The opening day of the HRD Conclave 2025 on the theme ‘Exploring New Horizons – From Solidarity to Success’ at NDDB, Anand brought together women professionals from dairy cooperatives, milk producer organisations, NDDB & its subsidiaries and partner institutions for discussions on leadership and empowerment. Ms. Mirai Chatterjee @miraichatterjee , MD, @SEWAFed , highlighted SEWA’s journey of sisterhood, the contributions of pioneers like Ela Ben Bhatt and Annsuiya Sarabhai, and the need for organisations that address women’s essential needs. She emphasised the role of cooperatives in protecting women workers and the importance of capacity building as technology evolves in the dairy sector. Ms. Chhavi Rajawat @ChhaviRajawat_ , former Sarpanch of Soda, Tonk, Rajasthan, shared her experience of grassroots governance and community mobilisation, focusing on water management, reservoir revival and the use of crowdfunding to support drought-prone regions. Miss Arundhati Katju, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India @indSupremeCourt , spoke virtually on breaking glass ceilings, inclusive leadership, goal-setting and creating supportive workplaces. She stressed financial planning, career clarity, overcoming imposter syndrome and the value of strong mentor–mentee relationships.