Class of 2016

At Vedica, I can be on a platform with minds that are not only rich in experience but are from diverse exposures with no barriers. An environment created to promote learning, this will definitely bring out the best in me

Aneesha has recently graduated from Christ University, Bangalore, majoring in English, Psychology and Performing Arts. She has always been attracted to inter-disciplinary education. She has explored fields such as Human Resources and Clinical Psychology, interned with NGOs such as Dream A Dream, understood the workings of an organisation at Sennheiser, as well as worked with Vimhans Hospital. Her leadership skills came into play when she led team-building workshops for the MBA class at Christ University.

At Vedica, I hope to accomplish an unparalleled learning experience, as I will be given a chance to learn from the women I have idolised all my life. I truly believe that this course is designed to help me fulfill my dreams

Aparajita, a graduate from BIT Mesra, Patna, joined eRevmax as a Trainee Engineer. She then moved to Misys Software Solutions as a Consultant. She was one of the founding members of the Entrepreneurship Cell at her college, and worked as a corporate relations head in college. She has also volunteered for REVA, a college annual fest for underprivileged kids, apart from organising various events of TiE and AIESEC in her college. She is also interested in literature, travel, movies, photography and playing the guitar.

Three features of Vedica stand out and make me look forward to being a part of this Programme. First, a faculty whose expertise lies in applying business theory to real life; second, the opportunity to shadow women CEOs and learn in real time; and third, a diverse women-only peer group

Aparna is a commerce graduate from Jai Hind College, Mumbai University, where she actively contributed to the Entrepreneurship Cell and organised presentations by Business on Campus, hosted Business Plan Competitions and Campus Placement events. She then went on to Dubai to work with leading multinationals in three different industries – FMCG, Market Research and Building Construction. She is also a keen golf player. She strongly believes that the enabling environment at Vedica would equip her with the knowledge, skills and platform to execute her current goals and help her explore and discover new avenues for study and work.

Vedica is not just another post-graduate programme. The dedicated women from across the sub-continent selected for the inaugural batch represent the future of innovation for social impact. I am delighted to be shortlisted for the Founding Class of the Vedica Scholars Programme for Women. It is humbling to be considered for such an opportunity and to be considered among the calibre of the others shortlisted. I look forward to the joining day!

Arohi is an Information Technology professional and has a keen interest in leveraging technology to empower women. An engineering graduate from Bharti Vidyapeeth, Pune, she has taken up key responsibilities in diverse fields like project planning, technical writing, public speaking, marketing and social service in college. She also had the opportunity of working with ONGC as well as Infosys for a brief period before she decided to look for a platform to acquire new skills.

I believe Vedica will give me the confidence and the knowledge to tread successfully on the path I choose for myself. I want to be informed by smart successful women, break barriers and aspire to intelligence

After graduating in Computer Science Engineering from Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, Ashmita started working at Mu Sigma, a pure-play data analytics company that helps institutions make better data-driven decisions. Given the nature of her work, Ashmita developed many useful skills including problem-solving, relationship management and time management, and wants to use them to solve everyday problems faced by society. She is determined to look beyond a straightjacketed career.

With an aspiration to walk the journey from education to empowerment, I believe that Vedica will help me gain insights and a better perspective on broad disciplines, which I never had the opportunity to learn at college

A BA from Miranda House College, Asmita is interested in Political Science and English Literature. She was elected as the President of the Miranda House hostel for a year – an experience that was enriching, challenging and fulfilling for her. She has interned with MTV as the city manager of Delhi and worked with an NGO that spreads awareness amongst female sex workers regarding HIV. Apart from her educational and professional achievements, she also holds a visharad degree in Indian Classical music.

Vedica will equip me with the necessary tools to fulfill my ambitions and also empower my personal growth. I’m eager to begin this journey and honoured to be a member of the Founding Class

Avani Sharma is a graduate in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Manipal University. New innovative technologies are her true passion as she recognises their role in making lives better and smarter. She has worked with startups exploring new age technology as the centre of business operations. She has spearheaded digital conceptualisation for various global brands and assisted various small business owners expand to the digital sphere. She is currently working as a Marketing Manager at Affle, a Microsoft-invested company that employs data mining and analytics to better serve the ad-monetisation and promotion domain. Her experience has endowed her with vital skills and she hopes to employ them to aid the many status-quo gaps in market today with authentic new age environment-friendly solutions.

