The Rural woman

Waiting at Manikpur Railway Station with bundles of Firewood

Begging for Food

She has no other work option but to clean the laterines of Mau Town

She lost her children out of Hunger and Poverty

The lost Childhood….

School days…… Child Labor

She is just 15 yrs, her son is 18 months old

They also suffer from… Maternal Mortality Women Trafficking Malnutrition Exploitative Practices Child Marriage Dowry Gender Violence Child Labor Eve Teasing Sexual Harassment Family Abuse & a lot more…

60 % of the Girls are married before the age of 16 Nearly 60% of the married girls bear children before they are 18 125,000 women die from pregnancy and related causes every year Maternal mortality in India is the 2 nd highest in the world

Access to Sanitation facilities is a special problem for women and girls Public toilets for females are few

It is well known that women and children work in huge numbers in bidi-rolling, agarbatti-rolling, bangle making, weaving, brassware, leather, crafts and other industries. Yet, only 3 % of these women are recorded as laborers.

Poverty Levels are still 60 % plus, where in, Extreme poverty figures maintain to be at 35% plus mark

Some Global Eye Openers Some Global Eye Openers Some Global Eye Openers

China: Suicidal rates are higher in case of women Status of Japanese working women in dilemma The Deafening Silence: Asian American women in the whirlpool of depression Women’s life at risk because of acid attacks in Ethiopia Some Global Eye Openers

37% women victims of domestic violence: NFH survey Almost half of Indian women have not heard of AIDS Married women, children most anaemic in India Women are killed in China to become brides of dead men Some Global Eye Openers

6S Model for Women Empowerment

Shiksha= Education Swasthya= Health Swavlamban= Self Reliance Samajik Nyay= Justice Samvedana= Sensitivity Samta= Equality

They are strong at

Synergy Cooperation Physical Strength Untapped Energy Multi Tasking Innovation Closeness with Nature

Illiteracy Fatal Orthodoxism Wide Gender Discretion They are weak because… Lack of Awareness Less Exposure

Threats to them are many…

Natural Calamities

Malnutrition

Family Abuse

AIDS Lack of Resources

opportunities

opportunities

opportunities

Self Help Groups Aangan Badi Govt Schemes Micro Finance Self Employment

The URBAN Woman

They are strong at…

Access to good education

Nutritious & healthy FOOD

High self

FINANCIAL STABILITY

Opportunity to Liberalize

They struggle for…

Conjoint Efforts Synergized Orientation Spending Quality time with family Getting Recognition Maintaining Work Life Balance

Reaching Office…

They also end up in

Stress Tiredness Bad Habits Molestation Disturbed Life

They have plenty of Opportunities

End less growth Live to up their dreams Knowledge Empowerment & above all… RURAL INDIA

Across Cultures and over Centuries it has been Proven that Woman can change the world around..

Remembering some of them today…

Efforts in the fields of… Shiksha Swasthya Swavlamban

Kasturba Gandhi (Ba)

Kasturba often joined Gandhiji in political protests . She traveled to South Africa in 1897 to be with her husband. From 1904 to 1914 , she was active in the Phoenix Settlement near Durban . During the 1913 protest against working conditions for Indians in South Africa, Kasturba was arrested and sentenced to three months in a hard labor prison . Later, in India, she sometimes took her husband's place when he was under arrest. In 1915 , when Gandhi returned to India to support indigo planters, Kasturba accompanied him. She taught hygiene, discipline, reading and writing to women and children.

Kasturba often joined Gandhiji in political protests .

She traveled to South Africa in 1897 to be with her husband.

From 1904 to 1914 , she was active in the Phoenix Settlement near Durban .

During the 1913 protest against working conditions for Indians in South Africa, Kasturba was arrested and sentenced to three months in a hard labor prison .

Later, in India, she sometimes took her husband's place when he was under arrest.

In 1915 , when Gandhi returned to India to support indigo planters, Kasturba accompanied him. She taught hygiene, discipline, reading and writing to women and children.

Mother Teresa

Founded the Missionaries of Charity and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work. For over forty years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying in Kolkata (Calcutta), India . By the 1970s she had become internationally famed as a humanitarian and advocate for the poor and helpless Following her death she was beatified by Pope John Paul II and given the title Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Founded the Missionaries of Charity and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work.

For over forty years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying in Kolkata (Calcutta), India .

