Mumbai: CNBC-TV18’s flagship initiative Future Female Forward Season 3 now arrives in New Delhi, strengthening the brand’s ongoing effort to drive national dialogue on gender parity, leadership and inclusive growth. After successful chapters in Mumbai and Bengaluru, the New Delhi State Chapter takes place on 25th November 2025 where policy direction, institutional influence and long-term impact will be deliberated and shaped.
This edition gathers a powerful mix of policymakers, corporate leaders, innovators, and grassroots changemakers. The conversations will focus on real outcomes: shifting mindsets, creating accountability, and identifying the practical levers that can make equity measurable and non-negotiable. The platform pushes beyond inspiration into clear strategies and solutions that can be replicated across workplaces, sectors, and communities.
The event will commence with a welcome address by Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18, followed by a Keynote Address by Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India around transforming intent of institutionalizing parity into action.
A key highlight of the evening will be the recognition of the Future Female Forward Icons, women achievers who have broken barriers from across the country. The honourees include: Dr Sonali Ghosh, Field Director, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, IFS, Government of India; Sonika Yadav, Woman Constable, Delhi Police; Mittal Patel, Social Reformer and Founder, Vicharta Samuday Samarthan Manch (VSSM); Kamana Gautam, Sustainability Enthusiast; Remani Menon (85) and Valsala Menon (87), sisters who travelled the world in their mid-eighties; Aanchal Anita Dhara, Spoken Word and Mixed Media Artist; Bibijan Halemani, President, Bibi Fatima Self Help Group; and Rimjhim Agrawal, Co-founder & CTO, BrainSightAI, and Mona Khandhar; Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, Government of Gujarat.
The evening will also feature compelling conversations, including a Leaders’ forum and a townhall featuring Rajesh Varrier; President – Global Operations, Chairman & MD, Cognizant India, Ajay Sharma; MD & Head – Banking, HSBC India, Nyrika Holkar; Executive Director, Godrej & Boyce (G&B), Pooja Sharma Goyal; Founding CEO, The Udaiti Foundation, Mona Khandhar; Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, Government of Gujarat, and Sanjeev Bikhchandani; Co-founder, Info-Edge and fireside chats with Academy Award-winning film producer Guneet Monga, Ritu Arora; CEO & CIO, Allianz Investment Management, Asia Pacific & India Advisor, Allianz SE Board, Preeti Bajaj; CEO & MD, Luminous Power Technologies Ltd., Harita Gupta; Head of Global Experience, Sutherland, Neha Mathur; Chief Human Resource Officer, Urban Company, Suman Hegde; Executive Vice President & CFO, Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd., Mohit Malhotra; Whole-Time Director & CEO, Dabur, Ruchi Kalra; Co-Founder, OfBusiness, and Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India, Nepal and Bhutan.
Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18 also commented, “CNBC-TV18 Future Female Forward has always been about enabling women to take their place where decisions are made. Bringing the State Chapter to New Delhi allows us to engage directly with policymakers and industry leaders on what must change for women to access equal opportunity, equal influence and equal visibility”.
Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India added, “At HSBC, we firmly believe that diverse experiences, perspectives, and voices are integral to who we are and the way we operate. We are committed to fostering a workplace that is both diverse and inclusive, reflecting the communities we serve. CNBC-TV18 Future Female Forward serves as a vital platform that inspires industries and society to challenge existing norms, eliminate biases, and build workplaces that offer equitable opportunities and clear pathways to leadership.”
Smriti Mehra, CEO, Business News, Network18, said, “Future Female Forward reinforces that India’s progress is incomplete without women leading it. When we invest in women’s education, safety and economic opportunity, we strengthen families, communities and the nation. I’m glad to see this platform driving real action and accountability and I’m extremely happy to have the unwavering support of partners – HSBC India, Cognizant, The Udaiti Foundation and FICCI, who share and strengthen this mission.”
Rajesh Varrier, President – Global Operations, Chairman and Managing Director, Cognizant India, “Gender parity starts with intent but thrives on consistent action. Women bring strategic insights and inclusive leadership that are vital for driving innovation and building resilient organizations. Future Female Forward helps highlight the gaps, celebrate role models, and build workplaces where women can rise without barriers.”
CNBC-TV18’s Future Female Forward is Presented by HSBC India, Co-presented by Cognizant, Powered by Reliance Industries, Knowledge Partner – The Udaiti Foundation and Industry Partner – FICCI.
Tune in on 25th November, 5:30 PM onwards to watch CNBC-TV18 Future Female Forward – New Delhi Edition, LIVE on CNBC-TV18, CNBCTV18.com and YouTube @ CNBC-TV18.
-Based on Press Release
