In India’s rapidly evolving entrepreneurial landscape, where women are rewriting the rules of business and breaking through glass ceilings with quiet determination, Ritu Rakheja has carved out a space uniquely her own. As the creative force behind RR Enterprises, she has spent over a decade transforming the art of event planning into something far more profound: a philosophy of excellence, empowerment, and authentic living.

Her client list reads like a roll call of global luxury: Ralph Lauren, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Audi, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Porsche. These are not merely brands she works with; they are partnerships built on a deep understanding that true luxury events transcend logistics to become experiences that linger in memory long after the final guest departs. Yet what distinguishes Ritu in a world crowded with event planners is not her impressive portfolio alone. It is her refusal to separate the professional from the personal, the glamorous from the genuine.

She has built her reputation on a foundation of authenticity, openly sharing the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey with refreshing honesty. In doing so, she creates connections that go deeper than business transactions, forging relationships rooted in mutual respect and shared humanity. At the heart of her message lies a powerful truth: mindset shapes reality. Ritu doesn’t simply motivate through platitudes; she provides actionable strategies for success. From goal-setting frameworks to resilience-building techniques and time management mastery, she equips her audience with practical tools to transform obstacles into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones.

“Her mantra captures this philosophy perfectly: ‘If you can envision it, if you can dream it, there is a way to realize it.’ It is both simple and revolutionary, especially for women navigating industries that have historically excluded or underestimated them.”

Despite her accomplishments, Ritu remains committed to lifelong learning and growth. She models the principle that success is not a destination but an ongoing journey of self-improvement and evolution. In doing so, she proves that true leadership requires both confidence and humility, both strength and grace.

Ritu Rakheja demonstrates daily that you can be fierce and feminine, ambitious and authentic, successful and still seeking. In her world, these are not contradictions. They are the very ingredients of greatness.

In the high-stakes world of broadcast journalism, where credibility is currency and clarity is king, Neha Khanna has carved out a reputation as one of India’s most authoritative voices on geopolitics and international affairs. With 22 years of experience spanning India’s leading news networks, she has evolved from a promising legal correspondent to a commanding primetime anchor whose insights shape how millions understand the world’s most complex stories.

Today, as Senior Anchor and Editorial Advisor at Times of India Digital, Khanna helms ‘Global Pulse,’ a weekly primetime show that deconstructs the week’s most significant geopolitical developments. Her daily show ‘Headlines@8’ keeps viewers abreast of breaking news, while her fortnightly podcast ‘Deep Focus’ for Chintan Research Foundation offers nuanced conversations with experts on geopolitics, economics, and climate.

What distinguishes Khanna in a crowded media landscape is her unwavering commitment to depth over drama. Her journey began at NDTV in 2004, where she spent 13 formative years mastering the craft—from covering courtrooms to anchoring flagship shows like ‘The Buck Stops Here.’ She reported landmark Supreme Court judgments, traveled with India’s External Affairs Minister, and covered Prime Minister Modi’s historic UN General Assembly address in 2015.

Her international credentials are equally impressive. Selected for prestigious fellowships including the UN Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship, the US State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program, and most recently, the Jefferson Fellowship in 2024—where she was the only Indian journalist chosen—Khanna brings a global perspective to her analysis. She’s interviewed everyone from former Israeli Prime Ministers to infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci during the pandemic, from Ukrainian officials to Indian cabinet ministers.

In 2025, her documentary on the October 7 attacks in Israel, featuring interviews with victims and hostages, showcased her ability to humanize geopolitical tragedies. A Chevening Scholar from the London School of Economics and BBC Parliament alumna, Khanna represents a rare breed: the journalist-scholar who translates complexity into clarity without sacrificing substance.

In a world where healthcare often treats symptoms rather than causes, where environmental crisis and personal wellness are seen as separate battles, Bianca Madison-Vuleta stands as a bridge between disciplines, a visionary who understands that individual health and planetary health are inextricably linked.

With credentials that span continents and expertise that reaches from Harvard Medical School to holistic healing practices, she represents the future of medicine: integrative, preventative, and profoundly human.

Dr. Bianca Madison-Vuleta holds an honorary PhD in Humanities from The American University USA and has trained with some of the world’s leading medical experts, including receiving Lifestyle Medicine certification from Harvard Medical School. As Founder and Co-Chair of Lifestyle Medicine Academy, she is pioneering the paradigm shift transforming Western healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive wellness.