By the 1970s she had become internationally famed as a humanitarian and advocate for the poor and helpless

Following her death she was beatified by Pope John Paul II and given the title Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Sindhu Tai

“ God can not be everywhere, So he created Mother”

“ Mai ” Sindhutai Sapakal Mother of Orphan children. She has devoted her life for the cause of orphan children. this is not a change of a day or two, it came after tremendous struggle and up and down in her life. In her journey of 32 years 'Mai' has groomed more than 1000 children , now a step ahead she is proud to have 175 sun-in-laws and 36 daughter-in-laws She is also working continuously to achieve educational development of women and girls. She is rewarded by more than 70 awards for her work by various well known institutes

“ Mai ” Sindhutai Sapakal Mother of Orphan children.

She has devoted her life for the cause of orphan children. this is not a change of a day or two, it came after tremendous struggle and up and down in her life.

In her journey of 32 years 'Mai' has groomed more than 1000 children , now a step ahead she is proud to have 175 sun-in-laws and 36 daughter-in-laws

She is also working continuously to achieve educational development of women and girls.

She is rewarded by more than 70 awards for her work by various well known institutes

Sarojini Naidu

Famously known as known as Bharatiya Kokila ( The Nightingale of India ), was a child prodigy , freedom fighter , and poet . Naidu was the first Indian woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress and the first woman to become the governor of a state in India . She joined the Indian independence movement , in the wake of the aftermath of partition of Bengal in 1905 . From 1915 to 1918 she lectured all over India on welfare of youth, dignity of labour, women's emancipation and nationalism. After meeting Jawaharlal Nehru in 1916, she took up the cause of the indigo workers of Champaran . In 1925 she was elected as the President of the Congress, the first Indian woman to hold the post In July 1919 , Naidu became the Home Rule League 's ambassador to England .

Famously known as known as Bharatiya Kokila ( The Nightingale of India ), was a child prodigy , freedom fighter , and poet .

Naidu was the first Indian woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress and the first woman to become the governor of a state in India .

She joined the Indian independence movement , in the wake of the aftermath of partition of Bengal in 1905 .

From 1915 to 1918 she lectured all over India on welfare of youth, dignity of labour, women's emancipation and nationalism. After meeting Jawaharlal Nehru in 1916, she took up the cause of the indigo workers of Champaran .

In 1925 she was elected as the President of the Congress, the first Indian woman to hold the post

In July 1919 , Naidu became the Home Rule League 's ambassador to England .

Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi

Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi ( 19 November 1917 - October 31 , 1984 ) Prime Minister of India for three consecutive terms from 1966 to 1977 and for a fourth term from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. She was India 's first and to date only female prime minister Nationalized Banks in late 60s India won the 1971 war during her government Signed Shimla agreement with the then President of Pakistan Mr. Zulfikar Ali bhutto 1974- Successful conducted an underground Nuclear Test unofficially code named as smiling Buddha , near the desert village of Pokhran in Rajasthan Rather than relying on food aid from the United States, the country became a food exporter

Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi ( 19 November 1917 - October 31 , 1984 )

Prime Minister of India for three consecutive terms from 1966 to 1977 and for a fourth term from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. She was India 's first and to date only female prime minister

Nationalized Banks in late 60s

India won the 1971 war during her government

Signed Shimla agreement with the then President of Pakistan Mr. Zulfikar Ali bhutto

1974- Successful conducted an underground Nuclear Test unofficially code named as smiling Buddha , near the desert village of Pokhran in Rajasthan

Rather than relying on food aid from the United States, the country became a food exporter

Homai Vyarawalla

India's first woman photo journalist, 92-year-old Homai Vyarawalla , has witnessed many historic events and changes during the freedom struggle and after. Her vast portfolio, soon to be published in a book, has pictures of Mumbai in the 1930s, political leaders, freedom fighters, the Nehru era right up to the time of Indira Gandhi. The world saw the optimism and jubilation of a newly liberated country through her pictures. Homai Vyarawalla photographed the last days of the British Empire and her work traces the birth and growth of a new nation. The story of Homai’s life and her work spans an entire century of Indian history.

Efforts in the field of Samajik Nyaya

Kiran Bedi

She broke new ground by joining the élite Indian Police Service in 1972, the first woman in India to do so. Her humane and fearless approach has contributed greatly to innumerable innovative policing and prison reforms. Besides her professional contributions, two voluntary organizations founded and supervised by her — Navjyoti, set up in 1988 and India Vision Foundation in 1994, reach out to thousands of poor children daily for primary education; women for adult literacy; provide vocational training and counseling services in the slums, rural areas and inside the prison apart from treatment for drug addiction. She and her organizations today stand nationally and internationally recognized, with the latest award being given by the United Nations — the Serge Sotiroff Memorial Award for drug abuse prevention.

She broke new ground by joining the élite Indian Police Service in 1972, the first woman in India to do so.

Her humane and fearless approach has contributed greatly to innumerable innovative policing and prison reforms.

