The second edition of the PeakLife Women Inspire Awards – presented by Audi India and powered by Austria Tourism – was held on Thursday, 28th October 2021 at The Leela Palace New Delhi. PeakLife acknowledged 17 formidable women who have been pioneers and innovators across the fields of business, sports, science, finance and aviation. The evening also witnessed the launch of a special PeakLife Women Inspire issue, which delves into the inspiring journeys of these remarkable women.
The event was held in honour of the women who have charted their own path and rewritten the rules of success in traditionally male-dominated spheres. These awards are a token of appreciation for the winners’ contribution to their industries – the impact of which will continue to resound through the future, as new generations of achievers follow in their footsteps. With the most notable industry leaders in attendance, the ceremony was a true reflection of PeakLife’s motto – It’s all about the attitude.
The event was executed seamlessly in collaboration with Audi India, showcasing the Audi e-tron – a major green innovation in the luxury automobile segment. In early 2021, Audi India also ran the #DriveTheChange campaign which sought to eradicate regressive stereotypes about female drivers. That Audi’s brand philosophy ‘Future Is An Attitude’ resonates so closely with PeakLife’s own ethos is the ultimate sign of a perfect partnership. Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, added, “We are really happy to be associated with PeakLife and had a good time interacting with all the dignitaries. We are happy to be part of this family, and look forward to meeting again.”
The evening also marked Austria as the world’s most alluring luxury travel destination – with its mesmerising natural beauty and rich history being a major attraction for globetrotters. Much like the women felicitated at the event, Austria is undeniably unique, and absolutely divine – a sentiment summarized by the country’s attractive tourism offerings, which welcome travel enthusiasts to ‘Feel the Spark’.
Ms. Christine Mukharji, India Market Head of the Austria National Tourist Office, also graced the event with her presence. Commenting on the changing landscape for women in the tourism sector, she explained, “In the travel industry, we have some very strong leaders. The entire Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has been led by a woman for the last many years.” TAAI President Jyoti Mayal, who was also felicitated at the ceremony, accepted her award with a nod to all the women on the rise across fields. She said, “I’m inspired, and that’s the need of the hour. We need to be motivated so that we can move forward. I’m sure we’ll have many more women who will be capable of doing much more that the other gender.”
The awards were made resplendent through the gracious support and seamless services of Hospitality Partner, The Leela Palace New Delhi. The Leela’s formidable edifice and trademark hospitality provided the perfect setting for a night of grandeur and revelry. Mr. Anupam Dasgupta, General Manager of The Leela Palace New Delhi, shared, “It was a privilege for us to have the opportunity of hosting these awards, honoring women leaders who have not just made a mark in their streams but stand as an epitome of inspiration for all. The evening was a beautiful celebration of stellar achievers.”
The refreshing drinks were expertly crafted by Pouring Partners Scapa and Beefeater London, which are unanimously favoured among discerning connoisseurs of spirits, owing to their premium quality and pervasive presence.
The women felicitated with the PeakLife Women Inspire Award have been changemakers in a broad range of fields, but share one thing in common – their boundless ability to aspire, inspire and empower:
Captain Zoya Sapra Agarwal: Aircraft Commander who made history by leading an all-female cockpit through the world’s longest air route
Deepika Jindal: Creative Director & Managing Director, JSL Lifestyle Ltd.; Founder, Arttd’inox and Stainless
Dr. Blossom Kochhar: Chairperson, Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies
Dr. Sujata Sharma: Structural Biologist and Biophysicist
Garima Avtar: Extreme Rally Driver
Harjinder Kaur Talwar: Founder, Comvision India Pvt.. Ltd.; Vice President CMSME FICCI
Jyoti Mayal: President, Travel Agents Association of India
Kanika Tekriwal: Co-Founder & CEO, JetSetGo Aviation Services Pvt. Ltd.
Malika Datt Sadani: Founder and CEO, The Moms Co.
Namita Gautam: Director, Sheela Group of Companies and Managing Trustee, Sleepwell Foundation
Nonita Lall Qureshi: Golf Coach and one of India’s leading female golfers
Priya Venkataraman: Bharatanatyam Dancer, Choreographer and Teacher
Rishma Kaur: Executive Director, Berger Paints India Ltd.
Sairee Chahal: Founder and CEO, SHEROES
Shinjini Kumar: Co-founder, SALT
Shivani Malik: Marketing Director, Da Milano Leathers Pvt. Ltd.
Tania Sachdev: Chess Grandmaster
The vibrant atmosphere and the effervescence of the recipients was palpable, and the winners’ mutual admiration reiterated the sheer brilliance of women uplifting each other. Shinjini Kumar, Co-founder of SALT – an app that transforms the way women consume financial services – commented, “To be in the list with women who are so remarkable, I feel humbled. What you are doing today here is a very important thing because you are actually recognizing women who are doing things that are exceptional.” Chess Grandmaster Tania Sachdev added, “It is moments like these that keep you motivated and encouraged to achieve more. It is very inspiring to be in this company.”
Captain Zoya Sapra Agarwal’s rousing speech, which celebrated all the powerful women in the room and encouraged women to dream without limitations, perfectly summarized the spirit of the event, “I am so humbled and honoured to be among all you amazing shining stars. This serves as an inspiration to the millions of girls who are watching out there. Continue dreaming, continue believing in yourself because every single great reality begins with a great dream, every single great dream begins with a dreamer, and that dreamer is all of you.” Indeed, the perfect conclusion to a truly memorable evening