Her work addresses the root causes of disease through sustainable lifestyle modifications, a model gaining global recognition as the future of medicine. Her credentials read like a roadmap of excellence: Fellow of the Complementary Medical Association, Fellow of The Royal Society of Medicine UK, and a practicing expert in naturopathic wellness, anti-ageing coaching, hypnotherapy, and Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology.

With successful therapy practices in London and Oxfordshire, she commands international respect through her writing, lectures, and presentations that bridge science and holistic care.

What distinguishes Bianca is her truly integrated approach. Each client receives comprehensive blood microscopy analysis alongside detailed assessments of not just physical health, but mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Her hypnotherapy and psychotherapy expertise addresses deep-rooted challenges from addiction to grief, recognizing that true healing must engage the whole person.

Yet her vision extends far beyond individual consultations. As Co-Founder of Sustainable Planet Foundation and Vice-Chair of The Green Economics Institute, she actively campaigns for environmental justice, women’s empowerment, and sustainable food systems. Her belief is simple yet radical: when we heal the Earth, we heal ourselves.

Recognition has followed her commitment. She holds the Ambassador for Peace award from a UN-affiliated NGO, serves as Human Rights Consultant for the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, and recently received The Excellence in Healthcare Award at the Health 2.0 Conference in Dubai.

Bianca Madison-Vuleta proves that medicine at its best is never just about the body. It’s about creating wellness that ripples outward, touching lives, communities, and ultimately, the planet itself.

For further details:
https://effectivehealthsolutions.org/about-us/
https://www.sustainableplanetfoundation.org/about-us.html

Celebration Of The International Women’s Day

“To truly understand the significance of International Women’s Day, we must remind ourselves of its historical origins. The roots of this global observance stem from early 20th century, a time marked by widespread social and political upheaval. In 1908, thousands of women marched through the streets of New York City, demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. This event catalysed the establishment of National Women’s Day in the United States.”

“Here is to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”

In 1911, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with millions of women and men participating in rallies and demonstrations. The significance of International Women’s Day continued to grow in the subsequent decades, marked by pivotal moments such as the suffragette movement, the fight for reproductive rights, and the struggle against gender-based violence.

In 1975, the United Nations officially recognised March 8th as International Women’s Day, providing a global platform for raising awareness of women’s rights and advocating for gender equality.

In today’s world, International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Equality can only be achieved if the diversity, differences, and qualities of women are truly valued. Respect for others is a key value underpinning the ethos of International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women’s achievements, educate and raise awareness for women’s equality and call for positive change. This special day stands as a testament to the resilience, strength and achievements of women worldwide.

The global observance and celebration of women serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s empowerment. International Women’s Day is an invaluable chance for all of us to come together and recognise the incredible contributions of women.

Throughout history, women have shaped the human experience and transformed our world culturally, socially, and politically. These achievements are cherished and celebrated. This important day is also a chance to consider how much further we must go, as the denial of women’s rights is one of the biggest causes of poverty worldwide, and a grave injustice.

On the 8th March every year, both men and women come together to call for advocacy, change and progress in women’s rights, so that the women of tomorrow have every opportunity to fulfil their potential. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there is a sense of pride, belonging, relevance and empowerment.

At its core, International Women’s Day serves as a celebration of the achievements and contributions of women to society.

It provides an empowering and energising platform for recognising women’s leadership, creativity, resilience, and innovation across all spheres of human endeavour. From politics to the arts, from science to business, women have made indelible marks on history, shaping the world we live in today.

By shining a spotlight on these achievements, International Women’s Day elevates women’s individual and collective voices and stories, validating their experiences and bolstering their sense of worth and empowerment. It fosters a sense of solidarity among women worldwide, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles or triumphs.

Through shared celebrations and collective actions, women find strength in unity, inspiring each other to strive for greater equality and justice. One of the primary objectives of International Women’s Day is to advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Gender inequality tragically remains a pervasive issue globally, with women facing systemic barriers to equal opportunities, rights and representation.

Such disparities have profound implications for women’s well-being, affecting their physical health, economic security, and psychological resilience. International Women’s Day seeks to dismantle these barriers and create a more just and equitable world for all.

Equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and political participation is not only a matter of rights but also a fundamental prerequisite for women’s well-being and prosperity. When women are encouraged to fulfil their potential, society benefits from their talents, creativity, and leadership.

This important day also serves as a platform for raising awareness of the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and discrimination. Women and girls all over the world continue to face alarming rates of violence, harassment, and abuse, hindering their well-being and stifling their potential.