Besides her professional contributions, two voluntary organizations founded and supervised by her — Navjyoti, set up in 1988 and India Vision Foundation in 1994, reach out to thousands of poor children daily for primary education; women for adult literacy; provide vocational training and counseling services in the slums, rural areas and inside the prison apart from treatment for drug addiction.

She and her organizations today stand nationally and internationally recognized, with the latest award being given by the United Nations — the Serge Sotiroff Memorial Award for drug abuse prevention.

Elaben Bhatt

Ela Bhatt was born in 1933 in Gujarat, India. After graduating with a Law degree in 1954, she joined the Textile Labour Union (TLU) founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917. While working at TLU she observed the conditions of the disorganised self-employed sector, primarily comprised of women, and decided to help in 'unionising' them.

Ela Bhatt was born in 1933 in Gujarat, India.

After graduating with a Law degree in 1954, she joined the Textile Labour Union (TLU) founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917.

While working at TLU she observed the conditions of the disorganised self-employed sector, primarily comprised of women, and decided to help in 'unionising' them.

Self Employed Women's Association – SEWA, Gujarat Founded in 1972 Focus Women, Rural Development, Microfinance, Labor Conditions, Culture/Handicrafts, Communications/Media The Innovation SEWA is the global standard bearer in efforts to provide comprehensive support to poor, self-employed women in countries with large informal economies. Its efforts over three decades to increase the bargaining power, economic opportunities, health security, legal representation and organizational abilities of Indian women have brought dramatic improvements to hundreds and thousands of lives and influenced similar initiatives around the globe. SEWA’s 688,566 members include 535,674 women representing 53 unorganized trades within the state and additional 152,892 members in 4 other states. SEWA is the largest union in India, offering its members a broad array of financial, health, childcare, insurance, legal, vocational and education services.

Self Employed Women's Association – SEWA, Gujarat Founded in 1972

Focus

Women, Rural Development, Microfinance, Labor Conditions, Culture/Handicrafts, Communications/Media

The Innovation

SEWA is the global standard bearer in efforts to provide comprehensive support to poor, self-employed women in countries with large informal economies.

Its efforts over three decades to increase the bargaining power, economic opportunities, health security, legal representation and organizational abilities of Indian women have brought dramatic improvements to hundreds and thousands of lives and influenced similar initiatives around the globe.

SEWA’s 688,566 members include 535,674 women representing 53 unorganized trades within the state and additional 152,892 members in 4 other states.

SEWA is the largest union in India, offering its members a broad array of financial, health, childcare, insurance, legal, vocational and education services.

1974 : Starts the SEWA bank and pioneers the micro-finance programmes in India. The bank grants women low-interest loans for entrepreneurial activity. Since 1985 : Chair, Women's World Banking, New York. 1990 : Receives Women in Creation Award, Alliance de Femme, Paris. Since 1992 : Member, executive committee, International Union of Food and Allied Workers, Geneva. 1994 : Care Humanitarian Award, Washington, DC. 1995 Hillary Clinton visits SEWA, Ahmedabad, to gain insight into its functioning

1974 : Starts the SEWA bank and pioneers the micro-finance programmes in India.

The bank grants women low-interest loans for entrepreneurial activity.

Since 1985 : Chair, Women's World Banking, New York.

1990 : Receives Women in Creation Award, Alliance de Femme, Paris.

Since 1992 : Member, executive committee, International Union of Food and Allied Workers, Geneva.

1994 : Care Humanitarian Award, Washington, DC.

1995 Hillary Clinton visits SEWA, Ahmedabad, to gain insight into its functioning

Efforts in the field of Samata &

Samvedana

Medha Patkar

She did her M.A. in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). She left her position on the faculty of TISS as well as her unfinished Ph. D. when she became involved in the tribal and peasant agitations in Maharashtra , Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat , which eventually led to the organization of the Narmada Bachao Andolan Hunger strike On March 28,2006, she started a hunger-strike to protest against the decision of the authorities to raise the height of the Narmada Dam. She ended her 20 day fast on April 17, 2006, after the Supreme Court of India refused the Narmada Bachao Andolan's appeal to stop the construction of the dam. Arrested by Police in West Bengal She was held by the police at Singur on December 2, 2006 before as she reached to protest against the acquisition of farmland. Attack on Medha Patkar On November 8, 2007, her convoy was allegedly attacked by activists of Communist Party of India-Marxist

She did her M.A. in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). She left her position on the faculty of TISS as well as her unfinished Ph. D. when she became involved in the tribal and peasant agitations in Maharashtra , Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat , which eventually led to the organization of the Narmada Bachao Andolan

Hunger strike

On March 28,2006, she started a hunger-strike to protest against the decision of the authorities to raise the height of the Narmada Dam. She ended her 20 day fast on April 17, 2006, after the Supreme Court of India refused the Narmada Bachao Andolan's appeal to stop the construction of the dam.

