Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria, honours Women Entrepreneurs at COWE India’s Fempreneur Rising Stars 2025 Award Ceremony
The Voice of Chandigarh News:
In a resounding celebration of female empowerment and entrepreneurial spirit, the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria, presided over the Fempreneur Rising Stars 2025 Award ceremony, held at Raj Bhawan, Governor House in Chandigarh. This prestigious event, perfectly timed to coincide with International Women’s Day, honored the exceptional achievements of women entrepreneurs who are making significant contributions to their communities and industries across India.
As the esteemed chief guest, Governor Kataria emphasized the pivotal role that women play in driving economic growth and positive societal change. He lauded the award recipients for their remarkable resilience, unwavering determination, and groundbreaking innovations. “Today, we gather at Punjab Raj Bhavan on the occasion of International Women’s Day,” Governor Kataria stated. “This ceremony symbolizes the immense power of women’s entrepreneurship and the spirit of innovation. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of the award-winning women present here today. You have proven, through your indomitable courage and tireless hard work, that women are capable of achieving excellence in any and every field they choose to pursue. It is imperative that we provide our daughters not only with access to higher education but also with meaningful opportunities for professional training and comprehensive skill development. When women are truly empowered, our nation as a whole will inevitably become more self-reliant, more prosperous, and undeniably more progressive.”
The ceremony recognized a distinguished cohort of visionary women leaders, each of whom has demonstrated extraordinary success and leadership within their respective fields. Among the honorees was Rajni Bector, a trailblazer in the food processing industry, who has revolutionized the sector with her innovative products and sustainable business practices. Afsana Khan, a renowned singer, captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful voice and inspiring musical messages, while Radha Bhatia, a leader in the hospitality sector, is known for her commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences and fostering a culture of employee empowerment.
Suchita Oswal Jain, an influential figure in the textile industry, was recognized for her commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and ethical sourcing. Dolly Jain, a celebrity saree draper, has elevated the traditional art of saree draping into a modern form of self-expression. Rashmi Mittal, a pioneer in the field of education, is dedicated to providing high-quality learning opportunities for students of all backgrounds, while Disha Malik has made her mark as the founder of Chiquemom and Guwahati Bloggers Tribe, focusing on passionate parenting and lifestyle content creation.
Rimple Narula, a celebrated fashion designer, showcased the richness and diversity of Indian craftsmanship through her exquisite creations that have graced runways and red carpets globally. Zila Khan, a soulful singer, has earned critical acclaim and a devoted following with her mesmerizing voice and deep understanding of classical music. Manisha Bhatia, a technology innovator, is developing cutting-edge sustainable business practices, while Divya Chauhan champions entrepreneurship within higher education, inspiring the next generation of business leaders. Lastly, Atisha Pratap Singh advocates for sustainable development, leading initiatives that promote environmental conservation and responsible business practices.
Governor Kataria’s presence and impactful remarks underscored the profound importance of supporting women entrepreneurs as integral contributors to India’s rapidly growing economy. He reiterated his unwavering commitment to fostering an environment that actively encourages female entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need for increased access to mentorship programs, crucial resources, and vital funding opportunities. His inspiring words deeply resonated with all those in attendance, powerfully reinforcing the critical message that the empowerment of women is not only a fundamental matter of social justice but also an absolutely essential prerequisite for sustained national progress and prosperity.
The Fempreneur Rising Stars Award ceremony serves as a cornerstone of COWE India’s broader and far-reaching mission to uplift and empower women entrepreneurs throughout the country. Through collaborative networking events, invaluable skill-building workshops, and expanded access to essential funding, COWE India is dedicated to building a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem where women can not only successfully launch and scale their businesses but also become influential drivers of positive economic and social change.
On the occasion, Ms. Meetu Puri, National Treasurer of COWE India, welcomed the attendees with heartfelt words, stating, “We always need to remember those who leave an undeniable mark on society. There is no doubt that women entrepreneurs are creating milestones in diverse arenas. Through the Fempreneur Awards Ceremony, we acknowledge their successes and celebrate their strength and resilience.”
