Prime Highlights
- Nita Ambani topped the MPW 2026 list.
- Shashwat Goenka praised women’s leadership and impact.
Key Facts
- The event recognised women from business, healthcare, policy, entrepreneurship and entertainment.
- Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma attended as chief guest.
Background
The Fortune India Most Powerful Women (MPW) list for 2026 recognised powerful women in business, public policy, entrepreneurship, health care, manufacturing and entertainment industries; Shashwat Goenka, Vice Chairman of RPSG Group, praised these women leaders for their contributions and for creating opportunities.
Addressing business leaders and policymakers, Goenka said women have transformed industries while balancing multiple responsibilities. He said they not only achieved success but also helped others grow. When he thought back on his family, he gave praise to his mother, wife, and sister for their leadership and contributions to society and business. He also expressed hope that his daughters would one day join the ranks of such leaders.
The event revealed Fortune India’s Most Powerful Women 2026 list. Nita Ambani, Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, secured the top position, followed by Roshni Nadar Malhotra. The Reddy sisters, Shobana Kamineni, Sangita Reddy, Preetha Reddy and Suneeta Reddy, shared the third spot.
Accepting the honour, Ambani said leadership should focus on compassion, inclusion and empowerment. She added that empowering women and girls would strengthen the country and highlighted that Reliance Foundation has impacted over 100 million lives.
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said India’s goal of becoming a developed nation depends on empowering women, noting that women entrepreneurs have demonstrated strong financial discipline.
In panel discussions, corporate chiefs emphasised innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusiveness. Kriti Sanon said the success of Hyphen is due to high-quality products, whereas Smriti Irani asked for increased help to women entrepreneurs and increased participation of women in the field of AI.
Anupriya Patel, union minister, spoke of improvements in maternal health and nutrition, whereas corporate chiefs focused on enhancing the production of dairy products and inclusion being an asset for business rather than a liability.
