The Famous Firsts

Throughout history, female pioneers have changed our world for the better. They’ve fought for equal rights, demanded equal treatment and boldly charted new territory in politics, business, music, movies, sports, literature, science, and beyond.

Below are a few of the memorable firsts accomplished by some of these iconic and inspiring women.

BAJENDRI PAL:

Holds the record of being the first Indian woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest (1984). She has won numerous awards for contribution, including the Padma Shri and the National Adventure Award.

DEEPA MALIK:

she is India's first female para-athlete to win a medal at the Paralympics (Rio 2016, shot put). She is also an established javelin thrower, open water swimmer and a car rallyist.

ADITI PANT:

She is a renowned oceanographer and the first Indian woman to reach Antarctica. She is a recipient of the Antarctica award given by the Government of India for her contribution to the program.

Dr. ASHA PANDE:

She is the first Indian woman to receive the Legion d' honneur (2010). she is most noted for promoting the French language in India.

PV SINDHU:

she is the first Indian female badminton player to win an Olympic silver medal (Rio 2016). Her awards include the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Padma Shri, and Arjuna award.

NEERU CHADHA:

she is an eminent lawyer and first Indian woman to be appointed as a judge in the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for a 9-year term 2016-2017.

CAPTAIN RADHIKA MENON:

she is India's first female merchant Navy Captain and the winner of the award for 'Exceptional Bravery at Sea'(2016) instituted by the Maritime Organisation.

DIANA EDULJI:

She was the first ODI captain of the first ever women's cricket team in India. She holds the record for delivering the most number of balls by any woman cricketer in test history.

BULA CHOUDHURY:

she is the first woman to swim across sea channels of 5 continents- The Strait of Gibraltar, the Tyrrhenian Sea, Cook Strait, Toroneos Gulf, the Catalina Channel and from the Three Anchor Bay to Robben Island.

CHITRA RAMAKRISHNA:

She is the first woman managing director and Chief Executive Officer of the National stock exchange. She is regarded as one of the top business leaders in the world.

DIPA KARMAKAR:

She is the first Indian female gymnast ever to compete in the Olympics (Rio 2016). She is a recipient of Padma Shri and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.

TESSY THOMAS:

She is the first woman scientist to head a missile project in India. She played key roles in many strategic projects including Agni 5 and is a recipient of Lal Bahadur Shastri National award.