I believe art is a boundless subject, an excellent conversation starter and essentially a way of life. I envision myself working in the field of design involved in projects ranging from branding to multidisciplinary. The promising programme structure of Vedica has led me to believe this will help me bridge between design and leadership capacities

Cathy recently graduated in Visual Arts from Stella Maris College, Chennai. While working on her graduation project in college, she recognised her interest in design thinking and its application in creating new brands and guiding existing brands. She has worked with Thought Factory Design, Kochi, as an intern where she was involved in concept development for branding projects. She aspires to bring a business sense to her creative world. Her goal is to inspire and stay inspired.

I believe we all have different hats to wear and are more than just one tag given by society. I feel Vedica will help me explore my untapped potential both personally and professionally. Eminent women leaders as faculty and governing council, ‘Shadow a Woman CEO’ Programme and the uniqueness of curriculum are few of the things that differentiate Vedica from any other management programme

Deepika has a strong inclination towards the education sector. During her PGDM from IMT, CDL, Ghaziabad, she was working with Teach For India as an intern followed by a project with Central Square Foundation. She has worked with Centre for Civil Society, a think-tank based in New Delhi as an Associate, Community Engagement for Project Patang that dealt with the implementation of RTE 25% reservation act for economically weaker section ?students. Her work profile included interacting and maintaining relations with stakeholders involved in the project. At Vedica she wants to explore different opportunities for herself, using her strengths and work for the betterment of society.

Vedica’s reimagined curriculum along with the opportunity to be mentored by the most eminent women professionals will help me evolve and equip me fully to change ideas into successful actions and stand out!

Dhwani currently works at Nestlé as a food technologist, after graduating in food technology from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Through her interactions with a diverse group of people, she believes that one story doesn’t fit all. At Nestlé, she has been exposed to world-class methodologies and learnt the basic fundamentals of organisational behavior. She is also a core member of the Nestlé Education and Training Pillar, which enhances development in order to align people with business strategies. In college, she was elected to represent her department, actively participated in the interdepartmental festival “JASHAN” and was a core member of the Placement cell and Student Forum. She also had the gratifying experience of teaching underprivileged kids during her undergraduate programme.

What makes Vedica stand out is its highly accomplished and eminent faculty. With its strong focus on working women through the ‘Shadow a Woman CEO’ Programme, I believe that Vedica will prepare me well to face the competitive environment at the workplace

Gouri Rajagopal is a civil engineer from National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli. Having grown up in an environment where fine arts and good reading were encouraged, her journey has been moulded by the creative sphere. As the President of the Thespians’ Society of her college, she has had the opportunity to lead and motivate a passionate group of dramatists. She currently works as a Business Analyst in Exl Inductis Pvt. Ltd., where she provides data insights as a part of the customer relationship management team for a major financial services client.

The unique interdisciplinary curriculum, inspiring women in the governing council, and exemplary faculty makes Vedica stand out from other post-graduate programmes. The diverse set of peers make this programme an even more promising course. I believe that Vedica will prove to be a platform that will help me achieve my dreams

After completing a Bachelors in Journalism and Mass Communication at IP University, Jahaanvi has worked as a copyeditor at HT Media Pvt. Ltd. She has previously interned with All India Radio, August Communications, and CMS Media Lab and freelanced for various entertainment websites. Apart from this, she is also an active debater and has participated in competitions through school and college. She looks forward to an enriching experience at Vedica, that will help her move towards a successful career in the corporate sector!

I want to be a part of Vedica because I believe that it will provide me with the tools to not only become a strong and self-sufficient professional, but also the ability to lead my own organisation one day

Mallika Khosla is currently a student of English Honours at University of Delhi, and has been deeply influenced by the theories of feminism and post-colonialism. She has led the sponsorship team that financed the entire English Department Festival in Kamala Nehru College and her team collected a final amount that broke the records of previous years. This experience made her realise the vital role of financial and management skills to fulfill one’s dreams.

