- FLO Hyderabad event highlights women leadership and India’s transformation
- Navika Kumar shares insights on women workforce and leadership
Hyderabad: FLO Hyderabad hosted its annual event titled “Viksit Bharat 2047 – Women Leading India’s Transformation” to celebrate women’s leadership and grassroots impact. The special Women’s Day evening took place at Pradhan Conventions in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. The event brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, and members to celebrate women’s contributions to India’s growth story.
The evening featured a conversation with chief guest Navika Kumar, Group Editor-in-Chief of Times Now and Times Now Navbharat. The discussion was moderated by Sita Pallacholla, CEO of We Hub, and Prathibha Kunda, Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad.
Navika Kumar discusses women leadership and workforce participation
During the conversation, Navika Kumar shared insights from her journey in journalism and leadership. She spoke about her early career and professional growth. “I never planned anything; I simply went with the flow. I was a girl from a small village in Bihar who moved to Mumbai to work with a financial newspaper and later to Delhi,” she said. “Today, I am the first woman to head two national news channels. Delhi was a very competitive space, but I focused on giving my best. Many believed I wouldn’t last more than a few months, but here I am — more than twenty years later and still going strong. If a girl from a small village in Bihar can do it, so can you.”
She also spoke about women’s participation in the workforce and the need for greater inclusion. “Women constitute nearly 50% of the population, yet only about 27% participate in economic activity. This must change. Each one of us should help bring at least one more woman into the workforce,” she said. She added that women must raise their voices on issues that concern them. “Women are great balancers. They balance things well,” she said.
FLO Hyderabad initiatives highlight education, skills and artisan support
Meanwhile, the discussion also touched on women’s representation in politics. Navika Kumar expressed hope regarding the implementation of the 30% reservation bill. She also stressed that political opportunities should go beyond family members of existing politicians.
She later encouraged young entrepreneurs to remain bold and ambitious. “Have hunger in your stomach. Take risks, break barriers, and redefine possibilities,” she said. She also urged women to engage with emerging sectors. “Women should actively participate in the AI revolution, technology, and financial planning. These are critical areas shaping the future.”
The event also highlighted the work of FLO Hyderabad during the year. Under its education initiative, the organisation reached 4,187 students through programmes on digital literacy, financial literacy, communication skills, and AI awareness. These programmes aim to equip young women with essential life and professional skills.
Meanwhile, the skilling initiative impacted 2,026 women by offering practical training in vocational skills. A skill centre was also set up at Bhongir earlier in the year to support this effort.
FLO Hyderabad also presented its work on reviving Dokra, the ancient lost wax metal casting tradition from Adilabad. Through collaboration with artisans from five villages, the initiative generated ₹15 lakh in direct income for more than 300 artisans. The project includes documentation, a design catalogue, policy advocacy through a white paper, and an MoU with the ITDA in Utnoor to continue support for artisans.
Prathibha Kunda, Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad, spoke about the organisation’s vision. She said, “When we speak about Viksit Bharat, we often talk about infrastructure, technology, and economic growth. But the real foundation of a developed nation is people—and especially women who are given the chance to learn, earn, and lead. At FLO Hyderabad, we see this transformation up close. A young student discovering her confidence, an artisan reviving a heritage craft, or a woman starting to earn from a skill she never imagined she had—these are the moments that truly define progress. For us, empowerment is not a slogan. It is the quiet, steady work of opening doors so that thousands of women can walk through them with dignity.”
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