Through advocacy and activism, a spotlight is shone on these issues, challenging societal norms and attitudes that perpetuate violence and discrimination against women.

It calls for concrete actions to address root causes, strengthen legal protections and provide support services for survivors. By breaking the cycle of silence and stigma, women all over the world are empowered to seek justice, healing, and support.

By amplifying the voices and experiences of women from all backgrounds, International Women’s Day fosters greater solidarity and understanding. It also promotes constructive dialogue, empathy, compassion, and sisterhood, encouraging all of us to recognise the need to uplift marginalised voices.

As we commemorate and celebrate this special day in 2026, we must reaffirm and solidify our commitment to building a more just world where every woman and girl can thrive, free from discrimination, violence, and oppression.

This is truly the day that belongs collectively to all women, everywhere. The day that honours the voices that go unheard and the tears that go unnoticed.

Women’s Rights are Human Rights. By promoting and protecting the rights that all women deserve, we choose to create a better world, not just for women, but for all of humanity.

— Bianca Madison-Vuleta, PhD hc, MCMA, MRSM, MGEI

The journey from Banda, a rural town in Uttar Pradesh, to the presidential office of a major infrastructure company is not a linear narrative. It is a story of relentless hustle, unwavering conviction, and the willingness to build rather than wait. Mauli Oberoi’s trajectory defies the conventional playbook of privilege and connections.

Armed with a degree from Bundelkhand University, she entered the corporate world through unglamorous roles in headhunting, outsourcing, and administration. These were not stepping stones she viewed with disdain. They were classrooms where she learned the architecture of business from the ground up. Today, Mauli chairs an infrastructure powerhouse, a position earned through demonstrated competence and strategic vision rather than inherited advantage. Her ascent reveals a fundamental truth about leadership: authenticity and work ethic transcend socioeconomic origins.

Yet her influence extends far beyond boardrooms. Drawing inspiration from her father’s wardrobe, she transformed fabric scraps into fashionable narratives. What began as creative expression evolved into a distinctive fashion philosophy that bridges Indian tradition with global sophistication. Her seats on global luxury boards and ownership stakes in elite fashion labels position her not merely as a consumer of fashion, but as an architect shaping global aesthetic standards.

Her appeal resists commodification. In an industry obsessed with curated perfection, Mauli has built genuine, organic influence through radical authenticity. From red carpets to intimate personal moments, her audience gravitates toward her because she refuses the performance that characterizes typical celebrity culture. She remains grounded even as spotlights intensify.

Her commitment to wellness and fitness transcends personal health. She has become an advocate for holistic wellbeing, partnering with niche brands aligned with her philosophy. These collaborations have positioned her as an influential voice in the wellness industry. Now, channeling her entrepreneurial instinct, she is launching her own beauty venture, determined to create products that empower people toward self-actualization.

Beneath her professional accomplishments lies a deeper philosophy. Success, for Mauli, is not accumulation but contribution. She engages in philanthropy with personal investment, using her platform and time to support meaningful causes. Whether lifting weights or lifting others, she approaches both with equal heart.

Her message to those navigating their own journeys resonates with clarity: Own your path, stand in your power, and never hold back. The energy you put out will always return to you in ways you least expect.

From Boardrooms to Bureaucracy:

An Unconventional Journey

In the landscape of Indian administrative services, where most officers follow a linear path from classroom to civil service, Sonal Goel’s journey stands apart. Her roots chased back to Panipat, Haryana. Born in November 1982 in Delhi, she was raised and educated in Delhi. Her father, Late Shri I.C. Goel, was a Chartered Accountant, and her mother, Smt. Renu Goel, has been a homemaker. She was the one who challenged the traditional patriarchal norms prevailing in the extended family. Her inspiring journey truly depicts that the path she eventually chose was anything but conventional.

After graduating with honors in Commerce from the prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce at Delhi University, Goel qualified as a Company Secretary from ICSI and spent three years navigating the corporate world as a Company Secretary and Legal Advisor. It was secure, prestigious work. But something deeper called to her. In 2007, she appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination and secured an extraordinary All India Rank 13, earning her place in the 2008 batch of the Indian Administrative Service, Tripura cadre.

This wasn’t merely a career change. It was a conscious pivot from private gain to public good, from individual achievement to collective impact. And in the years since, Sonal Goel has proven that when brilliance meets purpose, the results can transform not just policies but lives.

Building Institutions, Transforming Communities

Currently serving as Secretary in the Government of Tripura, Goel’s career has been marked by postings that demanded both intellectual rigor and emotional intelligence.