Being a part of Vedica is an experience that will have an impactful effect on my future. I believe this programme is the first of its kind with a well thought-out curriculum, and mentored by experts that would completely alter my way of thinking

Maria has recently graduated in Visual Arts from Stella Maris College, Chennai. As a part of her programme, she developed a series of paintings based on the theme, “Celebrating Womanhood”. After having participated in group exhibitions at Art Houz and IBA arts and crafts in Chennai and interned with prominent artists like A.V. Ilango for over a year, she has acquired comprehensive knowledge on the formal aspects of painting methodology and the making of an artist. With the Vedica experience, she hopes to broaden her perspective beyond design and see the world through a multidimensional lens.

What attracts me the most to Vedica Scholars Programme for Women are its pragmatic methodologies and its focused goal of creating successful women professionals in India. I believe that the exemplary mentors and peers of this institute will help me mature professionally and personally

Mayuri graduated as a Chemical Engineer from BITS Pilani Hyderabad, and joined Mu Sigma as a Business Analyst, where she guided clients to take data-driven decisions and drove challenging and innovative pilot projects. Mayuri then joined Loylty Rewardz Management Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, where she rose to the position of a senior consultant and led an analytics team for the new business development division. Free-spirited and enthusiastic, she is also a dance tutor and has given various musical performances on stage.

Nilambari is an avid bibliophile and a knowledge seeker. Therefore, she has created an innovative concept – BookMan – Learning Centre and Library. Going beyond the conventional issuing of books and movies, BookMan is a part of evolved knowledge and education services on offer as its recommendations come from the in-depth understanding of books and customer’s preferences. It has been featured in Times Of India, Indian Express, DNA and other publications. Nilambari has been invited to share her ideas and experiences at Vibrant Gujarat, GCCI, Google Workshops and many more forums.

The curriculum at Vedica will provide me the perfect opportunity to undertake management education and nurture my critical thinking skills at the same time. The most unique feature of this programme – the “Shadow a Woman CEO” module – will give me an opportunity to engage with women stalwarts, and provide me an opportunity to witness how decisions are made, how leaders drive an organisation and what makes them influencers!

An Economics graduate from Presidency University, Nistha was one of the three candidates to be selected to work as an Alliance for Radical Improvement in School Education Fellow at Government of Haryana under the flagship Quality Improvement Programme. It gave her first-hand experience of the quality of learning and teaching in public schools, the various interventions and policies of the department and the high impact engagement of private firms and NGOs with the policy-making process at the state level. During her time in college she served as the Member-Administrator of the Economic Society and the Secretary of the Presidency University Public Speaking Society. Her love for travelling and meeting new people led her to participate in Jagriti Yatra 2013, which introduced her to role models and change makers from different parts of the country and also broadened her life perspectives.

With inspiring mentors in the Governing Council and the brilliant faculty at Vedica, I will gain knowledge, wide exposure and develop my managerial skills. The ‘Shadow a Woman CEO’ is a wonderful opportunity that will give me plenty of insights and practical management experience. I strongly believe that this course will prepare me to follow the career of my choice

Nithya recently graduated in Robotics and Automation Engineering from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore. She has served as a teaching volunteer for two years in Make A Difference (MAD), Coimbatore, an NGO that works towards equality in education. She was the Joint Secretary of the Robotics Association in college for a year and also served as the leader of organising committees for many entrepreneurial and debating events in college. During her school days, she received the President Award for her work in the Bharat Scouts and Guides movement. An avid reader, she has a passion for writing, and is also a Bharatnatyam dancer and has completed her Arangettram.

Women today face different challenges at the workplace and I believe Vedica will empower me to face those challenges with the right attitude. It’s an opportunity, a chance to discover myself and stand out in the work force. The ‘Borrowed Wisdom’ seminars by eminent speakers, the impeccably crafted curriculum and the extraordinary ‘Shadow a Woman CEO’ Programme are just few of the many reasons why I’m inspired by Vedica. I look forward to start this enlightening journey soon!

