Who is the most inspiring female in Indian politics?

Indira Gandhi is often seen as the most inspiring female leader in Indian politics.

Who was the first Indian woman in space?

Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian-origin woman in space.

How can I invite inspirational women to my event?

Just fill out the form above. Our team will help you connect with these inspiring women or any public figure you wish to invite.

Which Indian woman climbed Mount Everest with a prosthetic leg?

Arunima Sinha climbed Mount Everest with a prosthetic leg in 2013.

How did Kalpana Chawla die?

She died in the 2003 Columbia shuttle disaster.

Who was Rani Lakshmibai?

She was the Queen of Jhansi who fought against the British in 1857.

10 Powerful and Inspirational Females in India

1. Indira Gandhi (1917–1984)

Indira Gandhi was India’s first and only woman Prime Minister. She was one of the most well-known leaders in Indian history. She first became Prime Minister in 1966 and held that position until 1977. After a break, she returned in 1980 and continued until she was killed in 1984. Her time in power saw many big changes in India.

Key Roles and Contributions

When Indira Gandhi took office, India was still a young country facing many problems. People were poor, food was limited, and there were tensions with neighbouring countries. She took some big steps to deal with these challenges.

In 1969, she nationalised major banks in India. This meant that the government took control of them. The goal was to make banking services available to poor people and farmers, not just the rich. This move helped many small businesses and people in rural areas.

She also supported the Green Revolution. At that time, India often didn’t have enough food and had to import grains. With new farming methods, better seeds, and fertilisers, India started growing much more food. This made the country more self-reliant.

One of the biggest events during her time was the 1971 war with Pakistan. India helped East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) gain independence. Indira Gandhi was given the title of Goddess Durga and was praised for her leadership during that time.

In 1984, she ordered a military action called Operation Blue Star. The goal was to remove armed militants hiding inside the Golden Temple in Amritsar. While the operation succeeded, it also hurt the feelings of many people, especially in the Sikh community. A few months later, she was killed by her own bodyguards, who were Sikhs.

Recognition and Influence

Indira Gandhi received the Bharat Ratna in 1971, which is India’s highest civilian award. Many people respected her for being brave and taking strong decisions when the country needed a firm hand. At the same time, some of her actions were criticized, like declaring the Emergency in 1975, which limited people’s rights for nearly two years.

Even today, people talk about her as one of the most powerful women India has seen. Schools, roads, and government programs are named after her. Her life story shows how a woman can lead a large country through both peace and conflict. Whether people agree with her choices or not, no one can ignore the impact she had on India’s history.

2. Kalpana Chawla (1962–2003)

Kalpana Chawla was the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space. She was born in Karnal, Haryana, and from a young age, she was interested in flying and space. She studied hard and chose to become an aerospace engineer. Later, she moved to the United States and joined NASA, the space agency.

Key Roles and Contributions

Kalpana went to space for the first time in 1997. She flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia as a mission specialist. During this trip, she worked on several experiments, including research related to the Earth's surface and atmosphere. She also helped study how things behave in space when there is no gravity.

Her second trip to space was in 2003. She was again part of the Columbia crew. Sadly, while the shuttle was returning to Earth, it broke apart just before landing. All seven astronauts on board, including Kalpana, lost their lives. The entire world was shocked and deeply saddened by the accident.

During her missions, Kalpana worked on scientific studies that helped scientists understand space better. She also showed how women and people from different countries can work in important roles in space programs.

Her story became very famous, especially among students. She showed that a girl from a small town in India could reach space with hard work and focus. Many girls in India and around the world saw her as someone they could look up to.

Recognition and Influence

After her passing, Kalpana Chawla was honoured in many ways. Schools, colleges, science awards, and even streets were named after her. Her memory continues to inspire young people who want to study science or work in space programs.

She is remembered not just for going to space but also for her passion, her dedication to learning, and her calm attitude even during tough missions. Teachers often tell her story in classrooms to encourage children to dream big. For many, she remains a symbol of courage, hard work, and hope.

3. Kiran Bedi (Born 1949)

Kiran Bedi was the first woman to join the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1972. She broke barriers at a time when very few women were seen in such powerful roles. Born in Amritsar, Punjab, she was a bright student and also a tennis champion in her younger days. Her strong will, clear thinking, and sense of duty made her stand out right from the start.

Key Roles and Contributions

Throughout her career in the police force, Kiran Bedi took on many important jobs. She worked in different cities and handled many tough situations with courage and fairness. One of her most well-known roles was in Tihar Jail, one of the largest prisons in Asia. When she was in charge, she made big changes. She started programs where prisoners could study, practice yoga, and learn new skills. She believed that people in jail could change if given the right support.

She was also famous in Delhi for managing traffic in a strict but fair way. She made sure rules were followed and showed that even traffic work could be handled seriously. Another area she worked on was fighting drug addiction. She helped set up centers where people struggling with drugs could get help and support to recover.

Later in life, she moved into public service in a different way. She was chosen as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, where she continued to work with honesty and a focus on people’s needs.

