An evening of ideas, inspiration, and meaningful dialogue unfolded in Lucknow as The Write Circle welcomed author, poet, and former banker Shinjini Kumar for a thought-provoking conversation with Kanak Rekha Chauhan, Ehsaas Woman of Lucknow. The session explored the aspirations, challenges, and successes of women entrepreneurs from Middle India, offering audiences a compelling look at the individuals transforming their communities through innovation, resilience, and enterprise.
Drawing from her book Busy Women: Building Commerce and Culture in Middle India, Kumar reflected on the remarkable journeys of women who are driving change beyond India’s metropolitan centres. The conversation highlighted how entrepreneurship is reshaping lives and communities in smaller cities and towns, while also examining the cultural, social, and economic realities that influence these journeys. Through stories of determination and leadership, the discussion shed light on a rapidly evolving India that often remains underrepresented in mainstream narratives.
Combining a distinguished career in finance with a passion for storytelling, Shinjini Kumar has spent nearly three decades shaping India’s banking and financial services landscape. Her professional journey has taken her from the Reserve Bank of India and Citibank to leadership roles at PWC India, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and Paytm Payments Bank, where she served as the founding CEO. Today, she is also a start-up co-founder and author. Her debut book, Busy Women: Building Commerce and Culture in Middle India, chronicles the remarkable stories of women entrepreneurs transforming India’s smaller cities and towns.
The evening began with a welcome address by Deepa Mishra, Ehsaas Woman of Lucknow, followed by an introduction to the Prabha Khaitan Foundation by Madhuri Halwasiya, Honorary Convenor of Awadh Affairs and Ehsaas Woman of Lucknow. The audience remained deeply engaged throughout the session, contributing to a vibrant exchange of ideas and perspectives around entrepreneurship, leadership, and social change.
As a token of appreciation, Shinjini Kumar was felicitated by Vandana Sehgal with traditional Jaipuri puppets, celebrating India’s rich artistic heritage. The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dimple Trivedi, Ehsaas Woman of Lucknow.
This session was organized with the support of the Ehsaas Women of Lucknow, in association with B.P. Halwasiya Foundation, hospitality partner Taj Mahal Lucknow, and media partner Dainik Jagran