Pooja graduated in Environmental Science from Fergusson College, Pune, and works as the CSR Head running the Green School Program in a Pune-based company. She has represented her college at the Green Campus Challenge-Tech Fest organised by IIT Bombay. She started her career with an international internship in China, where she designed and taught a module on environment and English vocabulary to secondary and higher secondary students. She has also prevously interned with various organisations that focus on her areas of interests such as urban farming, waste management and sustainability.

What separates Vedica from myriad other management courses in my eyes is its contextually relevant curriculum which combines the pragmatism of business with the self-reflexivity and learnings from the liberal arts. At Vedica, I wish to learn from the diverse narratives of my peers as well as equip myself with the skills and temperament required to make a successful transition from the world of academia to that of a creative workforce of my choosing

Armed with wit, a willingness to learn and an unwavering commitment towards grammar, Pragya recently graduated from Delhi University with a Masters in English Literature. A poetry enthusiast, she co-edited a linguistically diverse collection of poems penned by the students of the University. As the Secretary of the English Department Union and an active member of the Dramatics Society of Lady Shri Ram College, she learnt how to be her creative best under pressure. While interning for DNA After Hrs. in Mumbai she analysed popular culture through her interviews with actors, stand-up comics, national network heads and trade analysts. As a Market Research intern for the Bengaluru based start-up Chumbak, she helped the brand strategise and aided its presence in New Delhi, Mumbai and in the virtual domain.

At Vedica, I hope to optimise my managerial skills, widen my perspectives and embark on an incredible journey during the course of 18 months. I find the programme and the opportunity unparalleled as I will undertake a diverse management curriculum that will prepare me for challenging roles across any field I choose to pursue, while being mentored by some of the most inspiring women professionals in the country

Prasanna Rahini has recently graduated in Civil Engineering from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, where she served in various positions in the organising committee of numerous cultural and entrepreneurial events in her college. She has been an Undergraduate Summer Research Fellow at IIT Bombay for two months. She also took the initiative to introduce TEDx into her college, and was the licensee and main organiser of TEDxPSGtech. Apart from this, she cultivates her passion for languages and currently holds an A2 in French.

The unique curriculum and innovativeness of Vedica attracts me to the programme. I believe I will reinvent myself in my journey with Vedica as it will act as an important stage of evolution for women like me

A Masters in Computer Application, Priyanka currently works for Google India through a principal company called Global Logic as a search quality engineer. She has previously worked as a faculty in NIIT, New Delhi. Her problem solving abilities and training skills have inspired many students who voted for her as the ‘Star Faculty’. She has been a Founder Member of the Siddhartha College Development Committee, a Cultural Committee Member as well as a National Cadet Corps (NCC) member. As an NCC member, she had the opportunity to adopt a village near Hyderabad for its overall development and the continuous efforts of her team help the village in meeting basic education, health and sanity needs.

I believe Vedica is going to be valuable for me both as a person and as a professional. Its unique curriculum and the diversity amongst the students of the Founding Class makes it stand out from other programmes

A graduate in Physics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, Saloni is a recipient of the INSPIRE scholarship awarded by the Ministry of Science and Technology. She has been a part of the research project team funded by University of Delhi. She volunteered at Teach for India and actively participated in the Social Service League at St. Stephen’s where she taught underprivileged kids, which reflects her passion for education. After college, she started teaching and mentoring a class of thirty children. She is also passionate about music and has played the lead guitar at musical events in her college.

I’m joining Vedica for its unique curriculum and for the kind of exposure I’ll get from such an extra-ordinary team of professors and mentors. I believe I will gain a lot from the ‘Shadow a Woman CEO’ Programme. I strongly believe that Vedica will equip me with a unique blend of skills and experience and take my career to the next level

Belonging to a small town, Shalini has had limited exposure to the outside world. But she has been determined to use every opportunity to learn new things and improve her knowledge and skill-set. After studying in D.A.V. Centenary Public School, Siwan (Bihar), she completed her B. Tech from Lingaya’s Institute of Management & Technology, Faridabad. She then joined Accenture as a Software Engineer. She believes that working in a technology-based MNC for two years has prepared her to face tough challenges in a high-pressure professional environment.

