This article has been sponsored by JSW MG Motor India
What does it take to shatter barriers, question the status quo, and inspire a wave of change? For countless women across India, it’s a mix of courage, resilience, and an unshakable belief in themselves. JSW MG Motor India has been a steadfast ally in this journey, championing women’s empowerment since its inception in the country.
From supporting girls’ education and promoting workforce diversity to helping women restart their careers after a break, JSW MG Motor India has consistently worked to ensure that women can excel in every aspect of life. But the organisation’s efforts are not limited to its female workforce.
Through its MG Changemakers Campaign, the company celebrates women who have made noteworthy accomplishments in their respective fields despite facing various setbacks. The Campaign highlights their resilience and dedication towards societal growth by giving them a platform to share their stories and achievements.
In partnership with The Better India, MG Motor India has been documenting and celebrating the stories of pioneering women. Launched in 2019, the MG Changemakers Campaign has now completed four successful seasons.
Over these past four seasons, MG Changemakers has successfully identified and celebrated women who persisted in their efforts to bring about constructive social change, demonstrating incredible courage and resolve.
Its Season 5 that recently concluded in December carried forward the same zeal to celebrate more exceptional women. The theme for this year is ‘#UnchartedRoads – Fearless Women, Inspiring Journeys’.
This season aims to inspire millions of people across the hinterland to become agents of change in their communities and reshape the future of India.
Here are six stories of women who have set an unparalleled example of what can be accomplished when they challenge norms and persist in their efforts to make the world a better place.
1. Gitika Talukdar – India’s First Woman Sports Photojournalist at the Olympics
She survived violent mobs, had her camera destroyed, and endured injuries that left her unable to walk for months. Gitika Talukdar’s journey from the streets of Guwahati to the grand arenas of Tokyo and Paris is nothing short of extraordinary.
Hailing from Guwahati of Assam, she is India’s first woman sports photojournalist to capture the Olympics in Tokyo and Paris.
Choosing a career in photojournalism in a society that expected women to pursue more traditional roles, Gitika faced constant obstacles. Perhaps the hardest battle was the resistance from her own extended family, who believed that a desk job, safe and predictable, was the only path a woman should take.
Undeterred by the doubts and hardships, Gitika pushed forward with unshakable determination. Over the past two decades, she has not only carved her niche in the world of sports photography but is now inspiring young girls in Assam through a project designed to uplift them through sports.
2. Hasina Kharbhih – Took on Human Traffickers and Empowered 1000’s Across Northeast India
At 17, Hasina from Shillong founded the Impulse NGO Network (INGON), which has been battling human trafficking in the Northeast for more than two decades. Over the years, she has been threatened, offered obscene bribes, and has also been attacked.
Her sheer grit and determination have helped empower more than 30,000 artisans across Northeast India. Once at risk, they are now building their futures by crafting textiles, home furnishings, and clothing items.
“Nobody chooses to be trafficked. All these women and children have been exploited even before they had a chance. Our job as a community is to uplift them so that traffickers do not get the chance to deceive and exploit the most vulnerable,” she says.
3. Vasudha Madhavan – Betting on Electric Vehicles: A Bold Move That Paid Off
Vasudha runs ‘Ostara Advisors’ — India’s first boutique investment bank that focuses solely on electric mobility and climate tech. While many viewed electric vehicles (EVs) as a risky venture, Vasudha saw them for what they truly are: a gold mine of opportunity, poised to shape the future of both the automotive and environmental sectors.
Her first step into the EV world was acquiring a company founded and led by a woman — a move that marked India’s very first EV two-wheeler acquisition. Since 2018, she has observed EV sales skyrocket — from 1,30,000 units to over 1.5 million units in 2023.
Vasudha could have played it safe by covering the whole automotive industry, but she decided to focus only on EVs. “Because it’s worth the commitment. The future of the planet is worth it,” she adds.
4. Mala Honnatti – 71 and Unstoppable: Conquering Peaks and Marathons Worldwide
After two failed attempts in 1992 and 2011, Mala prepared herself for her third and final shot at Everest in 2015, exhausting all her savings and retirement benefits. But a severe earthquake struck the mountains, and she felt the gods made themselves clear. However, each setback made her stronger and more resilient.
Refusing to give up on her dream, she turned her focus to marathons. In a historic feat, she became the first Indian woman to run marathons at both Antarctica and Everest Base Camp.
She has marathoned to the base camp of 11 mountains, including Annapurna — the tenth highest mountain in the world and well known for the danger involved in its ascent. She even completed the gruelling 100K Antarctica marathon.
Today, at 71, Mala has completed hundreds of treks and expeditions across the Himalayas and 26 full marathons across the world. She shows us that with enough determination, anything is possible — no matter your age or the challenges you face.
5. Niharika Nair – Empowering 10,000 Lives Through Tribal Advocacy
When she was in Class 8, Bengaluru-based Niharika launched Project Tribali as a voice for the tribal communities. After she was introduced to the lesser-known tribes and their folk dances, she learnt these cultures were fading fast and their way of life was under threat.
Determined to transform the lives of tribal communities, she helped secure Aadhaar cards, organised health camps, initiated plantation drives, and worked tirelessly to preserve their invaluable cultural heritage. Through her efforts, Niharika has already touched the lives of more than 10,000 people and has raised funds by selling handcrafted umbrellas and tribal art — giving these communities a platform to showcase their talents and stories.
In 2023, Niharika’s vision reached the global stage when she presented Project Tribali at the Activate Impact Summit at the UN Headquarters. With each step, Niharika is not only preserving these communities’ stories but also shaping a future where their voices will continue to be heard and valued.
6. Diana Pundole – Trailblazer in a Male-Dominated Sport
Growing up in Pune, racing was more than just a sport for Diana — it was a family tradition. Her parents, both skilled drivers, introduced her to F1 races, sparking a passion that would drive her for years to come. She kept training, sharpening her skills, and soon became a force to reckon with on the racing circuit.
Despite facing doubts and being the only woman on many race grids, Diana kept proving herself. “Once your helmet is on, it doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman. It’s all about what you can do behind the wheel,” she says. Diana is breaking barriers and showing that determination and skill are all that matter in racing.
These women show us that when you truly believe in yourself and keep pushing, anything is possible. Their stories aren’t just impressive — they’re a reminder that we all have the ability to make an impact.
Edited by Leila Badyari.
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