Past Events

To celebrate 25 years of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), Ladies Study Group and INWEC (ICC National Women's Entrepreneurship Council) came together to discuss business opportunities and cooperation amongst the 7 member countries - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Sri Lanka. An enriching, engaging and empowering event was organized for women leaders in Kolkata on 14th June 2023.

There were three sessions and women leaders from different sectors were invited to discuss their views on different topics.

The first session, 'Women in Business: Passion to Perseverance', stressed on following one's passion and aiming high. Kiran Uttam Ghose, eminent Fashion Designer and Priti Sureka, Wholetime Director of Emami Group, interacted with Dr Julie Banerjee Mehta, Editorial Board Member, Rising Asia Journaling and Foundation. They touched upon the various struggles Indian women entrepreneurs face, how they rise to each challenge and about failure actually being a part of success. While Priti spoke about balance, hardwork and the importance of family, Kiran stressed on 'making something extraordinary out of ordinary'. Julie feels that women leaders have always provided a great example of excellence in all fields but lately their presence has been eroding and this can be reversed by government support.

In the second session a dynamic and empowering discussion took place amongst dinamic women entrepreneurs from the South East and South East Asian regions, and moderator, Ms. Rupali Basu, MD & CEO, Woodlands Multispecialty Hospital. Ahana Gautam, CEO & CO-Founder of Open Secret, Mandira Chhetri, CEO & Founder of 02 Himalaya, Monica Bahl, CEO of Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council, Sofia Firdous, Director of Metro Group, Swati Sarawagi, Director of Swarnim International School shared their industry insights and personal journeys. They discussed the challenges, exploring solutions and the possibilities of business collaborations for a stronger future.

In the last session Tanya Patnaik, Executive Director of Sambad Group, steered a very strong panel of women speakers, who highlighted the importance of women creating job opportunities and wealth. Successful women leaders from BIMSTEC countries – Selima Ahmed, MP and Founder President of Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chhaya Sharma, Chair of Women Leadership Forum-Confederation of Nepalese Industries, Pushpa Chhetri, Founder & Director of Bodhi Media & Communication Institute (Bhutan), Gayani de Alwis, FCILT, Global Chairperson/Vice Chairperson of Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Sri Lanka), Kamala Shrestha, Executive Committee Member of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Daw Khin Thet Maw, Vice President of Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs' Association focused on sharing business ideas, highlighting the significance of digitisation and technology. The speakers strongly felt that women to look for ways to support each other. The panel voted for a digital portal of communication to connect businesses in the region.

The audience witnessed an afternoon filled with knowledge and opportunities. The conclave looked forward to help forge ties with various sectors and scout opportunities through which women entrepreneurs can benefit.

It's the Woman's World! Her rights n role in business.

An insightful and highly informative session on succession planning by legal veterans from Khaitan & Co. Haigreve Khaitan and Bijal Ajinkya was held on 6th July 2023.

"It's like passing the baton with no finish line," pointed out Haigreve Khaitan, emphasising the importance of succession planning, drafting wills and the role of family trusts in safeguarding assets. Haigreeve Khaitan and Bijal Ajinkya, strongly advised that "The time to plan is now!"

During their discussions, the experts also highlighted crucial changes, such as the enactment of the Hindu Succession Amendment Act in 2005, which aimed to remove gender discrimination, and the Company Amendment Act of 2013, making it mandatory to have a woman director on board.

Karishma Manga Bedi, Consultant & Strategic Advisor at Forest Essentials, and Dr Taruna Yadav, Senior Ayurveda doctor at Forest Essentials, at our recent event helped decode how "luxurious ayurveda" can be to beauty and wellness care.

Karishma described Ayurveda as the "science of life" and emphasized Forest Essentials's commitment to preserving traditional wisdom while elevating self-care to a luxurious experience.

Dr Taruna spoke about the therapeutic potential of Ayurvedic remedies and the healing properties of natural ingredients.

Forest Essentials, a brand which started from a garage manufacturing soaps currently has an international presence while running 168 stores across India.

