cover story
Sheroes
At Work
This International Women’s Day, we highlight the inspiring stories of women from diverse fields at the Adani Group. These remarkable individuals are not just making their mark; they are driving meaningful change and leaving a lasting legacy at Adani.
Sneha T S
The Adani Group stands resolute in its global commitment to advancing gender equality, driven by a profound sense of obligation to create an inclusive world for women. As the world observes International Women’s Day on 8 Mar 2025, this year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ stresses on the imperative for swift and collective action to bridge the pervasive gender divide. With gender parity projected to be realised only by 2158 at the current trajectory, the urgency for transformative change is undeniable.
At the forefront of this mission, the Adani Group remains in its pursuit of dismantling barriers and supporting women on a global scale. Its initiatives are centered around cultivating economic opportunities, expanding leadership prospects and spearheading innovation. The Group prioritises the recruitment, retention and development of diverse talent, with a particular focus on elevating women within pivotal sectors such as leadership, business, law, food security and sustainability.
Strength In Equity
Vishakha Sawlapurkar
Head Performance, Rewards & Workforce Planning, Group HR-Compensation & Benefits
“Women are already empowered if they get the right opportunities and equal chances.”
Vishakha Sawlapurkar is a strong advocate for equality and fairness in the workplace. She believes that women are already empowered when given equal opportunities and the right environment to succeed. “I hate the term 'women empowerment,’” she says with conviction. “Women are already empowered if they get the right opportunities and equal chances. Society often views men’s assertiveness as confidence, but when a woman shows the same traits, it’s wrongly perceived as aggression. This is a perception that needs to change.”
Her views are reflected in Adani Group’s policies, which are dedicated to providing equal opportunities and creating a supportive environment where women can thrive
HR policies of Adani Group support an inclusive and fair workplace. “The Group is committed to creating a platform where young women can openly talk about their career aspirations and growth,” she says.
“Women are being hired at various levels across different functions. Our company’s approach is designed to create an environment where women professionals can flourish.” she added.
She emphasied on the company's robust maternity policy “The company offers statutory maternity leave of six months , followed by the option to work from home for a few months if needed. This allows women to care for their families without feeling guilty about their career. When they return, they know their identity at work remains intact,” she explains, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting women’s needs both at work and at home.
Ms Sawlapurkar is also proud to highlight the company’s commitment to pay equity.
"In a preliminary analysis, we found that female employees at Adani are paid equitably to their male counterparts," she shares.
She appreciates Adani Group’s inclusive and supportive HR policies, which cultivate a workplace where women are treated as equals, their contributions are valued, and they are given the opportunity to succeed without limits.
‘She’-etal For Change
Sheetal Patel
CSR Unit-Head, Hazira
“Priti ma’am is a strong leader, embodying the power of women supporting women.”
In 2002, Gujarat was still healing from the aftermath of the catastrophic earthquake. Amidst the rubble and despair, a young Sheetal Patel, with a master’s in social work, arrived at the relief camps in Kutch for her first project. Despite her formal education, it was here, amidst the overwhelming suffering, that she discovered her true calling: to serve those whose voices are often unheard.
For the past 14 years, she has been an integral part of the Adani Foundation, leading impactful initiatives to address pressing social issues. As Senior Project Officer for Malnutrition Projects, she took charge of the SuPoshan initiative in Narmada, a district in Gujarat plagued by severe malnutrition. The project, in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat, aimed to reach over 500,000 beneficiaries, focusing on behaviour change and raising awareness to combat alarming statistics, such as 53% of children under five being underweight.
She has worked with over 40,000 beneficiaries, particularly within tribal communities, where reliance on unqualified "quacks" for healthcare posed a major challenge. “Convincing communities to move away from unproven practices and embrace proper healthcare was difficult," she recalls.
The support from the Adani Foundation was crucial to her success. “The Foundation allowed me to experiment with innovative methods and provided the freedom to drive meaningful change," she says. "Priti ma’am is a strong leader, embodying the power of women supporting women.”
Now leading the CSR Unit at Hazira, Ms Patel continues her work with the same passion, focusing on positive societal change . Her dedication remains a powerful example of leadership in social service and public health.
Real-ty Check: Give Women The Power
Kinnari Vyas
Senior Manager- Legal, RERA, Adani Estates Management
“I felt like just a survivor then, now I feel like an achiever”
From the serene expanse of Meadows —Adani Group's very first realty project, Kinnari Vyas has witnessed the remarkable transformation of Adani Shantigram into a thriving residential community.
Her journey reflects this evolution, shifting from uncertainty to empowerment. “I felt like just a survivor then, now I feel like an achiever,” she recalls, reflecting on the years following her husband's passing eight years ago. At that time, Ms Vyas was not only grappling with the loss of her partner but also the responsibility of raising her son as a single parent. Yet, through this challenging period, the unconditional support from Adani Group became her lifeline, steering her toward a renewed sense of purpose and helping her navigate the complexities of both personal and professional life.