Arrested by Police in West Bengal

She was held by the police at Singur on December 2, 2006 before as she reached to protest against the acquisition of farmland.

Attack on Medha Patkar

On November 8, 2007, her convoy was allegedly attacked by activists of Communist Party of India-Marxist

Awards and Honours Medha Patkar is one of the recipients of Right Livelihood Award for the year 1991. She received the 1999 M.A.Thomas National Human Rights Award from Vigil India Movement . She has also received numerous other awards, including the Deena Nath Mangeshkar Award , Mahatma Phule Award , Goldman Environment Prize , Green Ribbon Award for Best International Political Campaigner by BBC , and the Human Rights Defender's Award from Amnesty International . She was also a Commissioner to the World Commission on Dams .

Awards and Honours

Medha Patkar is one of the recipients of Right Livelihood Award for the year 1991.

She received the 1999 M.A.Thomas National Human Rights Award from Vigil India Movement .

She has also received numerous other awards, including the Deena Nath Mangeshkar Award , Mahatma Phule Award , Goldman Environment Prize , Green Ribbon Award for Best International Political Campaigner by BBC , and the Human Rights Defender's Award from Amnesty International .

She was also a Commissioner to the World Commission on Dams .

Arundhati Roy

Roy has campaigned along with activist Medha Patkar against the Narmada dam project , saying that the dam will displace half a million people, with little or no compensation, and will not provide the projected irrigation, drinking water and other benefits. Roy donated her Booker prize money as well as royalties from her books on the project to the Narmada Bachao Andolan . Roy has strongly criticised the U.S. led invasion of Afghanistan in reaction to the September 11 attacks, decrying its undermining of international law and institutions, disputing U.S. claims of being a peaceful and freedom-loving nation

Roy has campaigned along with activist Medha Patkar against the Narmada dam project , saying that the dam will displace half a million people, with little or no compensation, and will not provide the projected irrigation, drinking water and other benefits.

Roy donated her Booker prize money as well as royalties from her books on the project to the Narmada Bachao Andolan .

Roy has strongly criticised the U.S. led invasion of Afghanistan in reaction to the September 11 attacks, decrying its undermining of international law and institutions, disputing U.S. claims of being a peaceful and freedom-loving nation

Awards Arundhati Roy was awarded the 1997 Booker Prize for her fiction The God of Small Things . The award carried a cash prize and a citation that noted: 'The book keeps all the promises that it makes.‘ In 2002, she won the Lannan Foundation 's Cultural Freedom Award for her work "about civil societies that are adversely affected by the world’s most powerful governments and corporations" and "to celebrate her life and her ongoing work in the struggle for freedom, justice and cultural diversity." Roy was awarded the Sydney Peace Prize in May 2004 for her work in social campaigns and her advocacy of non-violence . In January 2006 she was awarded the Sahitya Akademi award for her collection of essays on contemporary issues, The Algebra of Infinite Justice , but she declined to accept it

Awards

Arundhati Roy was awarded the 1997 Booker Prize for her fiction The God of Small Things . The award carried a cash prize and a citation that noted: 'The book keeps all the promises that it makes.‘

In 2002, she won the Lannan Foundation 's Cultural Freedom Award for her work "about civil societies that are adversely affected by the world’s most powerful governments and corporations" and "to celebrate her life and her ongoing work in the struggle for freedom, justice and cultural diversity."

Roy was awarded the Sydney Peace Prize in May 2004 for her work in social campaigns and her advocacy of non-violence .

In January 2006 she was awarded the Sahitya Akademi award for her collection of essays on contemporary issues, The Algebra of Infinite Justice , but she declined to accept it

Aruna roy

Aruna Roy (61) is an Indian political and social activist . She is best known for her campaigns to better the lives of the rural poor in Rajasthan (north-western India) and her long campaigns were instrumental in the passing of the Indian Right to Information law in 2005. She resigned from the prestigious bureaucratic service of the Indian central government (the "IAS") in order to devote her time to campaigns, social work and social reform. Roy joined the Social Work and Research Center in Tilonia , Rajasthan , which had been set up by her husband Sanjit 'Bunker' Roy . She worked at the SWRC until 1983, then moved to Devdoongri , a village in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan in 1987 along with Shanker Singh and Nikhil Dey . Together with many people from the area, the three of them helped set up the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (Workers-Farmers' Unity Union), which they describe as a "non-party people's organisation" in 1990.