This engaging programme at Taj Bengal resonated with the captivated audience, offering valuable insights and inspiring many of them to incorporate Ayurvedic principles in their personal beauty routines.

The event on 11th August, 2023 at Fort William, aimed  to honour the exceptional courage and unwavering resolve of the "inspirational women in the Indian Armed Forces."

It was a great privilege and honour to have with us three incredible Women achievers of the Indian Armed Forces - Captain Shiva Chouhan, Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi & Lieutenant Shivangi.

The remarkable women from the Army, Navy and Air Force shared exceptional stories of their journey, courage and leadership.

Bhawna Agarwal, President LSG, fittingly quoted Kalpana Chawla with her powerful words "The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it".

Major General Dharmarajan, the Guest of Honour and other dignitaries of the Indian Armed Forces graced the occasion. Major Dharmarajan thanked LSG for organising such an inspirational event.

An especially curated workshop on Decoding the Art of Investing by 360 One Wealth on 23rd August at the ITC Royal Bengal had panelists Nishit Doshi, Managing partner at 360 One Wealth, Parinaz Vakil, Head of digital initiatives at 360 One Wealth and Fatema Pacha, Fund Manager Equity at Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund, conduct a session about the world of investments, risk and reward analysis and making informed decisions to maximise financial returns.

The participants learned to set financial goals, decide asset allocation and finalise their investment portfolios. Topics such as economic cycles, earnings growth and risk management were also discussed. The group exercises involving working on interesting case studies and building investment portfolios were also held.

Members found the event fully engaging and very informative.

The preview of "Art in Life" exhibition at CIMA, on September 8th, 2023, unveiled a meticulously curated fashion show featuring LSG members as models. They showcased sarees like the elegant Kanjeevaram from Tamil Nadu, the exquisite Chanderi from Madhya Pradesh, the enchanting tribal Dongria from Odisha, the timeless Banarasi, the regal Garad silk and the renowned Jamdani, historically known as Dhakai. Also included were a National Award-winning masterpiece from Andhra Pradesh, an intricate Chikan Kari saree from Lucknow, an enchanting Katan saree from Varanasi and a Kantha from Bengal, inspired by Jamini Roy.

This event celebrated the vibrant tapestry of Indian art and craftsmanship, fusing tradition and innovation into a harmonious whole.

The Sound Healing workshop by Harsha Banthia was a transformative experience, unleashing a symphony of emotions and rejuvenation.

Our members immersed themselves in the echoing vibration of sound waves, experiencing profound shifts in both body and soul.

This journey was a testament to the intense impact sound can have on our well-being.

Luke Coutinho, well known holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, was in conversation moderated by Mumbai-based event host, Kanchan Wadi.

Luke spoke about the increase in health problems and attributed this to misconceptions, an inability to maintain consistent healthy habits and the tendency to make health an obsession rather than aligning with the body's innate wisdom.

Luke believes that lifestyle choices can significantly outweigh genetic factors in determining whether we inherit familial diseases. He stressed the importance of breaking unhealthy family patterns if they existed. He highlighted the significance of emotional well-being and pointed out the difference between happiness and fulfillment in life.

Luke also has enormous faith in prayer helping in the healing and recovery process.

Through the session Luke tried to share information and answer audience questions about nutrition, lifestyle and well being, as could be possible in such a short time.

The members and guests of the Ladies Study Group were audience to one of the most invigorating talks by Shri Gaur Gopal Das, an Indian monk, lifestyle coach and motivational speaker. Swamiji unabashedly put the women on top of the pyramid, who do not need empowerment as she is the 'Shakti'. His advise to all present was to 'live in the moment', enjoy the 'safar' or else he believes we will 'suffer' in life! He reiterated in the mantra of 'self-care', before taking care of others. "One does not need to be like an icecream, which melts in selfishness but be a candle, which gives light to others in its selflessness."

He advocated the virtues of patience, tolerance and forgiveness, as there is no one who is perfect. His advise is to share one's pain and grief with loved ones to gather support and thereby bring balance in our lives; although he believes there is no perfect balance!

The LSG forum witnessed a brainteasing magical event, which often had them in splits at his witty humour.