Chandigarh’s Icons: Women of Substance
In the heart of Chandigarh, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and progressive spirit, thrives a remarkable community of women whose achievements and contributions are nothing short of extraordinary. This Women’s Day, 2024 Chandigarh’s Iconic: Women of Substance! Celebrating Chandigarh’s Finest: Dive into the stories of the city’s most iconic women who’ve shaped our culture and community. Their legacy is our inspiration. Following an overwhelming response to our call for online submissions, we have meticulously selected a few profiles that stand as testaments to the strength, dedication, and influence of Chandigarh’s female icons. As we salute these remarkable women, we invite you to join us in celebrating their immense contributions that have left an indelible mark on both our city and the world beyond. Their journeys, fraught with challenges yet triumphant, remind us of the power of determination and the endless possibilities that await when we dare to dream and persevere.
Mugdha Arora
Mugdha Arora, a lawyer by training, artist at heart and yogi by soul. She has almost 2 decades of experience working in the legal field in India and Canada.
Dr. Anupam Jain
- State President Haryana Skill Development Council WICCI (WOMEN INDIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRIES).
- Chairperson at CII-IWN Chandigarh, Tricity chapter ( 2020-22).
- Chairperson – GOLDMAN SACHS 10000 WOMEN ENTREPRENUERS ISB MOHALI ALUMNI GROUP ( 2019-21).
- Founder – MMC COMPUTERS – SKILL FOUNDATION (Established in 1991).
She has set a benchmark in the field of skill development by getting affiliated with no. of Govt. bodies & Ministries of skill development & Entreprenuership. Now working in Northern India in four states as a leading partener for vocationla skill training through 24 established centres under state skill development missions. Due to initiatives taken by her through implementing various Govt. schemes in IT & RETAIL sectors approx. 50,000 young boys & girls have been benefitted so far out of which 12000 are from backward areas & economically weaker sections.
She has represented INDIA & got felicitated by UNESCO On 23rd May,2016 during Global Skill Development Meet held at UNESCO headquaters, Paris as delegate of Ministry of Skill Development (MSDE) between INDIA & EUROPE. Moreover, she has been panelist on Doordarshan Chandigarh forinformative talks on skill development. Dr. Anupam Jain was selected in 2018 by Cherie Blair Foundation For Women (UK) as “MENTOR” for uplifting poor women’s across the globe.
Selected by Goldman Sachs (USA) as Ambassador of 10K women entrepreneurs fully sponsored leadership programme. She was nominated as Bhaskar Busines Woman of the Year award ,2011 from Dainik Bhaskar Group Chandigarh, INDIA. She has been interviewed by MY FM 108 Radio channel no. of times on – Shakti – power of woman programmes.
She has been conferred Paul Harris Fellowship in 2018 from PRIG sh. Raja Saboo. She was given lifetime achievement award as social enterprenuer by TLJ (THE LIFESTYLE JOURNALIST) due to her outstanding work done at Rotary & Innerwheel clubs for uplifting women. Chosen amongst 51 most Influential women Nari Shakti Award by Brijbhoomi foundation run by actress Hema Malini Ji.
Was conferred very rare FLO SHEROES AWARD by FICCI flo from actor RAHUL BOSE in grand ceremony held at Hotel Raddison, Ludhiana. She is on advisory board of Ficci Flo & Additional District secretary for vocational services at Rotary Dist 3080. Major achievement – Honorary Doctorate Degree award at Vigan Bhawan – Dr. Ambedkar international centre ,in New Delhi due to her contributions towards Economy & community development through skill training endeavours.
Rajshree Bhargava
- MD & Co-Founder, Geranos Getaways Pvt Ltd.
- State President, WICCI Punjab Rural Tourism Council.
Rajshree is an educationist and Travel-Entrepreneur (Geranos Getaways), with a passion for developing Responsible Tourism in India, focusing on Punjab. Her company, Geranos Getaways, is a boutique firm specializing in promoting cultural and rural tourism in Punjab. She been appointed as the first state president of Punjab Chapter for WICCI Rural Tourism from July 2021. In March 2022, she was felicitated by Governor of Punjab for her activities promoting women entrepreneurs who are working at grassroot level and Millet Mission under Aahar Kranti by Nivedita Trust Chandigarh. In Dec 2022 Women Economic Forum, she was recognized as ‘Exceptional Women of Excellence’ due to her significant contribution as WICCI State President Punjab Rural Tourism Council.
Recently she gained recognition as a speaker, representing Punjab as inspiring responsible tourism destination. Her expertise was showcased at the Global Responsible Tourism Summit 2023, an event organised by Responsible Tourism Mission under Govt of Kerala. She was also a prominent participant as a panelist, at International Conference held in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism. The conference focused on the pertinent topic of “Women In Tourism And Hospitality Entrepreneurship: Issues And Challenges” at Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi.
Rajshree has represented Ropar Wetland as a Responsible Destination under inspiring destination at the Global Responsible Tourism Summit 2023. She has been a panelist at international conferences focusing on women in tourism and hospitality entrepreneurship. These events have been organized in collaboration with governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Tourism and the Responsible Tourism Mission under the Government of Kerala. She has also contributed significantly to academia, earning the Best Teacher’s Award in 2018 and the Best Researcher’s Award in 2019 from the Department of Chandigarh University.