Aruna Roy (61) is an Indian political and social activist .

She is best known for her campaigns to better the lives of the rural poor in Rajasthan (north-western India) and her long campaigns were instrumental in the passing of the Indian Right to Information law in 2005.

She resigned from the prestigious bureaucratic service of the Indian central government (the "IAS") in order to devote her time to campaigns, social work and social reform.

Roy joined the Social Work and Research Center in Tilonia , Rajasthan , which had been set up by her husband Sanjit 'Bunker' Roy .

She worked at the SWRC until 1983, then moved to Devdoongri , a village in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan in 1987 along with Shanker Singh and Nikhil Dey .

Together with many people from the area, the three of them helped set up the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (Workers-Farmers' Unity Union), which they describe as a "non-party people's organisation" in 1990.

In 2000 , she was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay award for Community Leadership. Aruna Roy then requested that the award be given to the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathana , but was informed that it was only given to individuals. While accepting the award she urged the foundation to change its policy, and now the award is open to organizations also. She put the award money into a trust to support the process of democratic struggles.

In 2000 , she was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay award for Community Leadership.

Aruna Roy then requested that the award be given to the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathana , but was informed that it was only given to individuals.

While accepting the award she urged the foundation to change its policy, and now the award is open to organizations also.

She put the award money into a trust to support the process of democratic struggles.

Nafisa Ali

Nafisa Ali is a social activist from India . She has accomplishments in several fields. She was the national swimming champion from 1972 - 1974 . She won the Miss India title in 1976 and was runner-up at the Miss International contest in 1977 . She is associated with Action India, an organisation working to spread AIDS awareness. She contested the 2004 Lok Sabha elections unsuccessfully from South Kolkata. In September 2005 , she was appointed the chairperson of the Children's Film Society of India (CFSI).

Nafisa Ali is a social activist from India .

She has accomplishments in several fields. She was the national swimming champion from 1972 - 1974 . She won the Miss India title in 1976 and was runner-up at the Miss International contest in 1977 .

She is associated with Action India, an organisation working to spread AIDS awareness. She contested the 2004 Lok Sabha elections unsuccessfully from South Kolkata.

In September 2005 , she was appointed the chairperson of the Children's Film Society of India (CFSI).

They represent the Corporate Forum too….

Sudha Murty

Sudha Murthy (born Sudha Kulkarni, in Karnataka , India in 1950 ) is an Indian social worker and accomplished author. She is known for her philanthropic work through the Infosys Foundation . Among other things, she has initiated a move to provide all government schools in Karnataka with computer and library facilities. She also teaches computer science and writes fiction. Dollar Sose ( Dollar daughter-in-law ), a book originally she wrote in Kannada and later translated to English as Dollar Bahu was adopted as a television serial in 2001 . She completed her M.Tech. in Computer Science in 1974 from the Indian Institute of Science , Bangalore , stood first in her class and received a gold medal from the Indian Institute of Engineers .

Sudha Murthy (born Sudha Kulkarni, in Karnataka , India in 1950 ) is an Indian social worker and accomplished author.

She is known for her philanthropic work through the Infosys Foundation .

Among other things, she has initiated a move to provide all government schools in Karnataka with computer and library facilities. She also teaches computer science and writes fiction.

Dollar Sose ( Dollar daughter-in-law ), a book originally she wrote in Kannada and later translated to English as Dollar Bahu was adopted as a television serial in 2001 .

She completed her M.Tech. in Computer Science in 1974 from the Indian Institute of Science , Bangalore , stood first in her class and received a gold medal from the Indian Institute of Engineers .

She was also the first woman engineer to be selected in Telco (now Tata Motors), Pune. She had written a postcard to JRD Tata complaining of the gender bias in Tata Motors (Telco then had a men-only policy) and she was invited for a special interview by Tata Motors. On November 19th 2004 , the Raja-Lakshmi Award for the year 2004 was presented to her "in recognition of her outstanding contribution to social work" by Sri Raja-Lakshmi Foundation , Chennai In 2006, she was awarded the Padma Shri , a civilian award from the Government of India and received an honorary doctorate from Sathyabama University .

She was also the first woman engineer to be selected in Telco (now Tata Motors), Pune. She had written a postcard to JRD Tata complaining of the gender bias in Tata Motors (Telco then had a men-only policy) and she was invited for a special interview by Tata Motors.

On November 19th 2004 , the Raja-Lakshmi Award for the year 2004 was presented to her "in recognition of her outstanding contribution to social work" by Sri Raja-Lakshmi Foundation , Chennai

In 2006, she was awarded the Padma Shri , a civilian award from the Government of India and received an honorary doctorate from Sathyabama University .

