FICCI FLO, under the leadership of National President Ms. Poonam Sharma, hosted the 42nd Annual Session from March 29-30, 2026. The first day of the grand annual session commenced with the FLO Pan India Reflections segment, which provided a comprehensive overview of the year’s work across chapters and initiatives. Chapter Chairs, YFLO Chairs, and Initiative Leads presented their respective Year in Review, highlighting data-driven insights on projects and impact, key initiatives undertaken during the year, as well as the learnings, challenges, and best practices that emerged across the network.
The segment concluded with a felicitation ceremony recognising the contributions of Chapter Chairs, YFLO Chairs, and Initiative Leads for their dedication and impactful efforts throughout the year.
Day 1 Highlights
Chapter & YFLO Awards Recognition
As part of the 42nd Annual Session, outstanding contributions across chapters and YFLO networks were formally recognised through a series of thematic awards, reflecting the diverse impact areas and initiatives undertaken during the year. The awards were conferred as follows:
- Ahmedabad – Award for Inclusive Social Impact
- Amritsar – Award for Community Resilience & Disaster Response
- Bangalore – Award for Digital Innovation & AI Leadership
- Bhubaneswar – Award for Health Awareness & Menstrual Hygiene Advocacy
- Chennai – Award for STEM Education & Scientific Learning
- Coimbatore – Award for Sustainable Livelihood Creation
- Hyderabad – Award for Craft Revival & Artisan Empowerment
- Indore – Award for Strategic Collaborations & Partnership Impact
- Jaipur – Award for Technology Awareness & Industrial Exposure
- Jammu–Kashmir & Ladakh – Award for Rural Entrepreneurship & Agro Tourism Promotion
- Kanpur – Award for Grassroots Entrepreneurship Development
- Kolkata – Award for Sustainable Skilling & Upcycling Innovation
- Lucknow – Award for Cultural Heritage & Chapter Engagement
- Ludhiana – Award for Leadership Dialogue & Policy Engagement
- Mumbai – Award for Transformational Leadership & Vision
- Northeast – Award for Policy Advocacy & Government Engagement
- Pune – Award for Member Engagement & Community Building
- Siliguri – Award for Urban Skilling & Workforce Development
- Uttarakhand – Award for Sustainable Skill Development & Eco Entrepreneurship
- Vadodara – Award for Cyber Awareness & Digital Safety Education
- Vijayawada – Award for Women-Led Industrial Growth
YFLO Awards:
- YFLO Ahmedabad – Award for Rural Women Empowerment
- YFLO Delhi – Award for Multi-Sector Social Impact & Partnerships
- YFLO Hyderabad – Award for Leadership Development & Personal Growth
- YFLO Kolkata – Award for Digital Community Engagement
Recognition of FLO National Initiatives
During the year, FLO continued to drive focused impact through a diverse portfolio of national initiatives, each led by dedicated Chairs and Co-Chairs. These initiatives addressed critical areas spanning financial inclusion, skilling, entrepreneurship, policy advocacy, and leadership development. The initiatives and their leadership were as follows:
- Financial Literacy – Chair: Poonam Mahajan; Co-Chair: Priyanka Gulati
- Women in STEM and Technology – Chair: Mamta Bakliwal; Co-Chair: Rutvi Vyas
- Linkages between Academia, Industry, and Government – Chair: Shubhra Maheshwari
- Sustainability and Inclusivity – Chair: Smriti Puri; Co-Chair: Namrata Mishra
- Urban Skilling – Chair: Pooja Chauhan; Co-Chair: Nidhi Goel
- Marketing, Media and Branding – Chair: Mehak Mehra; Co-Chair: Reena Vashisht
- Startup Cell – Chair: Priya Goutham; Co-Chair: Archana Kholsa Burman
- FLO Industrial Park – Chair: Ujjwala Singhania
- FLO Policy and Advocacy – Chair: Aarti Gupta
- Trade and Delegations – Chair: Ritu Vadehra; Co-Chair: Sunitee Abbi
- Textiles, Handlooms and Handicrafts – Chair: Swati Verma; Co-Chair: Sunita Kanoria
- FLO Women Directors – Chair: Usharani Manne; Co-Chair: Shobha Jolly
- Friends of FLO – Chair: Archana Luthra; Co-Chair: Saloni Mehta
- Rural Skilling and Agripreneurship – Chair: Ritu
- Women in Leadership Roles – Chair: Ritika Sarna
- Partnerships and Collaborations – Chair: Varuna Anand; Co-Chair: Divya Jain
- Digital Skilling – Chair: Reshma Patel
- Skilling in the Wedding Industry – Chair: Shalini Beriwal; Co-Chair: Anchal Sethi
- FLO KAVACH – Chair: Heena Srivastava
- FLO Communities – Chair: Minal Jain
- MSME Assist Cell – Chair: Sucheta Shah; Co-Chair: Ruby Garg
Unapologetically Me: The Power of Authentic Voice in the Public Eye – Rini Simon Khanna in Conversation with Mira Rajput Kapoor and Madhur Bhandarkar
The session titled “Unapologetically Me: The Power of Authentic Voice in the Public Eye” explored the evolving significance of authenticity in an era shaped by hyper-visibility, digital scrutiny, and shifting societal expectations. It highlighted how authenticity has become a conscious and courageous choice, one that not only defines personal identity but also shapes public narratives, builds credibility, and drives meaningful impact. The conversation brought together diverse perspectives, offering valuable insights into the intersection of personal truth and public perception.
