A panel discussion on

“Margin to Mainstream: Empowering Women to Lead!”

Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation hosted the 14th Edition of Ideate’25 at New Delhi on 24th September 2025 in collaboration with The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on the theme  “Margin to Mainstream: Empowering Women to Lead!”. This platform brought together eminent leaders, policymakers, and changemakers to deliberate on strategies for enabling women to rise into leadership roles and reshape the narrative of inclusive power.

The conclave opened with an inaugural session on Redefining Leadership: A Vision for Gender-Inclusive Power, with special address by Padma Shri Shobhana Bhartia, Chairperson & Editorial Director, HT Media, alongside welcome address from Shaifalika Panda, CEO, Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation, the session emphasized the urgent need to reimagine leadership paradigms so women can claim a greater share of decision-making roles in boardrooms, governments, and communities.

During the welcome remarks, Shaifalika Panda, CEO, Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation and Member- Giving Pi said “As our nation strides towards Viksit Bharat 2047, harnessing Nari Shakti is absolutely crucial. Our Prime Minister has emphasized that the path to a developed India is through women-led development.”.

Padma Shri Shobhana Bhartia, Chairperson & Editorial Director, HT Media said “Inclusion goes beyond a seat at the table. It means valuing different perspectives and ensuring that policies, mindsets, and daily practices reflect equity”.

A panel discussion on Margin to Mainstream: Strategies for Empowerment followed, moderated by Roshika Singh, Principal Country Officer, IFC India , with speakers including Vijay Mahajan, Founder, BASIX Group, Sara Pilot, Founder & Chairperson, CEQUIN and Aradhana Rai Gupta, Co-Founder, Project Baala. The dialogue spotlighted solutions such as education, mentorship, workplace inclusivity, and leveraging technology to foster women’s leadership across sectors.

The conclave concluded with a fireside chat on “Invisibility and Influence”, where Shaifalika Panda engaged in conversation with Naina Lal Kidwai, Chairperson, Rothschild & Co India, Past President, FICCI and Muskan Kushwaha, KARM Fellow , who shared inspiring journeys of overcoming systemic barriers to leadership and becoming role models for the next generation.