Lalita Gupte

Mrs. Gupte was instrumental in transforming ICICI Bank from a primarily term lending institution into a technology led diversified financial services group with a strong presence in India's retail financial services market. The Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence on "The Women Behind ICICI" for "Business Woman of the Year 2004-2005". "The Woman of the Year Award" for 2002 presented by the International Women's Association for her achievements in the corporate world, "The 21st Century for Finance & Banking Award" by the Ladies' Wing of the Indian Merchants' Chamber (1997) and "Women Achievers' Award" from the Women Graduates Union (2001).

Mrs. Gupte was instrumental in transforming ICICI Bank from a primarily term lending institution into a technology led diversified financial services group with a strong presence in India's retail financial services market.

The Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence on "The Women Behind ICICI" for "Business Woman of the Year 2004-2005".

"The Woman of the Year Award" for 2002 presented by the International Women's Association for her achievements in the corporate world,

"The 21st Century for Finance & Banking Award" by the Ladies' Wing of the Indian Merchants' Chamber (1997) and "Women Achievers' Award" from the Women Graduates Union (2001).

Tina Ambani

Tina, in 2002, provided a platform for `Aseema', an NGO engaged in the rehabilitation and education of street children. 30 street children displayed their talent through innovative works of art and craft. The proceeds from the show went towards helping `Aseema' `Harmony' derived its name from the furnishings product division of the Ambani-owned Reliance Industries. It was an association of ideas, she says. "The Harmony range of furnishing fabrics was also an attempt to evolve a harmony, between the aesthetics of modern day living, fine art and the new generation technology. Since its inception in 1996, the show has not looked back. The number of entries, the number of visitors, the quality of work and the fame of the show have gone up. The exhibition has dealt with different themes — The Spirit of India, Harmony, the Essence of Life, Art and Fashion. Two awards were instituted in 1998, the Harmony Excellence Award for the Emerging Artist of the Year', a sum of Rs 1 lakh, and the `Harmony Heritage Award for Lifetime Contribution to Art, Culture and Literature' worth Rs 2 lakh.

Tina, in 2002, provided a platform for `Aseema', an NGO engaged in the rehabilitation and education of street children.

30 street children displayed their talent through innovative works of art and craft. The proceeds from the show went towards helping `Aseema'

`Harmony' derived its name from the furnishings product division of the Ambani-owned Reliance Industries.

It was an association of ideas, she says. "The Harmony range of furnishing fabrics was also an attempt to evolve a harmony, between the aesthetics of modern day living, fine art and the new generation technology.

Since its inception in 1996, the show has not looked back. The number of entries, the number of visitors, the quality of work and the fame of the show have gone up. The exhibition has dealt with different themes — The Spirit of India, Harmony, the Essence of Life, Art and Fashion.

Two awards were instituted in 1998, the Harmony Excellence Award for the Emerging Artist of the Year', a sum of Rs 1 lakh, and the `Harmony Heritage Award for Lifetime Contribution to Art, Culture and Literature' worth Rs 2 lakh.

The Harmony for Silvers Foundation, founded in 2004 by Tina Anil Ambani, is a non-government organization working to enhance the quality of life of the elderly in India. It envisages India’s elderly as ‘Silver Citizens’—glowing and proud. Harmony’s mission is to create an environment where silvers, irrespective of their cultural beliefs, can retain their dignity, self-respect, pride and self-confidence Over a period of time, the Harmony for Silvers Foundation intends to promote sound and forward looking strategies and mechanisms to enhance the abilities and participation of silver citizens in the overall development of society.

The Harmony for Silvers Foundation, founded in 2004 by Tina Anil Ambani, is a non-government organization working to enhance the quality of life of the elderly in India.

It envisages India’s elderly as ‘Silver Citizens’—glowing and proud. Harmony’s mission is to create an environment where silvers, irrespective of their cultural beliefs, can retain their dignity, self-respect, pride and self-confidence

Naina Lal Kidwai

Naina Lal Kidwai (born 1957 ) was the first Indian woman to graduate from the Harvard Business School . As of 2006, she is the Chief Executive Officer of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation India branches. Fortune magazine listed Kidwai among the World's Top 50 Corporate Women from 2000 to 2003. According to the Economic Times , she is the first woman to head the operations of a foreign bank in India. Naina Lal Kidwai is currently the Group General Manager and Country Head of HSBC India. She has been awarded with Padma Shri , one of the highest civilian honours bestowed by the Government of India . The announcement was made by Rashtrapati Bhawan on 26 Jan 2007

Naina Lal Kidwai (born 1957 ) was the first Indian woman to graduate from the Harvard Business School . As of 2006, she is the Chief Executive Officer of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation India branches.

