Who Are the Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs Winning deAsra’s 2024 Awards?

As the sun sets on another groundbreaking edition of the deAsra Entrepreneur Excellence Awards, the air buzzes with the stories of visionary women who have transformed challenges into opportunities. The 2024 ceremony wasn’t just an award ceremony; it was a narrative of perseverance, innovation, and leadership. It was a testament to the indomitable spirit of women who, against all odds, have carved niches for themselves in the business realm. Let’s take a journey through the highlights of this magnificent evening.

A Spotlight on Women’s Unwavering Ambition

At the heart of the ceremony were the stories of women who are redefining the entrepreneurial landscape. With the prestigious Women Entrepreneurship Award, the deAsra Foundation recognises the dedication and triumph of these trailblazers. The 2024 award winners—a diverse cohort of women who have carved out niches in industries ranging from tech to artisanal crafts—embody Dr. Anand Deshpande’s vision of empowerment through enterprise.

Celebrated Journeys, Celebrated Futures

Dr. Anand Deshpande, Founder of Persistent Systems and the deAsra Foundation, opened the evening with profound reflections on the essence of entrepreneurship. Pradnya Godbole, the CEO of deAsra Foundation, illuminated the crowd with tales of progress, setting the stage for the promising initiatives planned for the upcoming months. Operations Head Ashish Pandit further delineated the roadmaps to entrepreneurial success, highlighting deAsra’s unwavering commitment to nurturing business talent.

The Luminaries Behind deAsra’s Mission

Special guests and distinguished members of the foundation, including Director Ria Deshpande, graced the ceremony, adding a layer of gravitas and inspiration to the proceedings. Their insights and felicitations served not only to honour the winners but also to inspire the attendees, embedding in each a sense of purpose and possibility.

Wisdom from the Wise: Firechat Highlights

The event was adorned with the presence of thought leaders like CA Rachana Ranade, known for her profound acumen in financial education, and Girija Oak-Godbole, an actor and entrepreneur who personifies creative and business prowess. The firechat sessions provided a platform for these pioneers to share insights and experiences, enriching the ceremony with depth and relatability.

CA Rachana Ranade delved into the nuances of ‘Fueling Your Financial Future,‘ imparting knowledge on navigating the financial markets and making informed decisions that lead to economic empowerment. Her discussion illuminated the intricate dance of investments, savings, and fiscal growth, resonating deeply with entrepreneurs at every level.

Girija Oak-Godbole captivated the audience with her session on ‘You Are Your Own Brand,‘ exploring the intersection of personal identity and business. She unravelled the threads of building an authentic, resilient brand that is connected to the entrepreneur’s own story, inspiring many to embrace their individuality in their business ventures.

These sessions, grounded in real-world experiences and successes, showcased that the awards for women entrepreneurs celebrate not only the outcome but the journey and the profound wisdom gathered along the way. They serve as guiding lights, illuminating the path for aspiring women leaders eager to carve their destinies with tenacity and vision.

Recognising Excellence

Amidst a deluge of nearly 850 inspiring nominations from every corner of India, the selection of the awardees was a journey of discovery and admiration. The process, marked by its rigour and transparency, was a tribute to the spirit of entrepreneurship that thrives across our nation. And from this rich tapestry of talent, five winners emerged, each a beacon of innovation and impact.

The first accolade was bestowed upon Kavita Gosavi, the enterprising mind behind Vighnaharta Generic Medical Shop in Pune, a venture redefining healthcare accessibility.

Saloni Tewari of Occamy Bioscience Private Limited in Raigarh was honoured for her strides in the biotech realm, merging science with sustainability.

The pioneering journey of Prajakta Chavan took centre stage as her automotive endeavour, DK Auto Hub, challenged norms and paved new roads in Pune.

In the heart of Nashik, Siddhida Kabra at DhairyaDa Center for Psychological Wellbeing was celebrated for championing mental health and well-being with a compassionate approach.

Sukrutee Pendharkar elevated culinary experiences through her gastronomic enterprise, SuBakes Pizzeria & Cafe, in Pune, blending traditional flavours with modern zest.

Each winner’s story was a mosaic of determination, creativity, and unwavering faith in their vision. They exemplify what it means to be an award-winner: the blend of a relentless pursuit of excellence with the audacity to dream beyond the stars.
So, we pose the question again – what makes an award winner? Perhaps it’s not just one quality but a symphony of them, as displayed by these trailblazing women whose dreams are now etched in the annals of the Women Entrepreneur Awards.

Saluting the Champions

The ceremony also honored Hon. Mrs. Subeena Arora, Ex-officio Regional President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), Southern Command, highlighting the association’s pivotal role in empowering army families and contributing to a health-conscious community.

Celebrating the EEA’s Stalwarts

The evening’s success was also made possible by the dedication of deAsra’s team and the invaluable input of the esteemed jury members:

• Rahul Limaye – Business Growth Expert
• Nishitta Ghaatge – Managing Director, Sun Touriism International
• Kavita Koparkar – Founder, Kavita Koparkar Studio and Pratha Sarees
• Sonali Deshpande – Director of deAsra Foundation
• Seema Desai – Managing Director at BitWise Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
• Ashwini Bhagwat – Operations Manager at Renu Electronics Pvt. Ltd.

Their collective efforts in judging and identifying the winners added a depth of credibility to the process.

The Ripple Effect

The significance of supporting women in business cannot be overstated. As eloquently expressed during the ceremony, empowering women entrepreneurs does not just elevate individuals; it uplifts entire communities, creating a ripple effect that enhances the well-being and economic health of society at large.

A Future Woven with Hope

As the evening drew to a close, the air was filled with applause and a renewed sense of purpose. The Entrepreneur Excellence Awards 2024 was more than an event; it was a clarion call to action—a reminder that in supporting women entrepreneurship, we’re crafting a more equitable, prosperous future for all.

In the words of Helen Keller, “Life is either a great adventure or nothing.” This event, dedicated to the daring adventurers in entrepreneurship, has once again shown that when women lead, societies thrive.

Stay tuned to deAsra’s social media platforms for updates on upcoming activities, and let’s continue to support and celebrate the phenomenal contributions of women entrepreneurs to our world.

With the Women Entrepreneur Awards, the deAsra Foundation has set an unparalleled precedent for honouring and uplifting the women who are shaping our economy and our future.

Let’s carry forward the inspiration from this night and continue to support the dream of a world where every woman’s business ambition is nurtured and celebrated. As we turn our gazes towards the horizon, let’s ensure that this is not just an annual celebration, but a daily commitment to the spirit of enterprise.