Mumbai, India – On October 23, 2026, Business Today hosted its 23rd Most Powerful Women in Business (MPW) Awards, bringing together 161 outstanding women leaders who are significantly shaping India's economic landscape. The prestigious event, held in Mumbai, underscored the critical role of business outcomes and peer power in modern leadership.
Recognizing Performance and Achievement
The selection process for the MPW Awards emphasized measurable success. A total of 100 women leaders from listed companies were chosen based on a rigorous profitability-led methodology. Additionally, 61 women from unlisted businesses were honored as 'Super Achievers,' acknowledging diverse pathways to business excellence beyond the public market.
This dual approach highlighted a core principle of the MPW platform: leadership is about creating value, delivering tangible results, and building sustainable organizations. The awards celebrated both the financial performance in publicly listed enterprises and the exceptional achievements in private businesses, showcasing the breadth of impact women are making in Indian industry.
A Celebration of Peer Support and Vision
A defining moment of the evening was the symbolic gesture of women leaders presenting awards to one another. This visual representation of mutual recognition and celebration transcended the ceremonial aspect, emphasizing the strength of women supporting women across various sectors and acknowledging individual journeys to success.
The special MPW edition magazine was unveiled by Chief Guest Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, alongside Kallie Purie, Vice Chairperson and Executive Editor-in-Chief, India Today Group, and other prominent figures from Business Today and NSE. The unveiling marked the culmination of a gathering that documented the achievements and perspectives of these influential women on the future of Indian enterprise.
Key Discussions on India's Economic Future
The event also served as a vital platform for discussions on forces shaping India's next phase of economic growth. Union Minister Gadkari praised the achievements of Indian women entrepreneurs, reinforcing their crucial role in economic development and the necessity of creating broader opportunities across sectors.
Leadership, Legacy, and Innovation
- Sustaining Success: Nyrika Holkar, Executive Director at Godrej Enterprises Group, spoke on balancing legacy with evolving market demands, noting that while legacy builds trust, it doesn't guarantee consumer preference.
- Indigenous Growth: Discussions on indigenous design and R&D highlighted the need for Indian businesses to invest in homegrown technologies and strengthen supply chains. Leaders like Suman Mishra (Mahindra Last Mile Mobility), Shilpa Choudari (Zen Technologies), and Rekha Murthy Rangarajan (Data Patterns) stressed the importance of sustained investment in research, talent, and innovation.
- Navigating Volatility: A panel featuring Amisha Vora (PL Capital), Priti Rathi Gupta (Lxmi), Praveena Rai (MCX), Ritu Arora (Allianz Services), and Anjali Bansal (Avaana Capital) offered insights into investing in volatile times, advocating for discipline, a long-term outlook, and a focus on fundamentals.
- Balancing Tradition and Reinvention: Rishma Kaur (Berger Paints India), Shalini Bhupal (Taj GVK Hotels & Resorts), and Avantika Saraogi (Balrampur Chini Mills) reflected on leading multi-generational businesses and the complexities of evolving while honoring heritage.
- Expanding Horizons: Jyotsna Suri and Deeksha Suri of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group outlined ambitious plans for spiritual tourism and expansion, demonstrating how adapting strategies to emerging markets drives growth.
Resilience and the Winning Mindset
Sporting champions, including Navneet Kaur and Salima Tete from the Indian women’s hockey team, and kabaddi player Pushpa Rana, shared their experiences on cultivating a winning mindset, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, drawing parallels between sports and business leadership.
Ultimately, the 2026 MPW Awards transcended individual accolades. By recognizing 161 women leaders, Business Today celebrated a powerful convergence of performance, entrepreneurship, and leadership, underscoring that the strength of women in business lies not only in their results but also in the inspiration they provide and the opportunities they create for future generations.