Through the ‘Drivers of Change’ initiative, Mahindra and Auto Today have not only celebrated the remarkable achievements of women but also paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable future

In a grand event organised by Mahindra and Mahindra in collaboration with Auto Today, a leading automotive publication, the spotlight was cast upon the remarkable stories of 12 women who dared to dream and drive change in their respective domains. This celebration, aptly titled "Drivers of Change," honoured trailblazers from various corners of India, ranging from Mumbai to Delhi to Alleppey. These women were recognised for their outstanding contributions across various fields, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination.

Earlier in January this year, in a pioneering move to commemorate Republic Day 2024 and in line with the theme of 'Viksit Bharat', M&M Ltd. has initiated the ‘Drivers of Change’ campaign in collaboration with Auto Today. This initiative themed around Naari Shakti, seeks to recognise and honour women who have been instrumental in driving India’s progress and development.

The initiative acknowledges women who embody the three core pillars of Mahindra’s Rise philosophy – Rise for a more equal world; Rise to be future-ready; and Rise to create value, with a commitment to driving positive change. These women, hailing from diverse backgrounds including defence, sports, music, the police force and social and environmental activism, have not only broken barriers but have also uplifted others in their journey towards societal transformation.

Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of Mahindra & Mahindra, delivered a poignant keynote, paying tribute to the influential women in his life and celebrating the accomplishments of the awardees. “It gives me great joy to celebrate these women who have challenged the status quo and succeeded in making a difference across a wide spectrum of fields from the police and defense forces to social reform from rocket science to promoting the Arts. The slate of awardees is an inspiration to not just young women across the country but to all of us across ages, gender and nationalities,” he said.

Dr. Anish Shah, MD and CEO of Mahindra Group emphasised the critical importance of gender diversity and an inclusive culture in becoming a global leader. While celebrating the progress made in female representation across various management levels, Dr. Shah acknowledged the ongoing efforts required to further enhance inclusivity within the organisation. “In the current fiscal year, the company has made substantial strides in hiring women, with 87% of senior management hires being women. There’s still much work ahead. We’ve hired 47% women in mid-management and 44% at the associate level, without setting targets.  Policy changes, like our five-year maternity leave, reflect our commitment to supporting women’s needs. While we’ve made progress, we acknowledge there’s a long journey ahead to reach our goals."

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive Officer of Mahindra & Mahindra’s Automotive Division, expressed his admiration for the resilience of women and reiterated the company’s commitment to fostering a more equal world. He emphasised Mahindra’s dedication to the Rise philosophy, stating that helping others rise ultimately leads to collective growth.

The ‘Drivers of Change’ initiative serves as a testament to the transformative power of collective action and underscores the indispensable role of women in driving progress and innovation in society.

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