Fortune magazine listed Kidwai among the World's Top 50 Corporate Women from 2000 to 2003. According to the Economic Times , she is the first woman to head the operations of a foreign bank in India.

Naina Lal Kidwai is currently the Group General Manager and Country Head of HSBC India. She has been awarded with Padma Shri , one of the highest civilian honours bestowed by the Government of India . The announcement was made by Rashtrapati Bhawan on 26 Jan 2007

Indra Krishnamurthy Nooyi (born October 28 , 1955 in Chennai , Tamil Nadu , India ) Is the chairman and chief executive officer of PepsiCo , the world's fourth-largest food and beverage company. On August 14 , 2006 , Nooyi was named the successor to Steve Reinemund as chief executive officer of the company. She was effectively appointed as CEO by PepsiCo's board of directors on October 1 , 2006 . According to the polls Forbes magazine conducted, Nooyi ranks fifth on the 2007 list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women . Nooyi has been named the #1 Most Powerful Woman in Business in 2006 and 2007 by Fortune magazine .

Indra Krishnamurthy Nooyi (born October 28 , 1955 in Chennai , Tamil Nadu , India )

Is the chairman and chief executive officer of PepsiCo , the world's fourth-largest food and beverage company.

On August 14 , 2006 , Nooyi was named the successor to Steve Reinemund as chief executive officer of the company.

She was effectively appointed as CEO by PepsiCo's board of directors on October 1 , 2006 .

According to the polls Forbes magazine conducted, Nooyi ranks fifth on the 2007 list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women .

Nooyi has been named the #1 Most Powerful Woman in Business in 2006 and 2007 by Fortune magazine .

She received a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Madras Christian College in 1974, and immediately entered the PGDBA (Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration) program at the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta . After graduating from IIM-C in 1976, she worked in India for several years (including a stretch at Madura Coats). She was admitted to Yale School of Management in 1978 for a master's degree in Management. Following her master's degree from Yale in 1980, Nooyi started at The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), from where she moved on to strategy positions at Motorola and ABB . While at PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi has played a vital role in starting Tricon, which is currently known as Yum! Brands Inc . Nooyi recommended spinning off Taco Bell , KFC and Pizza Hut , arguing PepsiCo couldn't bring enough value to the fast food industry. Nooyi also took the lead in the acquisition of Tropicana in 1998, and merger with Quaker Oats Co . She is also noted for promoting the concept of "performance with purpose," aiming to make PepsiCo a leader in offering healthy foods and hiring a diverse workforce.

She received a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Madras Christian College in 1974, and immediately entered the PGDBA (Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration) program at the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta .

After graduating from IIM-C in 1976, she worked in India for several years (including a stretch at Madura Coats).

She was admitted to Yale School of Management in 1978 for a master's degree in Management. Following her master's degree from Yale in 1980, Nooyi started at

The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), from where she moved on to strategy positions at Motorola and ABB .

While at PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi has played a vital role in starting Tricon, which is currently known as Yum! Brands Inc .

Nooyi recommended spinning off Taco Bell , KFC and Pizza Hut , arguing PepsiCo couldn't bring enough value to the fast food industry. Nooyi also took the lead in the acquisition of Tropicana in 1998, and merger with Quaker Oats Co .

She is also noted for promoting the concept of "performance with purpose," aiming to make PepsiCo a leader in offering healthy foods and hiring a diverse workforce.

Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (born 23 March 1953 in Bangalore ) is an Indian entrepreneur . She is the Chairman & Managing Director of Biocon Ltd. In 2004 , she became India ’s richest woman . As Chairperson and Mission Leader of CII's National Task Force on Biotechnology she has led several delegations to USA, Canada, UK, etc. to propel India into the global super league of biotech trailblazers. She chairs Karnataka's Vision Group on Biotechnology and also served on the Board of Science Foundation, Ireland.

Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (born 23 March 1953 in Bangalore ) is an Indian entrepreneur . She is the Chairman & Managing Director of Biocon Ltd. In 2004 , she became India ’s richest woman .

As Chairperson and Mission Leader of CII's National Task Force on Biotechnology she has led several delegations to USA, Canada, UK, etc. to propel India into the global super league of biotech trailblazers.

She chairs Karnataka's Vision Group on Biotechnology and also served on the Board of Science Foundation, Ireland.

Accolades ET Businesswoman of the Year Best Woman Entrepreneur, Model Employer, Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Life Sciences & Healthcare, Leading Exporter, Outstanding Citizen, Technology Pioneer, etc. PADMASHRI (1989) PADMA BHUSHAN (2005)

Accolades

ET Businesswoman of the Year

Best Woman Entrepreneur, Model Employer,

Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Life Sciences & Healthcare,

Leading Exporter,

Outstanding Citizen,

Technology Pioneer, etc.

