The Forbes 50 Over 50 Global list celebrates women who can prove that age is not a hurdle to make an impact. Now, this year, three fantastic Indian women — Urmila Asher, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, and Sheela Patel — have become part of this noble list for notable achievements in different fields. Here is a look into their incredible story.
Urmila Asher
At 80, Urmila Asher, affectionately known as Gujju Ben, is an example of strength and imagination. She has experienced severe personal loss in her life, having lost all three of her children in tragic circumstances. But much later in life, she discovered a new meaning to life. At the age of 75, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and when her grandson was recovering from a serious accident, Urmila began a food business inspired by her passion for Gujarati cuisine.
She started with easy offerings like pickles and snacks, which eventually became a favorite among people. With her tireless efforts, she built a successful cloud kitchen and went viral on social media. The journey of Urmila doesn't end here. She became a TEDx speaker, YouTuber, and even a MasterChef India contestant. Her story shows power and dedication that reminds us it's never too late to start something new and inspire others.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Bengaluru's self-made billionaire, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is one of the top businesswomen in India. 71 years young, Kiran's journey from a small garage startup to running Biocon, a global leader in biopharmaceuticals, is simply inspiring.
This scientist loves fermentation because of her brewmaster father; thus, Kiran Majumdar Shaw in 1978 started Biocon India which originally produced industrial enzymes but transformed under her vision to become an organization that provides cheap medicines for the world today. She, with a net worth of $3.6 billion, has been a philanthropist and engaged in cancer care and city infrastructure projects in Bengaluru.
Recently, Biocon-backed Bicara Therapeutics, led by Kiran’s niece, raised $362 million in a Nasdaq IPO, marking another major milestone in Kiran’s journey. Kiran is known for being an innovative thinker and a leader who pushes boundaries, showing that age and challenges can never stop true visionaries.
Sheela Patel
Sheela Patel, 72, is a renowned activist who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of people living in slums and creating fair and safe urban spaces. She co-founded the Society for Promotion of Area Resource Centres (SPARC) in 1984, which works to improve housing for low-income communities. SPARC collaborates with grassroots organizations such as the National Slum Dwellers Federation to give a voice to the poor and to act in a manner that would provide them with resources.
Another institution she has founded is Slum Dwellers International, covering 33 countries and focusing on living conditions in informal settlements. Some of her primary work is through projects such as Roof Over Our Heads that seeks to find solutions to climatic changes and provide solutions to 2 billion people living in informal settlements. In housing policy and the fight to empower women, Sheela continues to make the world a fairer place by fighting for justice and equality around the globe.
The stories of Urmila, Kiran, and Sheela reflect that it's never too late to make a difference. It may be launching a business, producing medicines to save lives, or fighting for the rights of urban poor; the three women proved that age is nothing but a number. They have left lasting imprints in their fields, inspiring people around the world, especially those who believe it is too late to start anew. Such achievements have not only challenged the notion of age but also the concept that it is never too late to dream big and change lives.
By making their mark on the world, Urmila, Kiran, and Sheela have shown us that there are no limits to what can be achieved, no matter how old you are.