15th July 2025, Mumbai – Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool), Mumbai, in collaboration with the Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS) and Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University, successfully hosted the summit ‘Women in Leadership for Viksit Bharat’—a powerful initiative aimed at recognizing and strengthening the role of women leaders in India’s development journey.
During the inauguration of the Summit, Adv. Shri. S. K. Jain, Chairman, Managing Council, SP Mandali and CDC, WeSchool, said, “Indian culture has always upheld the dignity and strength of women — from our scriptures to our societal values. Today, the conversation must shift from whether women should lead to how we can ensure more women, especially from underprivileged backgrounds, are given the opportunity to do so. True empowerment goes beyond financial incentives; it lies in access, education, and institutional support. Platforms like this summit are essential in creating that awareness and driving actionable change for a more inclusive and developed India.”
Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, WeSchool, said, “The progress of any nation depends on how it empowers its women — not just through education, but by enabling them to lead. While India sees 41% women in higher education, only 12% reach leadership roles — a gap we must urgently address. Globally, countries like Rwanda, Finland, and New Zealand have shown how inclusive leadership drives national growth. At WeSchool, we see education as a transformative force. Platforms like this summit are crucial to shaping an ecosystem where women can lead, paving the path to a truly Viksit Bharat.”
Dr. Ramakant Patra, National President, Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS), in his opening remarks, highlighted, “It is encouraging to see how societal mindsets are evolving—women are now taking on leadership roles across industries, academia, and governance. From the example of great leaders like Indira Gandhi and Kalpana Chawla to the rising number of women in education and the workforce, India is witnessing a silent revolution. Women’s leadership isn’t just a matter of equality; it is essential for a truly developed and progressive India.”
Dr. Apoorva Palkar, Founding Vice Chancellor, Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University, said, “While nearly 48% of India’s higher education enrollment today comprises women, only 9–10% make it to boardrooms. This is not just a gender gap — it’s a missed opportunity for inclusive growth. If women aren’t present at the tables where decisions are made, those decisions will never fully represent or benefit society at large. Summits like ‘Women in Leadership for Viksit Bharat’ are more than events — they are platforms for change. It is spaces like WeSchool that help shape ecosystems where women don’t just participate — they lead. Because Viksit Bharat is only possible when leadership reflects the true diversity and strength of its people.”
The summit featured a powerful lineup of speakers including Dr. Ujwala Chakradeo (Vice Chancellor, SNDT Women’s University), who emphasized the importance of self-belief and cultural grounding in women’s leadership; Mrs. Vinita Singhal, IAS (Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department, GoM), Mrs. Radhika Rastogi, IAS (Principal Secretary, Appeals and Security, Home Department, GoM), and Mrs. Manisha Verma, IAS (Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, GoM), who underscored the role of policy and grassroots empowerment in advancing gender-inclusive development. Industry experts like Ms. Aarti Harbhajanka (Founder & MD, Primus Partners), Dr. Tanaya Mishra (Global CHRO, In-Solution Global Ltd.), and Ms. Poyni Bhatt (Former CEO, SINE – IIT Bombay) shared insights on enabling inclusive growth through corporate and startup ecosystems. Academic voices including Dr. Upasna Agrawal (Area Chair – OBHR, IIM Mumbai) and Dr. Madhumita Patil (CEO, Chetana’s Institutes of Management, Mumbai) focused on addressing institutional challenges in education and skill development. Several other women leaders from public administration, entrepreneurship, and academia also contributed to the dialogue, making the summit a truly inclusive and action-oriented platform.
The event served not only as a forum for knowledge sharing but also as a call to action reinforcing the belief that empowering women is both a national priority and an economic imperative. The summit concluded with a shared vision: to create a society where women lead across all sectors, and their voices shape the future of a truly developed India.