“When women believe in themselves and speak up, they reshape narratives, reclaim spaces and reimagine futures.” These powerful words by actor, filmmaker, and social advocate Nandita Das echoed through the Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir Auditorium in Bandra, Mumbai, as Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) hosted an inspiring symposium titled “Women Who Believe Are the Women Who Build” on July 23, 2025. TheGlitz reports…
BSG Advocates Peace & More
Curated by BSG, an organization dedicated to peace, culture, education, and sustainability, the event brought together over 650 attendees from academia, corporate leadership, arts, literature, homemakers, and students. In a society where women are often expected to nurture and support from the sidelines, the symposium powerfully reimagined that role, not as secondary, but as foundational to change.
Five pioneering women shared deeply personal and powerful insights from their lives, each illustrating the core message of the evening: self-belief is the cornerstone of transformation, not only for oneself, but for society at large.
Speak up! Says Nandita Das
Leading the constellation of speakers was the eloquent Nandita Das. With grace and conviction, she highlighted how the act of believing in oneself can rewrite the status quo. “When women believe in themselves and speak up,” she said, “They reshape narratives, reclaim spaces and reimagine futures with courage and empathy, building a world that is inclusive, compassionate and just.”
Financial Crusader For Rural Women
Equally compelling was the voice of Ms. Chetna Gala Sinha, founder and chairperson of Mann Deshi Bank & Foundation. A financial crusader for rural women, she shared, “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.” Her words offered a stark reminder that empowerment isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline.
Creating Societal Change
Prof. Anjana Sharma, Head of the Department of English at the University of Delhi, brought an academic lens to the conversation, saying, “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.” Her words were both poetic and provocative, a call to awaken the sleeping strength in every woman.
Anchored Ably By Tillotama Shome
The evening’s discussions were seamlessly anchored by moderator Ms. Tillotama Shome, actor and producer, who brought both empathy and urgency to the conversation. “Patriarchy thrives in our silence,” she said. “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.”
Building A New World
Ms. Rashi Ahuja, Director, BSG, opened the symposium with a heartfelt address: “Together, let us build a world where every woman who believes… is supported, celebrated, and unstoppable.” And as the evening came to a close, Chairperson of BSG, Mr. Vishesh Gupta, delivered a moving finale. “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.”
Indeed, the event was a powerful statement that celebrated resilience, elevated the power of voice, and spotlighted the indomitable spirit of women who believe not just in themselves, but in each other.
About Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG)
BSG is committed to fostering peace, happiness, and sustainability by empowering individuals. With over 290,000 members across 600 Indian towns and cities, BSG organizes initiatives under its banner ‘BSG for SDG’, focusing on individual-driven action toward the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. With the motto “Towards 2030: Achieving SDGs through Sustainable Human Behaviour,” BSG continues to create a culture where no life is left behind.