As District Magistrate and Collector of Gomati District in Tripura, she tackled the complex challenges of rural governance, where policy meets ground reality and bureaucratic ideals confront the lived experiences of citizens.

Her tenure as Deputy Commissioner, Jhajjar, followed by her leadership roles in Faridabad Municipal Corporation, CEO, Smart City Faridabad, and Additional CEO, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) showcased her ability to drive urban transformation in some of Haryana’s rapidly developing regions. Balancing infrastructure development with citizen welfare, and technological innovation with human-centered design, she demonstrated that smart cities must be built not just with concrete and connectivity, but with care and vision.

As State Project Director for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Tripura in Agartala, she worked at the intersection of education policy and implementation, understanding that India’s future depends fundamentally on ensuring every child has access to quality education. These weren’t just administrative assignments; they were opportunities to shape the trajectory of thousands of lives.

Recognition, Writing, and the Power of Inspiration

Recognition has followed her work with consistent regularity. In 2016, NITI Aayog in collaboration with the United Nations and MyGov featured her among the Top 25 Women Transforming India, an acknowledgment that her work transcended routine administration to effect genuine change.

Twitter India and the Ministry of Women & Child Development honored her as a WebWonder Woman, recognizing her effective use of digital platforms to engage citizens and drive transparency.

She has received both the National MGNREGA Award and the National Digital India Award, testaments to her commitment to leveraging technology for grassroots empowerment.

Her leadership has also been recognized internationally. She received the D-20 Leader of Influence and Change Maker Award in Oman (2024). She was also honoured with the “Empowerment & Development Woman Award” by UNPKFC in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2025. She has represented India at prominent global platforms including the Institute of Directors Global Convention in London.

Balancing Roles: Administrator, Author, Mentor

Goel’s educational credentials tell their own story of relentless curiosity and growth. Beyond her B.Com (Hons.) and CS qualification, she holds an LL.B. from Delhi University’s Faculty of Law, an LL.M. from Kurukshetra University, and a Master’s in Public Policy from IGNOU. Each degree represents not mere credential collection but a deliberate effort to deepen her understanding of governance, law, and policy design.

Yet she has managed these academic pursuits while serving in demanding administrative roles, raising two children alongside her husband, Mr. Aditya Yadav, an IRS officer, and maintaining interests in writing, music, chess, and travelling. She is also a health enthusiast and actively motivates others to prioritise their mental and physical well-being. She is also the author of the book Nation Calling: Holistic Approach for UPSC Civil Services Examination, written with the intent to guide and mentor aspiring civil servants.

This multidimensional life challenges the persistent myth that women in high-pressure careers must sacrifice personal fulfillment for professional achievement.

A Voice for Change: TEDx Stages and Social Media

As a frequent TEDx speaker and active presence on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), Goel has consciously expanded her role beyond traditional bureaucracy. She understands that in the digital age, administrators must not only implement policy but also communicate vision, engage citizens, and model the values they wish to see institutionalized.

Her social media presence is neither self-promotional nor perfunctory. It reflects genuine engagement with ideas, transparency about challenges, and a willingness to make governance accessible and accountable. In doing so, she represents a new generation of civil servants who recognize that democracy thrives not through distance between government and governed but through dialogue, responsiveness, and mutual respect.

The Road Ahead

Sonal Goel’s journey from Company Secretary to IAS officer, from corporate professional to public servant, from administrator to author and influencer, represents more than personal success. It embodies a vision of what public service can be when brilliance, compassion, and commitment converge. In a system often criticized for inefficiency and indifference, she stands as proof that individual officers can indeed make profound differences.

As she continues her work in public service, shaping policy, mentoring aspirants, and demonstrating daily that excellence and empathy are not competing values but complementary forces, Sonal Goel’s journey reflects purpose, resilience, and a deep commitment to public service. Her story continues to inspire those who believe governance can truly transform lives.

Sonal Goel reminds us why the best among us still choose to serve. The nation called. She answered. And India is better for it.

In the lexicon of entrepreneurship, timing is often considered everything. Launch too early, and the market is not ready. Launch too late, and the opportunity has passed. But for Neeroo Khanna and her daughter Cherry Khanna, timing was never about market calculations or trend forecasting. It was about recognizing the precise moment when passion could no longer remain a private indulgence and had to become a public offering.

