire...

  In India, women are considered a form of power—Shakti. Today, the women of our country are prepared to stand at every front for the nation's defense. The number of women in the defense sector is indeed significantly lower compared to men, but in recent years, the participation of women in all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces has increased notably. Today, we are going to tell you about some of these powerful women who have written a new chapter in history with their determination and courage. Shanti Tigga “Babu Moshai... zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi” – this iconic dialogue by Rajesh Khanna in the movie Anand perfectly fits the life of Shanti Tigga. She holds the distinction of being the first woman soldier in the Indian Army. Shanti was the pioneer who opened the doors for women in the Indian Army. Although she passed away at a young age, thousands of girls today are following the path she paved and contributing to the forces.   Women Officers Still Few, Nav...