Do You Know the 7 Indian Women in BBC’s 100 Women List of 2015?

A farmer, an entrepreneur, a social activist and more. Meet the seven Indian women who made it to BBC’s list of 100 most inspirational women.

By Shreya Pareek

November 21, 2015

Every year, BBC releases a list of 100 most inspirational women from around the world. These include influential women from the fields of politics, science, entertainment and more, along with those who are less popular but are inspiring many in their own ways.

This year’s list, which was announced on Wednesday, includes seven Indian personalities.

1. Sania Mirza

Photo: Wikipedia

This name needs no introduction. Proud holder of current world’s number one ranking in women’s doubles Tennis, 28-year-old Sania Mirza has established herself as a renowned Tennis player and a truly deserving person to be on the list.

2. Rimppi Kumari

Photo: BBC

Representing the true essence of empowerment, 32-year-old Rimppi Kumari took over a 32-acre farm after her father’s death. She now manages it with her sister in Rajasthan.

3. Smriti Nagpal

Photo: Twitter

After working as a sign language interpreter in India, Smriti was deeply affected by the issues faced by people with disabilities in the country. Thus she started Atulyakala, an organization that sells products designed by people with hearing impairments.

4. Kamini Kaushal

Photo: Wikipedia

This 88-year-old Hindi film and television actress has worked in over 100 films, becoming one of the most renowned faces in the industry. She is most noted for her work in a film called Neecha Nagar, which won the 1946 Palme d’Or (Golden Palm) at Cannes Film Festival.

5. Mumtaz Shaikh

Photo: Twitter

33-year-old Mumtaz is the Right to Pee activist. She has been aggressively working to get free facilities for women through the ‘Right to Pee’ network. She got 96 toilets constructed in Mumbai, which women can use for free. In addition, she is also working to get the government to set aside Rs. 5 crore to build female-only urinals across the city.

6. Kanika Tekriwal

Photo: Twitter

Kanika, a 27-year-old entrepreneur, is the founder of JetSetGo, India’s first and only marketplace for private jet planes and helicopters. Her organization provides private jets for birthday parties, business trips and other similar events. She was diagnosed with cancer in her 20s, but this did not deter her for creating a unique identity of her own.

7. Asha Bhosale

Photo: Wikipedia

This 82-year-old renowned singer recorded her first song in 1943 and since then she has given her voice to thousands of songs in Indian movies and albums.

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