That moment arrived during COVID-19, when the world stood still and reflection became unavoidable. What emerged was World of NeCh, a luxury gifting and fashion brand whose very name tells the story of collaboration, legacy, and the beautiful fusion of two creative souls. NeCh: a portmanteau drawn from Neeroo and Cherry, representing not just shared initials but shared vision, values, and the unshakeable belief that handcrafted beauty can change lives.

At 62, Neeroo stepped away from four decades in the family export business to pursue formal training in chocolate-making, eventually earning an Advanced Diploma and building a portfolio of over 500 handcrafted products. Simultaneously, Cherry expanded the vision beyond confections into handcrafted couture, launching The Luxury Affair by Ryanna, named after her daughter, as a platform for preserving Indian textile heritage through occasion-wear that doubles as wearable art.

Together, they have built an enterprise rooted in a radical proposition: that luxury need not be mass-produced, that heritage deserves preservation, that women artisans deserve dignity, and that family and ambition are not opposing forces but complementary expressions of a life fully lived.

What follows is a rare dual conversation with both founders, exploring the philosophy, passion, and purpose driving World of NeCh and The Luxury Affair by Ryanna forward into a future where tradition and innovation walk hand in hand.

Cherry Khanna: The Vision Keeper

Your friends encouraged you to formalize your designer wardrobe, chocolate, and gifting business during COVID. What was that turning point?
My mother Neeroo ji and I started the brand The World of NeCh during COVID to nurture our creative satisfaction. Initially, we were involved in our family’s export business, but during the pandemic when everything came to a standstill, we reflected on the requests from friends and acquaintances who encouraged us to formalize our passion for chocolates, cavewear, sweets, and innovative gifting.
That moment became a turning point in our lives, moving from the backseat to taking the steering wheel ourselves. Later, I expanded my vision to what I had always dreamed of: designing handcrafted couture celebrating the beauty of Indian heritage and handwork to the fashion ramp.

How do you maintain handcrafted, in-house production at scale?
We work with many skilled karigars from villages whom we have adopted as part of our extended family. They work exclusively for our brand, ensuring prime quality and authenticity. Our production remains largely in-house so that every design maintains its individuality and finesse. Even at scale, every single piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, preserving the exclusivity and craftsmanship that define our creations.

You reject the idea that women must choose between family and work. How did you arrive at that philosophy?
I have always enjoyed working since my college days, and I grew up seeing my mother and my mother-in-law balancing their homes and professional responsibilities beautifully. That experience shaped my belief that family and work are not opposing choices; they are two sides of the same coin. Both must be balanced thoughtfully to move forward in life with stability and fulfillment.

School drop-offs and business meetings—how does this work in practice?
Discipline taught by my father and the spirit of hard work instilled by my second father, my father-in-law, are the foundations that help me manage all aspects of life. When the foundation is strong and passion is deep, balance comes naturally. My husband, Rajat Khanna, plays a significant role in my journey. His selfless and encouraging nature gives me wings to fly, knowing that he always supports me. So in reality, I am not balancing family and work; they are both balancing my passion and my time. I love caring for my family as much as I love fulfilling my dreams, and I equally cherish being a hands-on mother to my angel daughter Ryanna, after whom my business is named.

Neeroo Khanna: The Artisan Entrepreneur

What made you start World of NeCh in your golden years, when most people think about retiring?
I started World of NeCh in my golden years along with my daughter during the COVID period in 2020. After working with my husband in the export business for 41 years, I finally decided to follow my long-standing passion for creativity, fashion, and empowering women. What truly sparked this venture was my desire to prove that age is not a limitation and that dreams can be pursued at any stage of life. My entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 62.

You completed an advanced diploma in chocolate-making to create products yourself. What drove that commitment to hands-on craftsmanship?
I chose to pursue formal training because I wanted to create my products with complete confidence and mastery over the technical aspects of chocolate crafting. For me, learning the craft deeply meant being able to turn my vision into reality with precision, originality, and authenticity.

Over 500 products, all handcrafted. How do you maintain quality and scale without mechanization?
We maintain quality across more than 500 handcrafted products by following standardized recipes, producing in small batches, and working with a skilled and dedicated team. This approach allows us to ensure consistency, attention to detail, and the high standards that handcrafted luxury products require.

Tell us about the women in your network and what that employment means to them.
Many women artisans are part of our extended creative network. Working with us gives them an opportunity to use their skills, earn independently, and gain confidence in their craft. For many of them, it is more than just employment; it is a way to feel valued, empowered, and proud of what they create.

