A unique demonstration of women power: Udyami Nari

Bhubaneswar, 7/3/ 2025: Startup Odisha on the occasion of International Women’s Day organised an event titled “Udyami Nari” at O-Hub. The event was graced by the chief guest, Dr. Sucheta Priyabadini, Ma Rama Devi Chair Professor, Rama Devi Women’s University, while Smt. Pinky Pradhan, actor, singer, producer and angel investor, and Smriti Shree Singh, MasterChef Season 6 finalist and entrepreneur, presented their thoughtful views on the journey of women power as Guest of Honour. Many women-led startups and aspiring entrepreneurs who attended the event expressed their happiness and gratitude to Startup Odisha for organising such an impactful session.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kamaljit Das, Joint Secretary, MSME Department and Chief Administrative Officer, Startup Odisha said, “Women entrepreneurs are the driving force behind innovation and economic growth. Udyami Nari is a celebration of their strength, creativity and resilience, providing them with the right opportunities, mentorship and market access to scale their ventures. Startup Odisha is committed to promoting an effective ecosystem where women-led startups thrive and pave the way for a brighter future.”

The event, which aims to celebrate the power, potential and creativity of women entrepreneurs, was held at four venues. The event was graced by the presence of eminent women from various walks of life, who shared their experiences and expertise. The event was held in the presence of Shri Prafulla Mallick, Chief Financial Officer, Startup Odisha, along with Shri Panigrahi, Shivankit Das, Ajay Kumar Dash, Soumya Ranjan Panda, which further strengthened the Government of Odisha’s commitment to promoting a strong and sustainable startup landscape in Odisha.

UNDP Country Head, Ms. Ava Mishra spoke about the SDGs and UNDP’s role in empowering women entrepreneurs. Dr. Lopamudra Priyadarshi, AVP, Hindalco, spoke about confidence and leadership, focusing on how women can excel in male-dominated industries. Dr. Anita Sawat, Founder and Managing Trustee of Odita Trust, shared valuable insights on entrepreneurship, education, entrepreneurship, empowerment and GI tag.

The event also celebrated the success stories of inspiring women entrepreneurs. Ms. Akanksha Priyadarshini, Founder of Aurassure Private Limited, shared her journey as a successful woman-led startup. Ms. Jayanti Mohapatra, Founder of ManikstuAgro Private Limited, inspired budding women entrepreneurs by sharing her success story as a grassroots innovator, while Ms. Minushree Madhumita, Founder of Think India Private Limited, shared her experience as a social innovator.

The Investor and Market Connections session provided insights on funding and branding strategies to women entrepreneurs. Ms. Neha Malhotra, Head of MeritX Ventures and Angel Investors, conducted a session on effective pitching, which helped women-led startups understand how to attract investors. Ms. Sony Samal, Co-Founder of 72DPI Skills, led an engaging discussion on branding strategies, guiding entrepreneurs on when and how to invest in branding for sustainable business growth.

Women are the foundation of all power, the foundation of all creation. Women become unique in the creation of the creator. This was reflected in the “Udyami Nari” event organized by Startup Odisha and was a testament to the power and potential of women entrepreneurs.