PADMASHRI (1989)

PADMA BHUSHAN (2005)

Positions held Kiran Mazumdar Shaw has held several honorary and advisory positions. A partial list is as follows: Chairperson and Mission Leader of CII's (Confederation of Indian industry) National Task Force on Biotechnology Member, The Prime Minister’s Council on Trade & Industry in India. Board member, BVGH (Bio-Ventures for Global Health) Member, Board of Science Foundation, Ireland Member, Board of Governors, IIM Bangalore Chairperson, Karnataka 's Vision Group on Biotechnology Member, * Advisory Council of the Government’s Department of Biotechnology Vice-President, Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Karnataka (AWAKE)

Positions held

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw has held several honorary and advisory positions. A partial list is as follows:

Chairperson and Mission Leader of CII's (Confederation of Indian industry) National Task Force on Biotechnology

Member, The Prime Minister’s Council on Trade & Industry in India.

Board member, BVGH (Bio-Ventures for Global Health)

Member, Board of Science Foundation, Ireland

Member, Board of Governors, IIM Bangalore

Chairperson, Karnataka 's Vision Group on Biotechnology Member, * Advisory Council of the Government’s Department of Biotechnology

Vice-President, Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Karnataka (AWAKE)

Shabana Azmi

Shabana Azmi is a film actress as well as a social activist, and her performances in films in a variety of genres have generally earned her praises and awards. Social activism Shabana Azmi has been a committed social activist, active in fighting AIDS and injustice in real life. She has voiced her opinion on a variety of issues. Among the neglected social groups whose causes she has advocated are slum dwellers, displaced Kashmiri migrants and victims of the earthquake at Latur (Maharashtra, India). After the September 11 2001 attacks, she opposed the advice of an important religious leader calling upon the Muslims of India to join the people of Afghanistan in their fight by retorting that the leader go there alone.

Shabana Azmi is a film actress as well as a social activist, and her performances in films in a variety of genres have generally earned her praises and awards.

Social activism

Shabana Azmi has been a committed social activist, active in fighting AIDS and injustice in real life.

She has voiced her opinion on a variety of issues.

Among the neglected social groups whose causes she has advocated are slum dwellers, displaced Kashmiri migrants and victims of the earthquake at Latur (Maharashtra, India).

After the September 11 2001 attacks, she opposed the advice of an important religious leader calling upon the Muslims of India to join the people of Afghanistan in their fight by retorting that the leader go there alone.

2006: Gandhi International Peace Prize, awarded by Gandhi Foundation, London. She was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Art by Chancellor of the University Brandan Foster by the Leeds Metropolitan University in Yorkshire Since 1989, she is a member of the National Integration Council headed by the Prime Minister of India ; a member of National AIDS Commission (of India); and was nominated (in 1997) as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament. UNFPA had appointed her as its goodwill Ambassador for India, and the Michigan University conferred (in 2002) on her the Martin Luther King Professorship award in recognition of her contribution to arts, culture and society.

2006: Gandhi International Peace Prize, awarded by Gandhi Foundation, London.

She was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Art by Chancellor of the University Brandan Foster by the Leeds Metropolitan University in Yorkshire

Since 1989, she is a member of the National Integration Council headed by the Prime Minister of India ; a member of National AIDS Commission (of India); and was nominated (in 1997) as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament.

UNFPA had appointed her as its goodwill Ambassador for India, and the Michigan University conferred (in 2002) on her the Martin Luther King Professorship award in recognition of her contribution to arts, culture and society.

And There are a lot more… Saluja Motwani Barkha Dutt Maharani Gayatri Devi Sushmita Sen Brinda Karat Nandita Das Kalpana Chawla Sunita Williams Menaka Gandhi Lata Mangeshkar

Efforts by Gayatri Pariwar…. Anti-Dowry Marriages Over 1 lac Inter-caste marriages Education, Yog and Health camps Nasha & Vyasan Mukti camps Self Reliance camps Efforts for Social Justice Encouraging women Empowerment Emphasizing Human Welfare Dev Sanskriti VishwaVidhyalaya

Shiksha= Education Swasthya= Health Swavlamban= Self Reliance Samajik Nyay= Justice Samvedana= Sensitivity Samta= Equality

Alone we are strong

Together we are Unstoppable!!!

Let’s join hands for the bigger cause

Individual efforts are appreciable, But not sufficient Let’s take them out of the darkness of life

Let’s build a better india