You source artisans’ work but provide your own formulations. What is the difference?
While we collaborate with talented artisans for handcrafted elements, we also develop and provide our own unique formulations, recipes, and product concepts. This approach allows us to maintain the distinct identity, quality standards, and originality of our brand while still celebrating the craftsmanship of artisans.

How does sustainability fit into your luxury gifting philosophy?
Sustainability is not separate from luxury; it elevates it. Our gifting philosophy blends elegance with responsibility by prioritizing mindful sourcing, handcrafted production, minimal waste, and thoughtful packaging that can be reused or repurposed. True luxury is not only about how beautiful a gift looks, but also how ethically and responsibly it is made.

What is the emotion or message behind what you create?
The main emotion behind everything we create is love and care. Our message is that gifting is not just about giving a product; it is about sharing feelings. Every handcrafted piece reflects thoughtfulness, warmth, and a personal touch. We want people to feel special, valued, and connected when they receive our creations.

Brand Vision & Philosophy

What does The Luxury Affair by Ryanna represent to you?
The Luxury Affair by Ryanna is my dream—a platform where creativity meets purpose. Through this brand, I aim to preserve and celebrate our cultural heritage, which often risks being overshadowed in the pace of modern culture. It represents the art, finesse, and beauty of handcrafted work from across India.
The vision is to highlight traditional craftsmanship—whether it is Chikankari from Lucknow, Sozni embroidery from Kashmir, or Phulkari from Punjab—and present it on international platforms while preserving its grace for generations to come.

Can you give a specific example of how these values informed a major decision?
Luxury is not loud; it is intentional. Instead of following market waves or fleeting trends, we focus on handcrafted, delicately embroidered ensembles inspired by vintage artistry. Every creation is designed with subtle handwork and personalized detailing. Each motif carries a memory, and every thread tells a story.
We choose elegance over excess and guide our clients to appreciate timeless craftsmanship so that what they wear is not just beautiful but also meaningful and unforgettable.

Is it profit, impact, preservation of heritage, or something else?
The core vision of The Luxury Affair by Ryanna is the preservation of our cultural heritage in a way that meaningfully impacts society. The brand inspires women artisans to express their creativity through thread and fabric, turning their craft into masterpieces. At the same time, it encourages the youth to not only acknowledge but also appreciate and proudly adorn our rich heritage.

What’s the promise behind your enterprises?
The promise is to celebrate occasions with artistry, authenticity, and heart. Each piece reflects skilled Indian craftsmanship, patience, and passion, ensuring that when a woman wears it, she feels confident, graceful, and unforgettable. Inspired by the vision of Narendra Modi and the spirit of “Made in India,” the brand uplifts local artisans and traditional techniques while carrying India’s cultural legacy into contemporary fashion.

As a visionary entrepreneur, how do you see your business five years from now?
Five years from now, I envision The Luxury Affair by Ryanna as a celebrated global occasion-wear house, synonymous with refined Indian craftsmanship and modern elegance. The brand will expand from a beloved homegrown label into an international platform showcasing handcrafted heritage while empowering artisans across India. Rooted in “Made in India,” it will carry India’s creative soul onto the global stage with pride, grace, and purpose.

What do you say to women who see you as a role model?
Never shrink your dreams to fit the world; let your courage expand the world to fit your dreams. I am not just building a clothing label; I am building a legacy of dignity, hard work, and pride in our roots. Believe in your craft, stand tall in your values, uplift others as you rise, and wear your ambition as gracefully as you would wear your finest attire. A woman of true substance does not compete for crowns; she straightens another woman’s crown while rising.

Future Outlook

Where do you see this heading in the next few years?
We envision World of NeCh growing into a strong luxury gifting brand known for its quality and heartfelt craftsmanship. We aim to reach more cities and expand internationally while keeping everything handcrafted and personal. Our goal is to expand our network, empower more women artisans, and make World of NeCh a trusted name for meaningful, premium gifts.

Many women see your work as a form of women empowerment. What is your perspective?
Women empowerment is not just a slogan; it is about creating real opportunities. When women are able to earn with dignity, use their skills, and grow with confidence, true empowerment happens. Through my work, I hope to see women artisans feel independent, valued, and proud of what they create.

Handcrafted luxuries: are you confined to domestic distribution, or do you plan to export to other countries?
We do not want to remain limited to India. While our current focus is strong within the domestic market, our vision is also to take handcrafted luxury gifts to international markets. Our goal is to showcase Indian craftsmanship to the world while maintaining the same quality, attention to detail, and personal touch that defines World of NeCh.