Despite not having a formal legal background, she has become a trusted expert in RERA compliance, often mistaken for a lawyer due to her extensive knowledge. She now manages finance, operations, compliance, collections and banking for both the commercial and residential sectors of Adani Realty, ensuring that all activities meet the stringent requirements of the RERA Act of 2016. “Precision is paramount; when dealing with bankers and legal entities, accuracy is non-negotiable,” she asserts. Her work demands meticulous attention to detail that every project adheres to regulatory frameworks, fostering trust and transparency in her work as the Single Point of Contact for the Gujarat region.
Ms Vyas’s impact extends beyond her operational responsibilities. She is a member of the Internal Complaints Committee.
Once mentored by Sunil Sharma, Ms Vyas has blossomed into a leader in her own right. She not only manages complex projects but also plays a pivotal role in organising events that connect female colleagues across the organisation, helping foster an environment of collaboration and support. Her journey from survivor to achiever is a powerful narrative of resilience, determination, and leadership. She was also the face of the Adani One app, the one-stop travel solution that seamlessly integrates various services to fit every need.
Ms Vyas’s journey is a testament to the commitment of Adani Group in fostering future leaders. Through its dedicated initiatives, the Group provides strong support to women like her, demonstrating that with the right opportunities, no obstacle is insurmountable.
The ‘Wind’ Beneath Her Wings
Jaya Chanchalani
Product Manager-Adani Wind
“At Adani, I’ve never felt limited by my gender. It's always been about what I bring to the team.”
Women in the renewable energy sector are making remarkable strides, and the journey of Jaya Chanchalani showcases the incredible impact of the Adani Group in nurturing talent and driving innovation. Her success reflects not just her dedication to sustainability but also the strong support, resources, and opportunities provided by the Adani Group.
Under the guidance of Adani Group’s leadership, Ms Chanchlani worked alongside a skilled and dedicated team to bring a visionary wind turbine project to life. The collaborative efforts and expertise of the entire team helped take the concept from the drawing board to prototype development, culminating in the turbines entering serial production. These turbines are now deployed in Khavda, the world’s largest renewable energy park, marking a major milestone for Adani Group in the global renewable energy landscape. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the turbines we developed being deployed in such an important project,” she reflects, recognising the collective effort of everyone at Adani Group who played a role in this success.
Now, in her new role as Product Manager, Ms Chanchlani is proud of the Adani Group’s continued commitment to driving the future of renewable energy, the development of 3.3 MW wind turbines. She is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the company’s vision of sustainable energy innovation. “At Adani, the focus is on creating groundbreaking solutions, and it's motivating to be part of a team that’s shaping the future of wind energy,” she shares.
Throughout her career, Ms Chanchlani has always felt supported by the inclusive culture at Adani Group, where the emphasis has been on ideas, teamwork, and collaboration. “At Adani, I’ve never felt limited by my gender. It's always been about what I bring to the team,” she says. She also credits the mentorship and leadership of figures like Vneet Jaain, MD- Adani Green Energy and Milind Kulkarni –CEO, Adani New Industries, whose guidance has been instrumental in providing opportunities for growth and success within the company.
Ms Chanchlani’s story is not just one of individual success but also a reflection of the collaborative environment at Adani Group.
Leading With Law
Parul Patel
Associate General Manager – Legal,Adani Ports And SEZ
“Adani Group’s commitment to diversity and women in leadership has been instrumental in my growth.”
Adani Group has provided professionals like Parul Patel, a legal expert at Adani Ports and SEZ, with the platform to excel across key sectors such as renewable energy, real estate, and ports.
In her current role, she oversees complex legal matters, providing strategic legal guidance on mergers and acquisitions, drafting and reviewing contracts, and managing financing documents. Her work ensures legal compliance across large-scale infrastructure projects, mitigating risks and facilitating strategic growth.
She says, “Adani Group’s commitment to diversity and women in leadership has been instrumental in my growth. Through mentorship, leadership training, and flexible work policies, the company creates an environment where women can truly thrive and make meaningful contributions.”
At Adani Group, women in law are provided with the support and opportunities to excel, driving decision-making and leading the transformation of industries such as infrastructure and renewable energy. The Group recognises that supporting women in law is crucial for bringing diverse perspectives, fostering innovation, and ensuring leadership that reflects the multifaceted nature of today’s global business environment
Her role has evolved significantly, initially centered on corporate law and later transitioning to focus on mergers and acquisitions within the international ports sector.
Adani Group envisions a future where women thrive across all sectors, driving growth in industries and communities. With a focus on equal opportunity and innovation, the company supports women’s success, creating a diverse workforce that drives business growth and societal impact, in line with its "Growth with Goodness" philosophy.