Top 10 Female Achievers in India – Famous Ladies of India Breaking Barriers
India is a land of talent, courage, and innovation — and over the decades, many women have risen to break stereotypes, challenge limitations, and lead revolutions in their respective fields. In this article, we celebrate the Top 10 Female Achievers in India, women whose stories are not only inspiring but also symbolic of how far we've come as a society. These famous ladies of India have proven that gender is no barrier to greatness.
Let’s explore the lives, struggles, and achievements of women who have become iconic figures in Indian history and society.
Top 10 Female Achievers in India & Their Key Contributions
Name |
Field |
Major Achievement |
Why They're Famous |
Kalpana Chawla |
Space Science |
First Indian-origin woman in space |
Symbol of courage & inspiration in space exploration |
Lata Mangeshkar |
Music |
Sang over 30,000 songs, Bharat Ratna awardee |
Voice of generations, legendary playback singer |
Mithali Raj |
Sports (Cricket) |
Highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket |
Icon of women’s cricket, former team captain |
Priyanka Chopra |
Entertainment & Activism |
Miss World 2000, global film star, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador |
A true global icon among famous ladies of India |
Kiran Bedi |
Civil Services |
First female IPS officer in India |
Pioneer for women in law enforcement |
Falguni Nayar |
Business |
Founder of Nykaa, India’s richest self-made woman entrepreneur |
Symbol of women’s achievements in India in business |
Mary Kom |
Sports (Boxing) |
Six-time World Amateur Boxing Champion, Olympic medalist |
One of the greatest women in India in sports |
Sudha Murthy |
Literature & Philanthropy |
Chairperson of Infosys Foundation, bestselling author |
Known for social work & promoting education |
Justice Leila Seth |
Law & Judiciary |
First woman Chief Justice of a state High Court |
A milestone figure in Indian legal history |
Indira Gandhi |
Politics |
First and only female Prime Minister of India |
Most powerful woman leader in Indian history |
Also Read This if you want to know about: 10 Sports Person Name of India
1. Kalpana Chawla – Reaching Beyond the Stars
A name that echoes in space exploration history, Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian-origin woman to travel to space. Born in Karnal, Haryana, she became an astronaut with NASA and served as a mission specialist on Space Shuttle Columbia. Her untimely death during the Columbia disaster in 2003 made her a national icon among the greatest women in India.
Her journey is a testament to the power of dreams and the determination to pursue them. Kalpana remains one of the most inspirational women achievers of India.
2. Lata Mangeshkar – The Voice of a Nation
Known as the Nightingale of India, Lata Mangeshkar’s voice has touched generations. With over 30,000 songs in multiple languages, she is among the most famous women from India. Her impact on Indian music and cinema is immeasurable.
She was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, marking her as one of the great ladies of India whose work has defined an era.
3. Mithali Raj – Queen of Indian Cricket
In the male-dominated world of cricket, Mithali Raj emerged as a true legend. She captained the Indian women’s cricket team and became the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket.
Her contributions to sports have placed her among the top 10 female achievers in India, making her one of the most famous ladies in India today.
4. Priyanka Chopra – Global Icon of Indian Talent
From winning Miss World in 2000 to becoming a global movie star and philanthropist, Priyanka Chopra is one of the most recognized Indian greatest women internationally.
She has also been an advocate for gender equality, children's rights, and mental health — making her a role model for young girls and a leading voice among women achievers of India.
5. Kiran Bedi – India’s First Female IPS Officer
Kiran Bedi broke into one of the toughest government roles by becoming the first woman to join the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1972. She challenged corruption, worked for prison reforms, and later served as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
A real-life example of women's achievements in India, she remains an inspiration to millions looking to serve the country with integrity.
6. Falguni Nayar – Self-Made Billionaire and Entrepreneur
Founder of Nykaa, Falguni Nayar became one of the few self-made female billionaires in India. Her journey from a corporate career to creating a billion-dollar beauty and wellness empire has redefined women’s achievements in business.
She is one of the newest names on the list of top 10 female achievers in India, and a symbol of what modern Indian women can accomplish.
7. Mary Kom – The Fighting Spirit of India
Mary Kom, also known as Magnificent Mary, is a six-time world boxing champion and the only woman to have won a medal in each of the first seven World Championships. Hailing from Manipur, her journey from humble beginnings to becoming an Olympic medalist has made her a national icon.
She has broken multiple records and stereotypes, making her one of the top 10 female achievers in India and a true example of women’s achievements in India. Her courage and perseverance continue to inspire millions, earning her a well-deserved spot among the famous ladies of India.
8. Sudha Murthy – Author, Educator & Philanthropist
Chairperson of Infosys Foundation, Sudha Murthy is known for her impactful philanthropy, promotion of education, and widely read books in Indian languages. Her humble nature and dedication to social work make her one of the most respected achievers in India.
A true proud woman, her life’s work continues to uplift communities and inspire millions.
9. Justice Leila Seth – Breaking Legal Boundaries
Leila Seth was the first woman judge of the Delhi High Court and the first woman Chief Justice of a state High Court in India (Himachal Pradesh). Her contributions to legal reforms and women’s rights earned her a place among the famous ladies of India.
Her work laid the foundation for future women achievers of India in law and justice.
10. Indira Gandhi – India’s First and Only Woman Prime Minister
The most politically powerful woman in India’s history, Indira Gandhi was the first and only female Prime Minister. Known for her leadership during challenging times like the 1971 war and Emergency, she was both revered and criticized.
Still, her influence on Indian politics remains unmatched. She is undeniably one of the greatest women in India and a true famous lady of India whose legacy continues to shape modern India.
Also Read: Top 10 Scientists of India
Final Thoughts: Celebrating the Spirit of Indian Women
The Top 10 Female Achievers in India listed above have excelled in diverse fields — from science and sports to business and politics. Their success stories are more than personal victories; they are milestones in the journey of women’s achievements in India.
These famous ladies of India inspire every generation with their courage, leadership, and passion. Their journeys remind us that women are not just participants in progress, but pioneers of it.
Let us continue to celebrate and support the great ladies of India, so that the next generation of proud women may rise even higher.
NLET School: Enabling Excellence for Tomorrow’s Leaders
Just as the Top 10 Female Achievers in India broke barriers to inspire a nation, today’s young minds need the right support system to follow in their footsteps. NLET School offers advanced school management software and a fully integrated school management system designed to foster a smarter, more efficient learning environment. From academic tracking to seamless communication between teachers, students, and parents, NLET ensures that every student—especially the next generation of famous ladies of India—receives the tools they need to thrive. Empower excellence. Empower the future. Empower with NLET School.