In the corridors of Jaipur’s most prestigious educational institutions, the name Richa Jain commands quiet respect. But her story is not one of overnight success or sudden ambition. Rather, it is a testament to the slow, steady accumulation of wisdom, the deliberate cultivation of purpose, and the belief that education is not merely a profession but a calling that shapes generations.

Born into a home where ideas flowed as freely as conversation, Richa Jain’s foundation was built on intellectual curiosity. Her father led the Press Trust of India, bringing home stories that shaped national discourse. Her mother’s voice resonated through Akashvani Radio, while her personal passion for reading and writing created an atmosphere where learning was as natural as breathing. In such an environment, young Richa absorbed a truth that would define her life: knowledge is the most enduring form of empowerment.

For years, she embraced the role of homemaker while her husband built his career with a multinational corporation in Gurgaon. But even in those years devoted to raising two daughters, education remained central to her world. She consciously created a home where learning was celebrated, not enforced, where curiosity was nurtured, not stifled.

Armed with a Master’s in Science, a B.Ed., and later an MBA, Mrs. Jain gradually stepped into formal education leadership. Her career progression tells the story of someone who understood the field from every angle: teacher, academic coordinator, administrator. In 2013, she joined Delhi Public School, Jaipur, eventually leading Admissions and Marketing, where her ability to connect institutional values with family aspirations became her signature strength.

Since April 2023, as Director of Marketing and Admissions at Mayoor School, Jaipur, operating in collaboration with the esteemed Mayo College, Ajmer, she has continued to shape how families and institutions come together in the shared pursuit of excellence.

Yet her vision extends beyond school gates. As Vice President of We The Women Foundation, overseeing a community of over 350 women, and as President of The Roots Chapter, a platform dedicated to women’s business empowerment, Mrs. Jain has become an architect of networks that uplift, connect, and amplify women’s voices.

Richa Jain’s journey proves that leadership is not always loud. Sometimes, it is quiet, consistent, and rooted in the unwavering belief that education and empowerment can change everything.

There are individuals who encounter the world’s suffering and look away, and there are those who step forward and refuse to let it remain unchanged. Yashika Shaikh belongs, unequivocally, to the latter. A social activist, a certified nutritionist, and the founding force behind the SURAJ Welfare and Charitable Society, she has spent the better part of two decades weaving together threads of healthcare, education, cultural preservation, and women’s empowerment into a tapestry of real, lasting transformation. Her story is not one of sudden illumination or a single defining moment; it is, instead, a quiet and resolute accumulation of choices made in service of others, stretching from the foothills of Uttarakhand to the corridors of New Delhi and far beyond.

Roots of Resolve

The seeds of Yashika’s life mission were planted long before she had the vocabulary to name what she was doing. Born into a family that placed extraordinary value on service and kindness, she was shaped, from her earliest years, by parents whose teachings on compassion and responsibility toward others left an indelible impression. By 2008, the year she enrolled at Graphic Era University in Dehradun to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing, that impression had already crystallised into intent. It is worth pausing on this detail, for it reveals much about the woman Yashika was becoming. While most students of her age were focused exclusively on carving out personal futures, Yashika was simultaneously laying the groundwork for something far greater than herself. The same year she began her undergraduate studies, she co-founded SURAJ Welfare and Charitable Society, an organisation that would grow, over the next decade and a half, into one of the most quietly impactful NGOs operating across India today.

A Life Lived in Parallel

What distinguishes Yashika Shaikh from many of her contemporaries in the social sector is the remarkable duality with which she has lived her professional life. For over nine years, from 2015 through 2024, she served as an Assistant Manager at AAMOGH TRADEX Pvt. Ltd. in New Delhi, navigating the demands of the corporate world with the same discipline and commitment she brought to her humanitarian work. Far from being in contradiction, these two spheres informed and strengthened each other. The organisational acumen she honed in the boardroom enriched her ability to lead and scale SURAJ, while her experiences on the ground gave her a moral grounding that few in the corporate world possess.

As a nutritionist, she has brought an additional dimension to her work. In communities where malnutrition and its effects of poverty persist, Yashika’s ability to integrate health and nutrition education into SURAJ’s programmes has meant that the organisation’s interventions address not just the symptoms of deprivation, but some of its most stubborn underlying causes. Her approach is holistic in the truest sense of the word: she does not see a child in need of food as separate from a woman in need of dignity, or a young artist in need of economic stability as separate from a community in need of cultural continuity.

