Honoree Details

Ananya Birla is a pioneering Indian entrepreneur, musician, and mental health advocate reshaping industries through innovation and impact. At just 17, she founded Svatantra Microfin, now one of India’s largest and fastest-growing microfinance institutions, empowering millions of rural women. She leads multiple ventures spanning fintech, AI (Sophius), and beauty (Birla Cosmetics). A platinum-selling pop artist signed to Universal, Ananya has toured with global stars and broken barriers as the first Indian artist on U.S. top 40 pop radio. Her foundation and initiative MPower have transformed youth mental health access and policy in India. Recognized on Forbes, Fortune, and GQ power lists, Ananya merges creativity with purpose—championing bold, inclusive futures across business, culture, and wellbeing.