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Future. Female. Forward Season 2: Mumbai’s Leadership Circle unites women leaders for impactful change
Mumbai: CNBC-TV18, a purpose-driven brand committed to fostering gender parity and empowering women leaders, proudly announces “Female. Forward Season 2: The Leadership Circle – Mumbai Edition,” presented by HSBC India. Following the resounding success of its Season 2 launch in New Delhi, this exclusive event is scheduled for April 18th, Thursday in Mumbai. It promises an evening of engaging dialogue and insightful activities aimed at creating a space for women leaders to Connect, Express & Evolve.
The Leadership Circle transcends the traditional boundaries of networking events, emerging as a perfect platform for people to engage while also being a circle to share insights and inspiring stories, thereby being a platform where decision-makers and key opinion leaders converge to catalyse real parity. Embracing an innovative approach, this chapter invites a select group of distinguished women leaders from diverse fields to share their personal journeys, challenges, and aspirations, setting the stage for meaningful dialogue and impactful collaboration.
The event will kickstart with an opening address by CNBC-TV18, managing editor Shereen Bhan and move ahead with insightful conversations, fireside chat and panel discussions. Gracing this exclusive gathering are Amitabh Malhotra, Head of Global Banking, HSBC India; Naiyya Saggi, Co-founder, Good Glamm Group & CEO, Good Community; Sohini Chattopadhyay, Writer, Journalist, and National Award-winning film critic; Radhika Gupta, MD and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund (Asset Management Company Limited); Neera Nundy, Partner and Co-Founder, Dasra; Neetu Kashiramka, Managing Director, VIP Industries Limited; Dipali Goenka, CEO and MD, Welspun Living Ltd.; Aparna Piramal Raje, Writer and Public Speaker; Dr. Aparna Bandodkar and Masaba Gupta, Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur, and Actor.
Moderated by Bhan, the panel discussion with women trailblazers will delve into critical topics such as gender parity, women in the workforce, and fostering growth environments for future leaders. Following the panel discussion, attendees will engage in an interactive workshop/activity designed to deepen connections and inspire collaborative action. The event will culminate in a networking dinner with drinks, providing a platform for attendees to forge lasting connections and continue their conversations in a relaxed setting.
Being a partner on this initiative, Malhotra will throw light on ‘Championing Diversity and Inclusion’ at the workplace from the HSBC perspective through an insightful keynote.
Commenting on this initiative he said ” “We are proud to have collaborated with CNBC-TV18 for a cause that is important for HSBC India and has the support across the organisation. We understand that empowering women isn’t just about equality, it’s about driving innovation, growth, and success. Through initiatives like CNBC-TV18’s Future. Female. Forward – The Women’s Collective, we are committed to creating a more inclusive ecosystem where every voice is heard, and every talent is valued”
“”The idea of creating the Leadership Circle, is to encourage authentic conversations about what it takes to lead. It is also an opportunity for leaders to converge, not just to share their interests, but to collectively work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable future. Future. Female. Forward – The Women’s Collective comes a full circle, as it returns to Mumbai after the mega launch of our campaign in 2022. We are bringing together leaders who have had the courage to rise above constraints and create a niche for themselves in diverse areas. Each one of these leaders symbolise the change we want to see. The leadership circle will recognise and celebrate the “Audacity of Ambition” commented Bhan.
“At Future. Female. Forward, we firmly believe in the transformative potential of collective action and collaboration to foster meaningful change. This stands as a testament to this spirit, underlining our unwavering dedication to building an environment where women not only thrive but also emerge as trailblazers, inspiring others to follow suit. This event epitomises our mission to foster a culture of empowerment and inclusivity, where women’s voices are amplified, their leadership is celebrated, and their impact resonates far beyond the confines of boardrooms and workplaces,” added Network18 CEO-English and Business News Smriti Mehra.
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CNN-News18 to host Kolkata Town Hall on Hooghly River
‘Bhalobasa Bengal Inspiring Bharat’ event on April 20 brings cultural icons, trailblazing women and leaders aboard a cruise to celebrate Bengal’s enduring influence.
MUMBAI: Bengal is about to make fresh waves on the Hooghly and this time the current is pure conversation. CNN-News18 is taking its iconic Town Hall format to the waters of the iconic Hooghly River on 20 April 2026 with a special edition titled ‘Bhalobasa Bengal – Inspiring Bharat’. The floating event will celebrate the state’s rich cultural legacy and how its ideas, creativity and spirit continue to shape the rest of the country.
The unique riverside setting draws on Bengal’s history as a cradle of reform, art and intellectual thought. The speaker line-up mirrors that diversity: cultural heavyweights Mithun Chakraborty and Sreenanda Shankar will share the stage with trailblazing “Devis” such as Tanya Sanyal (India’s first woman firefighter in aviation), Ipsita Chakraborty (Kolkata’s first woman bartender) and Reshma Nilofer Visalakshi (Nari Shakti awardee and marine pilot). Music will flow through the celebrated pianist-vocalist duo Sourendro and Soumyojit, while public life and governance will be represented by Smriti Irani, Leander Paes, Saira Shah Halim, Keya Ghosh, Rekha Patra, Roopa Ganguly and Babul Supriyo.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director, Rahul Shivshankar, said the event honours voices that carry Bengal’s legacy forward. Smriti Mehra, CEO – English & Business News, Network18, added that Bengal’s stories resonate far beyond its borders, especially as the state heads into polls.
From the first woman to battle flames in the skies to legendary actors who shaped Indian cinema, the gathering promises a rich mix of inspiration, courage and candid dialogue. In a city where culture has always flowed as freely as the river itself, CNN-News18 is turning the Hooghly into a floating forum for ideas that matter.
Tune in on 20 April on CNN-News18, CTV and YouTube to catch Bengal’s heartbeat in full flow.
