In the latest release of Forbes’ annual list of “The World’s Most Powerful Women,” four notable Indian figures have garnered recognition. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, HCL Corporation Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Steel Authority Of India Chairperson Soma Mondal, and Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw have earned positions on this prestigious list.
Nirmala Sitharaman: Climbing Rankings in Financial Leadership
Nirmala Sitharaman, serving as India’s first full-time female finance minister, achieves her best ranking yet at number 32, marking her fifth consecutive appearance on the list. Forbes highlights her groundbreaking role and emphasizes her prior experiences at the UK-based Agricultural Engineers Association and BBC World Service before entering politics.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra: Chairing HCL and Wildlife Enthusiast
Ranked 60th, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, who assumed the role of HCL’s Chairperson in July 2020, holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management. Beyond her corporate success, her passion for wildlife and conservation is notable, as per her official website. She is married to Shikhar Malhotra, and the couple has two sons.
Soma Mondal: Record Financial Growth at SAIL
Soma Mondal, the Chairperson of Steel Authority Of India, secures the 70th spot. She made history as the first woman to lead SAIL in January 2021. Graduating in electrical engineering, Mondal’s leadership is credited with propelling the state-run company to record financial growth, tripling profits to 120 billion rupees in her inaugural year at the helm.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Biocon Founder and Business Trailblazer
Founder of the biopharmaceutical firm Biocon in 1978, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw ranks 76th. Also featured among India’s richest individuals, she successfully steered Biocon into the lucrative US market, according to her Forbes profile.
Global Power Dynamics: Top Positions Held by Politicians
The top positions on the list are dominated by politicians, with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, claiming the number 1 spot. Following her are European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, US Vice President Kamala Harris, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Diverse Influencers Beyond Politics: Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and More
The list extends beyond politics, featuring influential figures like musician Taylor Swift at number 5, along with fellow musicians Beyoncé and Rihanna, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, philanthropists Melinda French Gates and MacKenzie Scott, and the iconic fashion doll Barbie.