The SURAJ Story: Light in the Margins

The name SURAJ, meaning “sun” in Hindi, was chosen with intention, for the organisation was conceived as a source of light for those living in the margins of society. Formally registered and operational since 2008, the SURAJ Welfare and Charitable Society has grown into a pan-India organisation with its roots firmly planted in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and its reach extending across states and communities that rarely feature in the conversations of privilege.

At the heart of SURAJ’s philosophy is a conviction that health and hygiene form the bedrock of any meaningful social upliftment. The organisation’s mission, articulated with striking clarity, is to construct a self-sustaining social infrastructure that addresses multiple, interconnected challenges. In practice, this translates into an expansive web of programmes that span four interconnected domains: women’s empowerment, child welfare and education, cultural sustainability, and health and hygiene outreach.

SURAJ’s work in women’s empowerment is perhaps its most far-reaching contribution. Less privileged women are supported through carefully designed programmes in health awareness, personal hygiene, and skill development, with the explicit goal of equipping them not merely to survive, but to achieve genuine self-reliance.

These are not short-term interventions; they are sustained engagements that walk alongside women as they move toward economic and personal independence. The organisation’s child welfare model is equally ambitious. SURAJ has developed what its beneficiaries refer to as a holistic support structure, one that accompanies children from their earliest years through to a point of self-sufficiency. This is a profound commitment, one that requires consistency, resources, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child, regardless of the circumstances of their birth.

Through educational outreach, donation drives, and partnerships with other welfare bodies, SURAJ ensures that children facing poverty, abuse, or neglect are not simply given temporary relief, but are provided with the foundations for a different future.

“SURAJ does not offer charity. It offers the architecture of a different life.”

Culture as a Livelihood

One of the most distinctive and visionary aspects of SURAJ’s work lies in its approach to cultural sustainability. Through a significant partnership with VEVA ART, Yashika has championed the cause of Madhubani art, an ancient and intricate folk tradition whose practitioners are, in many cases, among the most economically vulnerable artisans in India.

Rather than treating culture as an afterthought to material welfare, SURAJ has positioned it as an economic resource and a source of pride, helping local artists find markets and recognition for their craft. This dimension of SURAJ’s work reflects Yashika’s understanding that human dignity is not reducible to food, shelter, and healthcare alone. A community that loses its cultural heritage loses something irreplaceable, and Yashika, through her advocacy and partnerships, has worked to ensure that tradition and livelihood are not in competition, but are mutually reinforcing.

The New Wave Art Initiative has recognised SURAJ’s contributions in this domain, lending further credibility to an approach that has quietly transformed the lives of artists who might otherwise have been compelled to abandon their craft.

Recognition Hard-Earned and Well-Deserved

In October 2024, Yashika Shaikh and SURAJ received recognition of a particularly meaningful kind. Mr. Kailash Gahlot, Cabinet Minister for the Government of Delhi, formally acknowledged the organisation’s continuous and impactful efforts in empowering women and supporting vulnerable communities.

For an NGO that has operated largely away from the spotlight, preferring results over recognition, this governmental acknowledgement represented a significant and well-earned validation of years of devoted work. Around the same time, prominent media personality Viral Bhayani chose to spotlight Yashika’s work in women’s healthcare and community empowerment, bringing the story of SURAJ to an audience that extended well beyond the communities the organisation serves.

These twin moments of recognition—one institutional and one public—offered a rare convergence: the work had reached a scale where it could no longer remain invisible. Yet, it is worth noting that Yashika has never appeared to measure her success in awards or accolades. Her secretary role at SURAJ, held with quiet dedication since March 2010, speaks to a person far more invested in the slow, unglamorous work of institution building than in the theatre of public recognition.

A Light That Keeps Spreading

To understand Yashika Shaikh is to understand that genuine change requires a particular kind of tenacity: the kind that does not depend on applause, that does not diminish in the face of setbacks, and that finds its sustenance not in outcomes alone, but in the act of showing up, day after day, for those who have not been shown up for.

She has built, over the course of more than fifteen years, an organisation that aligns itself with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, working toward better health, expanded education, reduced inequality, environmental awareness, and inclusive economic growth. SURAJ does not ask for gratitude from the communities it serves. It asks only for the chance to be useful, and to keep going.

In this, it mirrors the woman at its helm: purposeful, consistent, and quietly extraordinary.

As this edition’s cover personality, Yashika Shaikh is not merely a story worth telling. She is a reminder of what becomes possible when a single person refuses to mistake comfort for contentment, and chooses, instead, the far more demanding and far more rewarding path of service.