Mira Rajput Kapoor shared her journey as an entrepreneur, reflecting on her evolution from being in the public eye to building purpose-driven ventures. As Co-founder of Akind and Founder of Dhun, she emphasised the importance of self-care for women, advocating for a shift in how luxury is perceived, redefining it as a commitment to health, wellness, and mindful living. Her insights underscored the need for women to prioritise their well-being while navigating multiple roles, reinforcing authenticity as a cornerstone of both personal and professional growth.
Madhur Bhandarkar, acclaimed filmmaker and screenwriter, brought a distinctive perspective rooted in storytelling and cinema. He spoke about the increasing role of women in shaping industries, particularly within the “Orange Economy”, the cultural and creative sectors that influence societal narratives. Drawing from his body of work, he highlighted his focus on portraying the complexities of women’s professional and personal lives, and the importance of authentic representation in mainstream media.
The session was moderated by Rini Simon Khanna, who adeptly steered the conversation, facilitating a nuanced dialogue that resonated strongly with the audience. The session concluded with a felicitation of the speakers, acknowledging their contributions and the enriching perspectives they brought to the platform.
Day 2 Highlights
Security, Stability & Society: Why National Security is Everyone’s Conversation – A Talk by Shiv Aroor
The session titled “Security, Stability & Society: Why National Security is Everyone’s Conversation” offered a compelling perspective on the evolving dimensions of national security in today’s interconnected and rapidly changing world. Moving beyond conventional notions of borders and defence, the discussion underscored the broader societal implications of security, emphasising its relevance to citizens, institutions, and leadership across sectors.
Shiv Aroor, Managing Editor, NDTV, delivered an insightful address that bridged the domains of national security, media, and storytelling. He highlighted how narratives shape public understanding of security issues and the critical role of responsible journalism in informing and engaging society. His reflections brought clarity to the complexities of modern security challenges, while making them accessible and relevant to a wider audience.
Anchored within the overarching theme of Women-Led Growth, the session also reinforced the importance of inclusive leadership in shaping resilient societies and sustainable economic development. It formed a vital part of the broader discourse aimed at empowering women as key stakeholders in leadership, policy, and nation-building.
Panel Discussion on Narratives that Shape Nations: Media’s Role in Amplifying Changemakers and Building Brand India.
The session titled “Narratives that Shape Nations: Media’s Role in Amplifying Changemakers and Building Brand India” examined the powerful role of media in shaping national identity, influence, and global perception.
Moderated by Shehzad Poonawalla, National Spokesperson, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the session brought together leading voices from the media industry. Setting the context, he emphasised the importance of responsible and impactful storytelling in amplifying changemakers, particularly women leaders, entrepreneurs, and grassroots innovators, contributing to economic growth and social transformation.
The panel featured distinguished media professionals, including Rubika Liyaquat, television journalist and anchor; Smita Prakash, senior journalist; and Padmaja Joshi, Managing Editor, NDTV. The discussion offered diverse perspectives on how media narratives can responsibly shape public discourse, elevate impactful stories, and contribute to building a strong and credible Brand India.
Ministerial Session with Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Honourable Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India
The first Ministerial Session featured Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who commended FICCI FLO for its sustained and impactful contribution to women’s empowerment across grassroots and global platforms. He extended his congratulations to National President Poonam Sharma, along with past presidents and office bearers, for their leadership and commitment to advancing inclusive growth.
In his address, the Minister underscored the critical role of FICCIFLO in empowering several lakh women as active contributors to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He also highlighted key sectoral opportunities, noting that India’s Medical Value Travel (MVT) industry is projected to exceed USD 13 billion by 2026, positioning the country as a global hub for healthcare and wellness.