What has attracted me the most about Vedica are its distinctive multi-disciplinary approach, exemplary faculty and unique curriculum. I believe Vedica will boost my learning experience and provide the right ingredients to fulfilling the successful career that I have envisioned. This is my opportunity to be the change I want to see in the world of management education

Shashiprabha works as a software engineer with a French MNC called Atos. Having grown up in a home that encouraged her interests in language, literature, fine arts as well as sports, she is a voracious reader and a powerful orator. A graduate in Engineering from Mumbai University, she has held the post of Cultural Secretary in her college, and was actively involved with creative and organisational aspects of her college festival. Her entrepreneurial ambitions led her to join a startup called ‘Book Buddy India’ in Mumbai. She describes this as the most enriching experience of her journey yet. It taught her the most fundamental concepts of management on the job, while her current role gives her a global perspective on the corporate world.

Vedica will inspire me to gain knowledge. The ‘Shadow a Woman CEO’ Programme will provide every student with a unique opportunity. Vedica will enable us to experience the challenges of entering the entrepreneurial space in the future

Sheetal is a graduate in B.A (Hons) Social Sciences from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. She was a core team member of a Delhi-based youth organisation called Liberal Youth Forum, working on issues of transparency, democracy, governance, and active citizenship. She has also volunteered for the annual ASER survey by Pratham and been a member of the Amritsar Policy Group, a think-tank affiliated to Atlas Foundation, USA, to sensitise youth on public policies.

Vedica is designed to bridge the very prominent gap between a woman and her workplace, and with its distinct interdisciplinary curriculum, offers us a platform for achieving success professionally, while also focusing on our personal growth. This is why I chose to become a Vedica Scholar and I couldn’t be happier!

A Biotechnology Engineer from Manipal Institute of Technology, Shefali currently works with Brand Conversation a digital marketing start-up. She has equipped herself with the knowledge of various domains by working in various roles during her three years of work experience. She feels this will help her achieve her dream of starting her own animal reserve and e-commerce business, as she is passionate about animal-welfare as well as inbound marketing.

I’m excited about Vedica because its pluridisciplinary curriculum will help me gain a broad foundation of management essentials and give me an exposure to diverse perspectives. Components such as the ‘Taking Charge of Personal Growth’ track would provide actionable feedback to help hone my leadership and interpersonal skills. I’m also looking forward to participating in the ‘Shadow a Woman CEO’ Programme!

After a post-graduate degree from the Institute of Hotel Management, Chandigarh, Shruti has worked in the field of Operations and Sales in some of the top corporations including the Oberoi Group of Hotels, Claridges Hotels & Resorts and Britannia Industries. She has recently re-started her corporate career as a consultant with 9.9 Media after a long sabbatical. She is keen to understand the nuances of running a business and the challenges that women leaders face.

“Vedica for me was an instant yes! Not only does the course curriculum cover my diverse range of interests, but I’m certain that it will push me to achieve excellence in areas of study that are completely new to me

An untiring and motivated graduate from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi University, Siya is a history student with an ever-growing curiosity and thirst for knowledge. She has also worked with Muskaan (New Delhi), a Non-Government Organisation for differently abled adults and takes up voluntary work like working at the Kasauli Leprosarium, all of which have helped her enhance her emotional literacy, patience, and positive outlook. She has a keen interest in reading and literature, and has occasionally written poetry and articles for journals and college magazines. A sense of responsibility was inculcated in her at an early stage, after having represented her batch at Leadership Programmes in school and also being chosen for an educational exchange program to St. Huge’s College, Oxford University, UK. She has often been involved in sports like basketball, hockey and swimming, and has even represented the Himachal Pradesh shooting team at State events. She also likes to take up art projects, discover new places, music and different cultures.

