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I believe that positivity is infectious and can help motivate others to achieve their goals: Shilpa Mehta Jain
Mumbai: Today, women are breaking the glass ceiling in every sector. Beyond all this, there still exists a patriarchal mindset. Not many women are in the C-suite taking important decisions. And, of course, there still exists pay parity.
This Women’s Day, we, at Indiantelevision.com, are acknowledging some women leaders of the media, marketing, and advertising fraternity and also from other professions, who have given more than expected.
Her Journey
I’m a Management Graduate from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), a qualified Chartered Accountant with a Master’s in Commerce and Company Secretary (Inter). Despite being affected by polio at two months old, I am independent and drive vehicles. I am passionate about organising events, Baking, Swimming, cooking, and running the Me2 Kids Club with my husband, which provides inspirational talks and experiential learning to children by taking them closer to nature.
My childhood was marked by both good and bad memories due to my polio. I excelled academically, but my absence from school co-curricular activities made me feel isolated and different from my peers. However, I accepted my disability as a challenge and pursued commerce at H.R. College, cleared my CA exam, and later pursued CS and CAT/CET & got admission in JBIMS. Despite facing challenges during final placements due to my disability, I impressed Polaris Software Labs and was awarded the Best Employee of the Month.
After an 8-year gap, I rejoined GIP as strategy head with my husband’s guidance, and together we overcame challenges to become the top fittings company in India. I am currently the COO at Shantilal C. Mehta, where I was recognized with a CA Special Recognition award and featured in noteworthy newspapers.
My story is one of determination, grit, and a never-say-die attitude. Despite being described as “disabled” or “crippled” by some, I am confident, independent, intelligent, brave, and fierce. I am motivated to help those in need and make a positive impact in their lives.
Her Inspiration and inspiring the team
My father and husband have been my biggest sources of inspiration and motivation throughout my life. They have always encouraged me to be independent, follow my dreams, and never let my limitations hold me back. Their support and guidance have been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals and become the successful professional that I am today.
As for inspiring my team, I believe in leading by example. I always focus on the positive side of things and encourage my team to do the same. I believe that positivity is infectious and can help motivate others to achieve their goals. As a team leader, I always strive to empower my team members to take ownership of their work, make decisions, and take risks.
As a leader, I recognize the unique challenges that women face in the workplace and make a conscious effort to provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed. I conduct regular motivation sessions with my female staff (which constitutes 75 per cent of our total workforce), where we discuss various challenges, they may face in their personal and professional lives and how to overcome them.
In conclusion, my personal inspirations have helped me become the person I am today, and I strive to inspire and motivate my team members in the same way. By leading by example and creating a supportive work environment, I hope to help my team members achieve their full potential and succeed in both their personal and professional lives.
Empowerment of women
As a woman myself, I believe in empowering other women in the workplace and all walks of my life. As the COO at Shantilal C. Mehta, I lead by example, creating a supportive work environment that helps my team members achieve their full potential in their personal and professional lives.
With 75 per cent of the workforce being women, I conduct regular motivation sessions every Saturday, where I share my own experiences and strategies for dealing with challenges that women may face in their personal and professional lives. I encourage my team members to do the same and share their experiences, creating a positive and supportive environment.
I believe in teaching by doing and always looking at the positive side of things. I inspire my team members to do the same, empowering them to take ownership of their work, make decisions, and take risks. My approach is infectious, and positivity spreads throughout the team, inspiring everyone to work together towards our goals.
My efforts to empower women in the workplace stem from my personal experiences of overcoming challenges and limitations. I believe that with determination, grit, and a never-say-die attitude, anything is possible, and I want to instill this belief in my team members.
I am committed to supporting and empowering women in the workplace, and my actions reflect this commitment. As a leader, I am proud to serve as an inspiration to women in the workplace and beyond, showing them that they can achieve their dreams with hard work and determination.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