Recognition and Influence

In 1994, Kiran Bedi was given the Ramon Magsaysay Award for government service. This is one of the top awards in Asia, given to people who do great work for society. It was a big recognition of her efforts in policing and prison reform.

Kiran Bedi’s life and work have encouraged many young girls to dream of joining the police or working for the public. She showed that women can be strong leaders and take on roles that were once only seen as “for men.” Her story is told in many schools and colleges, and she continues to be a strong voice for fairness, discipline, and public service in India.

4. Mary Kom (Born 1982)

Mary Kom is a boxing star from Manipur, a state in Northeast India. She grew up in a small village and came from a simple family. Her parents were farmers, and life wasn’t always easy. But Mary had a strong spirit and loved sports from a young age. She followed her dream and chose boxing, even though it was not common for girls to take up this sport at the time.

Key Roles and Contributions

Mary Kom is one of the most successful boxers in the world. She has won the World Boxing Championship six times, which is a huge record. In 2012, she made the country proud by winning a bronze medal at the London Olympics. She has also won medals at the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games.

One thing that makes her journey even more special is that she continued to box after becoming a mother. Not many athletes return to their sport after having children, but Mary did. She trained hard and showed that being a mother does not stop you from chasing your dreams.

Mary also gives back to society. She started a boxing academy where she trains young boys and girls who want to learn the sport. She wants to help the next generation of athletes, especially those from small towns and villages like hers.

Recognition and Influence

Mary Kom has received some of the top awards in India. She was given the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna for her achievements in sports. These awards are given to people who make the country proud with their work.

Her story has reached millions of people. A Hindi movie based on her life was made, where actress Priyanka Chopra played her role. This film helped more people understand her struggles and successes.

Mary Kom has inspired many girls to take up boxing and believe in themselves. She showed that with hard work and courage, you can reach great heights, no matter where you come from. Her journey is a message to never give up.

5. Sudha Murthy (Born 1950)

Sudha Murthy is a writer and social worker who has helped millions of people in India. She is the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, which works to improve lives in many parts of the country. Over the years, she has supported education, health care, and rural development.

Key Roles and Contributions

Sudha Murthy started her career as an engineer. She was one of the first women to work at TELCO, a company where very few women were hired back then. She faced many challenges in the beginning, but she did not give up. After working in the tech field for some time, she decided to focus on social work and helping people in need.

Through the Infosys Foundation, she built thousands of toilets, schools, and libraries, especially in villages where such things were missing. She also helped many people during floods, earthquakes, and other disasters by giving them food, shelter, and support. One of her biggest goals has been to make sure poor students can continue their education. She has given scholarships to many children so they can go to school and build a better future.

Along with her social work, Sudha Murthy is also a popular writer. She writes books in simple language, so everyone can read and enjoy them. Her stories often teach good values like honesty, kindness, and hard work. Kids and adults both love her books, and many of them have become bestsellers.

Recognition and Influence

In 2023, Sudha Murthy was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of the highest civilian awards in India. She has also received many other awards over the years for her service to society and her writing.

People admire her not just for what she has done, but for the way she lives. She is known for her simple lifestyle and honest nature. She believes in helping others quietly and without showing off. Many people, especially young girls and women, look up to her as a role model.

Sudha Murthy has shown that one person can truly make a big difference in the lives of many. Her life is a clear example of how kindness and hard work can change the world.

6. Lata Mangeshkar (1929–2022)

Lata Mangeshkar was one of the most loved and respected singers in India. Her voice touched the hearts of millions. People from all parts of the country listened to her songs, and many still do. She sang in many Indian languages, and her music became a big part of Indian life.

Key Roles and Contributions

Lata Mangeshkar started singing when she was very young. Her father was also a musician, and she learned music from him. After his death, she began singing to support her family. What started as a way to help her family soon became a lifelong journey in music.

Over the years, she sang more than 25,000 songs. That number is one of the highest in the world. Her voice was used in thousands of films. She worked with almost every big music director and actor in Indian cinema. Her songs were not just popular — they became part of people’s daily lives. From love songs to sad songs, from prayers to dance numbers, she could sing them all with deep emotion and clarity.

Her patriotic songs like Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon brought tears to the eyes of many, including national leaders. These songs were often played at national events and still hold a special place in people’s hearts.

Recognition and Influence

In 2001, she received the Bharat Ratna, which is the highest civilian award in India. She also received many other national and international awards throughout her life.

Even after she passed away in 2022, her songs continue to play in homes, on the radio, and at events. People of all ages still sing her songs and listen to them with love. She was often called the "Nightingale of India" because of her beautiful and unique voice.

Lata Mangeshkar is remembered not only for her music but also for her humble nature. She stayed away from show-off and always respected her art. Her music continues to bring peace, joy, and memories to millions.

7. Rani Lakshmibai (1828–1858)

Rani Lakshmibai, the Queen of Jhansi, is remembered as one of the bravest women in India’s history. She became a key figure in India’s first major fight against British rule in 1857. Even today, people talk about her courage and love for her land.

Key Roles and Contributions

Rani Lakshmibai was married to the King of Jhansi. After his death, the British wanted to take over her kingdom. They said she could not rule and asked her to leave the throne. But she refused. She said that she would not give up her Jhansi. She chose to stand and fight.