The right learning experience not only helps one keep pace, but gives one the power to drive these changes as well. I believe Vedica would provide me with a platform to acquire skills and knowledge to drive such global changes. The aspect that attracts me the most is the ‘Shadow a Woman CEO’ Programme as there is no better way to learn than being mentored by accomplished industry leaders

An engineering graduate from KIIT University, Smita has explored different horizons as an author, artist and software professional. A best-selling youth fiction writer, she also has significant experience in IT Consulting as a Process Expert in Service Management Domain. She also practices Indian tribal art forms including Madhubani and Warli Arts and holds a copyright for creating a fusion art form. She was selected to represent India in Japan for JENESYS 2010. Smita has also been involved with multiple social sector initiatives including UNESCO and A Nation for Peace where she worked for generating awareness about United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

With so many eminent academics, entrepreneurs and women leaders as the governing body and faculty at Vedica, I believe this will be a launching pad for my career. It is where I will be able to realise my true potential

A commerce graduate from Ramjas College, Srishti currently works at Russell Reynolds Associates. She has been involved in high exposure projects with leading MNCs and conglomerates. She has been a recipient of the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship awarded by MHROD for three consecutive years during her undergraduate programme. She is passionate about fine arts and has won various competitions at the college and university level and has also been actively involved in managing college and department festivals. Apart from this, she also volunteers at Teach for India to help young students studying in low-income schools to develop their creativity and expand their knowledge through art and crafts.

I want to join Vedica because it stands out from others. It will help me understand myself better, realise my strengths and weaknesses and decide whether entrepreneurship is my cup of tea. Also, I get to be a part of the Founding Class which is exciting for me!

A Bachelors in Chemical Engineering from Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, Supriya currently works as a Process Engineer at Reliance India Ltd, Hazira. She has worked as the PR and Media head of the technical festival in her college. She has been the organizer of ‘Yatn’, an energy awareness week, and has actively participated in social drives organised by her college. She is now keen to realise her dream of becoming an entrepreneur.

I want to build my management skills and I am joining Vedica for an enhanced learning experience. I look forward to interacting with and learning from a diverse set of faculty and peers!

With an M.A in Development from Azim Premji University and a B.A. in History from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, Tania is a development professional. She has worked at ARMMAN as a Project Officer for a maternal and infant health project, where she was involved with training women across three districts of rural Maharashtra to be health entrepreneurs, proficient in conducting diagnostic tests on pregnant women and infants. The hard work, grit, determination, and aspirations of these women have greatly inspired her. She currently works for Magic Bus India Foundation, where she develops the health curriculum for its Sport-for-Development programmes.

What has particularly attracted me about the programme is its unique approach to learning, which encompasses varied areas of self-development and emphasizes the power of high impact communication. The essence of Vedica is to groom women to be successful professionals and I feel honored to be associated with this initiative

Vini Sharma is an Economics Graduate from the Symbiosis School of Economics, Pune. After completing her degree, she worked for over two years with Bristlecone, a specialised Supply Chain Consulting firm, where she was involved in project delivery for various multinational corporations. Given her subject proficiency, Vini was also leading the strategic initiative of branding and marketing for the Business Intelligence and Data Analytics Practice, often interfacing with existing and potential clients to demonstrate the value proposition of these next generation solutions. She has also been extensively involved in sports such as tennis and volleyball. She is an avid reader and her interests include environment conservation, which led her to frequently volunteer with Greenpeace India, Pune.

With an aspiration to walk the journey from education to empowerment, I believe Vedica will give me the opportunity to be taught by the best minds in the management world today and to be a part of such an awe-inspiring all-women peer group

A Physics Graduate from Jain University, Bangalore, Visalakshmi Ray joined Wells Fargo as a financial analyst in Home Mortgage. She then started working as a Senior Editor/Media Associate at Indecom Global Services. In 2014, she co-founded iCreo Business Solutions, a Marketing and Business Development and Human Capital Management consulting firm. Her interest lies in Business Intelligence, Business Development and Technology. She’s an avid reader and is trained both in Western Classical and Hindustani Classical vocal music.