The session provided valuable insights into the intersection of tourism, culture, and economic development, reinforcing the importance of women-led participation in driving India’s growth story.
Ministerial Session with Ashwini Vaishnaw, Honourable Union Minister for Railways; Information & Broadcasting; Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India
The second Ministerial Session featured Ashwini Vaishnaw, who highlighted India’s rapid transformation across advanced sectors such as semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, space, and artificial intelligence. He noted that these high-growth domains are not only reshaping industries but also creating new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment across the country.
In his address, the Minister emphasised the remarkable progress in electronics manufacturing, which has witnessed significant multi-fold growth in recent years, positioning India as a key global hub in the sector. He underlined the importance of continued policy support, innovation ecosystems, and skill development in sustaining this momentum.
Aligning with the overarching vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the session reinforced the role of women as critical contributors to India’s growth story, particularly in emerging and technology-driven sectors. It also highlighted the importance of enabling greater participation of women in future-ready industries to drive inclusive and sustainable economic development.
List of Annual Report 2026-27 & Whitepapers Released During the 42nd FICCI FLO AGM
As part of its continued commitment to thought leadership and policy advocacy, FICCI FLO released a series of comprehensive whitepapers during the 42nd Annual General Meeting. These publications provide in-depth analysis, strategic insights, and actionable recommendations to advance women-led development across sectors.
- Annual Report 2026-27: It was formally released, encapsulating the organisation’s key initiatives, achievements, and impact over the year, and reflecting its continued commitment to advancing women-led development across sectors and geographies.
- Catalysing Inclusive Development through Women’s Economic Empowerment:
This whitepaper presents key insights and actionable recommendations for advancing women-led development in India. It analyses existing policies, programmes, and institutional frameworks to identify persistent barriers affecting women’s economic agency.
- Women-Led Development for Viksit Bharat: A Strategic Roadmap to Leave No Women Behind: A national policy advocacy document outlining a transformative roadmap for India’s growth, shifting the narrative from women as beneficiaries of welfare to primary drivers of development in the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
- Saksham: Reviving Crafts, Restoring Livelihoods 2025–26: A comprehensive compendium of Central and State Government schemes for the promotion of handlooms and handicrafts. It consolidates institutional support, export frameworks, and state initiatives into an accessible format for stakeholders.
- Forward. Together. Always. Eight Engines of Progress, Driving One Movement Forward: A coffee table book capturing FICCI FLO’s impactful initiatives during 2025–26. It highlights efforts to enhance women’s participation in the economy through skill development, entrepreneurship, policy advocacy, and leadership building, reflecting FLO’s evolution into an ecosystem of impact.
- Advancing Women-Led Development: An Analysis of Policies by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries: This whitepaper examines key initiatives under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, identifying opportunities for collaboration with FICCI FLO to strengthen women’s participation and empowerment in the sector.
- Strategic Interventions of the Ministry of Finance: A blueprint for women-led development and economic parity, this paper analyses initiatives by the Ministry of Finance and explores opportunities for collaboration to accelerate inclusive economic growth.
- The Intersection of Social Justice and Economic Empowerment: Focused on schemes under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, this whitepaper provides recommendations to advance inclusivity and strengthen collaboration frameworks for equitable development.
- Empowering India’s Women: A Strategic Analysis of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Initiatives: A decade-long assessment of initiatives by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, highlighting their impact in empowering women through skilling and entrepreneurship.
- Gender Diversity & Career Gap: This report analyses India’s service sector and labour market dynamics, highlighting that women’s participation stands at 40.3%, and offers recommendations to bridge gender gaps and enhance workforce inclusion.
Change of Guard 2026–27
The 42nd Annual Session marked a significant leadership transition with the Change of Guard ceremony. Poonam Sharma, National President for 2025–26, formally passed the mantle to Puja Garg, who assumed office as the 43rd National President of FICCI FLO. The new leadership team for 2026–27 was announced as follows:
- President – Puja Garg
- Senior Vice President – Kamini Saraf
- Vice President – Pooja Chauhan
- Immediate Past President – Poonam Sharma
- Treasurer – Suguna Ravichandran
- Joint Treasurer – Parul Gupta Burman
- Joint Treasurer – Shuchita Gupta
- Executive Director – Rashmi Sarita
The Change of Guard was simultaneously marked across 21 FLO Chapters and 4 YFLO Chapters, with the ceremonial exchange of medals symbolising the seamless transition of leadership and the continuation of FLO’s vision and mission under the new team.