Women who believe, change the world: Nandita Das at BSG Symposium

Women with their strong nurturing instinct are known to be natural care-givers. Add to this a greater Self Belief and a Woman can win over self-imposed limitations or those she may face in her environment and contribute to building a new and progressive society.


Five pioneering women came together to reiterate the above with their personal-professional life experiences at an impactful symposium titled, “Women Who Believe Are the Women Who Build”. The event was curated by Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG), an organization dedicated to promoting peace, culture, education and sustainability on July 23, 2025, at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir Auditorium, Bandra, Mumbai.


The speakers included Ms. Nandita Das (Actor, Filmmaker & Social Advocate); Ms. Chetna Gala Sinha (Founder & Chairperson – Mann Deshi Bank & Mann Deshi Foundation); Ms. Minakshi Achan (Marketing Communications Expert); and Prof. Anjana Sharma (Head, Department of English, University of Delhi). A panel discussion between the speakers was moderated by Ms. Tillotama Shome (Actor & Producer).

The Symposium threw light on how women are contributing towards changing the narratives in society, thereby creating and influencing a new, and progressive society. It also explored how women with resilience, courage and conviction are breaking down barriers and shaping a more just and equitable world.


Ms. Rashi Ahuja, Director, BSG welcomed the speakers and attendees at the symposium. She said “Together, let us build a world where every woman who believes — is supported, celebrated, and unstoppable.”


Ms. Nandita Das said, “When women believe in themselves and speak up, they reshape narratives, reclaim spaces and reimagine futures with courage and empathy, building a world that is inclusive, compassionate and just.”

Ms. Chetna Gala Sinha spoke about the transformative power of a woman’s self-belief. She said “When a woman believes in herself, she unlocks the power to transform not just her own destiny, but her economy and community. When all else fails, her courage becomes her capital.”


Prof. Anjana Sharma said, “When a single woman stands up with an unvanquished and joyous spirit she creates a seismic societal change for the fundamental empowerment of countless lives across the human landscape.”


Ms. Tillotama Shome said, “Patriarchy thrives in our silence. But when women speak out, support each other, and nurture one another’s potential, they begin to chip away at the old power structures — and lay the foundation for a more equal world.”


Chairperson of Bharat Soka Gakkai, Mr. Vishesh Gupta, delivered the closing remarks. He said “The moment a woman believes and stands up, it’s never just personal. It puts a dent in the system. That’s how change begins.”


The thought-provoking symposium was attended by over 650 participants representing various fields of society ranging from the academia, intellectuals and writers, women leaders from the corporate and even home makers and students.