Beyond tourism, Rajshree has been a pioneer in sustainable practices, holding a patent for “Weavable Fiber Made from Discarded Cartons of Composite Packaging Material” since November 2021. She is also a senior Army Wives Welfare Association member and has served as the Social Life Coordinator for the Spouse Family Association at the Indian School of Business. Her organizational skills have been instrumental in coordinating international conferences at ISB Hyderabad Mohali and ACM India.
Her commitment to cultural preservation was recognized when she received special recognition for a Cultural Walk in the National Heritage Walk Contest in January 2021. As a faculty advisor, she led Team Chandigarh University to a podium finish in the Experiential Learning Project P2P Challenging Extremism Spring 2017, organized by EVP & NESA Centre for Strategies, USA.
- Email ID – [email protected] – [email protected]
- LinkedIn Profile – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajshree-bhargava-96999331/
Dr. Deepika Bahri
Deepika Bahri is a distinguished entrepreneur and visionary with over 25 years of experience in founding and managing successful businesses. Her expertise lies in strategic planning, leadership, and operational management, enabling her to seize new business opportunities effectively.
Deepika excels in pioneering leadership to execute corporate strategies, forging partnerships for business growth, and driving change to enhance organizational efficiency. She is also an expert in branding and digital marketing, currently working with a diverse range of clients worldwide.
Thoughts And Beliefs
She has long held a strong commitment to equity. As a result, she has aided all facets of society in achieving gender equality, access to education, economic as well as political empowerment, health, and well-being, and escape from domestic as well as societal abuse. In general, the idea that women can play a significant role in creating strong, affluent, and egalitarian societies is the foundation of the belief in women’s empowerment.
Business & Position
- She is the creator and CEO of Antraajaal, a brand development as well as management firm. Building brands and advancing them through various marketing channels is the main focus.
- President at Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chandigarh, since 2020.
- President India, Brand Creation and Marketing at G 100: Mission Million ALL WEF.
Awards & Accolades
For her work advancing not just women but the entire community, She has won a number of honors. For her work in the areas of women’s empowerment, skill development, digital education, and mental health projects, Bahri has won numerous awards as well as accolades. She has held the position of Mentor for TIE University, mentoring start-ups, and is frequently invited to lecture at conferences and institutions throughout the world.
She is well known for her work on “Kunji, a book exchange program,” Srijan: Tree Plantation Drive every year in the month of July,” free digital education programs for girls, internships in digital marketing for graduates, and book donation drives for underprivileged kids. At numerous gatherings and educational institutions, including Ryatt Bahra, Swami Devi Dayal Group of Colleges, Chandigarh University, CBitts, and others, She has served as both the guest of honor and the chief guest. She has served on the jury for prestigious TV channels like Zee TV’s Jazbaa program. She also served on the jury for the DLF Iron Lady Awards 2021. Furthermore, she has been on many startup jury panels.
- The Women Achievers’ Award 2022 by IKJ Foundation.
- Award of Honour By Khala College of Engineering and Technology in 2022, Amritsar.
- Nari Shakti Samman, 2023 by Chandigarh University.
- Award of Honour from Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Jhanjheri in 2023.
- Exceptional Women of Excellence 2022 by Women Economic Forum.
- Exceptional Woman of Excellence 2022 by the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- Honorary Doctorate from Jharkhand Rai University for her contribution towards the upliftment of women.
You can reach out to her at [email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepika-bahri-bab856136/
Parmeet Devgun
Parmeet Devgun is a dynamic and influential figure, renowned for her contributions as a social worker, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s rights. As the sole proprietor of Aaham Expedition and a prominent member of the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI), she serves as the Vice President of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) council in UT Chandigarh. Parmeet’s journey is marked by her dedication to creating a positive impact in society, particularly in supporting education for underprivileged children and promoting inclusivity for plus-size individuals.
Achievements
- Leadership Role: Holds the esteemed position of State President Punjab for Mother’s Army, focusing on the safety and security of children, women, and girls across all life aspects.
- Public Speaking: Made her debut public appearance at a Health Conclave in September 2022, invited by Dr. Baljinder Kaur, to share her and her daughter’s inspiring story.
- Award For Social Impact: Honored with the “Iconic Women Creating a Better World For All” award at the Women Economic Forum (WEF) in December 2022.
- Artistic Expression: Performed a play depicting the journey of women during the Van Mahotsav Celebration in January 2023, earning accolades for her exceptional contribution to education and women’s excellence.
- Literary Talent: Secured first place in a poetry competition at the Shades of Women (SOW) event in March 2023, showcasing her poetic prowess with the piece “Ye Kisne Kaha Ke Naari Hai Kamzor”.
- Recognition In Pageantry: Achieved top five in the Miss/Mrs Divas pageant, earning the International Divas title and the Best Social Worker award.
- Promotion In Advocacy: Elevated to the National President of Mother’s Army India, reflecting her commitment to empowering women and children.
- Cultural Achievement: Won the X-Factor title at the NA Cultural Society event (Mrs. Indian Apsara Contest) in April 2023.
- Philosophy On Life: Advocates for positivity and resilience, emphasizing the importance of embracing life’s uncertainties with a positive mindset and self-belief.
Parmeet Devgun continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration, leveraging her platform to advocate for meaningful change and uplift those around her. You can contact her at +91-8198884123 or via email at [email protected] for further collaboration and inquiries.