She dressed like a soldier, rode horses, and led her army herself. She trained women to fight and built a strong defence around her city. Her leadership gave strength to others who also wanted to stand up against the British.

Even though the British army was large and better equipped, she didn’t back down. She took part in many battles and fought till her last breath. Her most famous quote, “I shall not surrender my Jhansi,” still gives courage to many.

Recognition and Influence

Rani Lakshmibai died young, but her story is still remembered all over India. She became a hero not just for her battle skills but also for her strong will. Her life is taught in schools, and she is often seen as a role model for young girls.

Many statues have been built in her honor. Books, poems, and movies have been made to tell her story. She is a symbol of bravery, not just in Jhansi but across the whole country. People look up to her as someone who fought for her people and her land, even when the odds were against her.

8. Falguni Nayar (Born 1963)

Falguni Nayar is the founder of Nykaa, one of India’s most popular beauty and lifestyle companies. She became one of the richest self-made women in the country, proving that it's never too late to chase your dreams.

Key Roles and Contributions

Before starting Nykaa, Falguni worked in the banking and finance world for over two decades. She had a strong and stable career, but at the age of 49, she decided to do something completely new. In 2012, she started Nykaa from a small office, with no experience in the beauty business.

At that time, buying beauty products online was not common. People mostly bought them from local stores. But Falguni saw a gap and believed that an online beauty store could work. She focused on making sure customers got original products, good service, and honest advice. Slowly, Nykaa became popular, and today it is one of the top beauty brands in India.

She also made sure the company offered products for all budgets, skin types, and age groups. Nykaa now has both online and offline stores and sells everything from makeup and skincare to clothes and wellness items.

Recognition and Influence

Falguni’s story has inspired many people, especially women. She showed that starting a business at nearly 50 is not a barrier. With the right plan and hard work, it is possible to build something big.

She is now known as one of the top businesswomen in India. Her company is listed on the stock market, and she has won many awards. Many young women look up to her and see her as a sign of hope and strength. Her journey has encouraged others to take bold steps, trust their ideas, and believe in themselves.

9. PV Sindhu (Born 1995)

PV Sindhu is one of the top badminton players in India. She has made the country proud by winning medals in some of the world’s biggest sports events. She is strong, focused, and never gives up, which has made her a favorite among fans across India.

Key Roles and Contributions

Sindhu started playing badminton when she was a child. Her parents were also sportspersons, and she grew up with a love for sports. She trained hard from a young age and slowly moved up in her career. Her biggest moment came in 2016 when she won a silver medal at the Rio Olympics. This made her the first Indian woman to win an Olympic silver in badminton.

In 2020, she won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Apart from that, she won a gold medal at the 2019 World Badminton Championships, which is one of the most respected titles in the sport. Her game is fast and powerful, and she always gives her best on the court. She has played against the top players in the world and made her mark.

Her matches are often watched by millions of Indians, and she is a big reason why so many young people are now interested in badminton.

Recognition and Influence

Sindhu has received some of India’s highest awards, such as the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the Khel Ratna. These awards are given to people who do great work in their fields.

Thanks to her, many children, especially girls, have started playing badminton. She has shown that with hard work and strong will, big dreams can come true. She is now a role model for young athletes and continues to make India proud with her performances.

10. Arunima Sinha (Born 1988)

Arunima Sinha is the first female amputee in the world to climb Mount Everest. Her story is full of courage and strong will. She didn’t let a life-changing accident stop her from chasing big dreams. Today, she is known for her strength and bravery.

Key Roles and Contributions

In 2011, Arunima was pushed out of a moving train by thieves. She fell on the tracks and was hit by another train. The accident was very serious, and doctors had to cut off one of her legs to save her life. Most people would have lost all hope, but Arunima decided to do something no one expected.

While she was still recovering, she set a goal to climb Mount Everest. She trained very hard, even with an artificial leg. In 2013, just two years after the accident, she reached the top of Mount Everest. She became the first female amputee in the world to do this.

But she didn’t stop there. Arunima went on to climb the highest mountains on six other continents. This includes Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Elbrus in Europe, and many more. She showed the world that a strong mind is more powerful than physical challenges.

Recognition and Influence

In 2015, the Indian government gave her the Padma Shri, one of the country’s top awards. Arunima also wrote a book about her life, where she shared her story in her own words. She often speaks at schools, colleges, and events to motivate others.

Many people now look up to her. Her journey inspires not just athletes but anyone who is going through a hard time. Arunima has proved that even after a big loss, life can still be full of purpose and success if you don’t give up.

Conclusion

India is full of strong, smart, and inspiring women who are making a real difference in today’s world. Whether it’s in sports, science, business, social work, or adventure, they’ve shown that with courage and hard work, anything is possible. These women have broken barriers, taken bold steps, and become true role models for the next generation. Their journeys remind us that success isn’t about gender — it’s about effort, belief, and action.

If you’re looking to bring real inspiration to your audience, you can invite these living legends, entrepreneurs, influencers, and creators to your event or campaign through Tring. Their presence and stories can spark real change.