The jury of Divya Dutta, Sussanne Khan, and Manya Singh selected four women entrepreneurs for 'Moha: Stand on Your Feet' and distributed cash amounts

‘Stand on your Feet’ initiative by Charak Pharma’s ‘Moha’ towards women upliftment:

Society has changed a lot in the last few years. On one hand, there is a lot of talk about 'women upliftment' and 'Beti Padhao Beti Bachao', on the other hand even today women are becoming victims of exploitation. A few days ago, when a woman fell from a train at Mumbai's suburban railway station, there were very few hands raised to help her, but thousands of men were eager to make a video of her. Is this the respect of women? Is this how women will be uplifted? Every person should think seriously about this. In a similar society, “Charak Pharma”, which has been trying to keep the country healthy and fit through Ayurvedic medicines for 76 years, has taken a new initiative through its Moha. The ‘Moha: Stand on your Feet’ initiative was launched in 2022. Three emerging women entrepreneurs/women who have just started their start-up businesses and have taken steps to bring change in society and women's world and help women will help them by selecting three women entrepreneurs on the basis of their work. Or has started the work of giving cash as a reward? This amount will help the winning women entrepreneurs to further their business. Last year the amount was two lakh, five lakh and ten lakh rupees. But keeping in mind the rising inflation and other factors, this time this amount was increased to Rs 5 lakh, 10 lakh, and 15 lakh. The winners are not selected by ‘Charak Pharma’ company or ‘Moha’ itself but by a three-member jury panel. For this, women entrepreneurs themselves have to apply to participate in the competition.

The government has advocated providing many facilities under 'Start-Up'. Yet women entrepreneurs face specific difficulties. However, the ‘MOHA: Stand on Your Feet’ Initiative has changed the game by providing unwavering support to these determined women. Its focus is on initial capital, guidance as well as generous donations amounting to Rs. ₹15 Lakhs this initiative is specifically designed to help women entrepreneurs achieve their goals and pave the way for their success.

This time on November 2, 2023, ten selected women entrepreneurs from every corner of the country were called to Mumbai and they told about their work in front of the jury at the JK Banquet. This time the jury included actress Divya Dutta, founder of 'The Charcoal Project' and Hrithik Roshan's ex-wife Sussanne Khan, and 2020 'Femina Miss India winner' Manya Singh. Rebecca Perera and Jhalak Shah from Mumbai, Fatima Dalal from Rajasthan, Gayatri Varun from Delhi, Shrutika Bagul from Nagpur, Diksha Pandey from Kanpur, Prema C from Coimbatore, and Meher Minocha from Ahmedabad and Jasmine Kaur from Himachal Pradesh presented their works before this jury. Gave a presentation regarding the same. Shaktivarshini of Chennai could not come, so she gave her presentation through video. Each female entrepreneur described her business growth plan as well as her business concept and the positive impact she hopes to make. On that basis, the jury members evaluated them to ensure that the most worthy and promising enterprises get the support they need.

After serious brainstorming, the jury members selected Diksha Pandey of Kanpur as the first winner of Rs 15 lakh, Gayatri Varun as the second winner of Rs 10 lakh, and Jasmine Kaur as the third winner of Rs 5 lakh. But the jury felt that Mumbai's Jhalak Shah should also be given something as an incentive. On this, the jury discussed with Dr. Ram H Sharma, Director of 'Charak Pharma'. Then, from this year onwards, an incentive award of Rs 1 lakh was started, which gave Shah a glimpse of Mumbai. Later, Divya Dutta, Sussanne Khan, and Manya Singh announced the names of the winners and distributed the awards with their own hands.

Dr. Ram H. Shroff, Director, Charak Pharma, said, “Charak Pharma, a leader in Ayurveda for 76 years, has witnessed business dynamics in India. In a male-dominated entrepreneurial era, we want to be the wave of change and empower women to be financially independent. With this thought in mind, we brought the second edition of ‘Moha’ “Stand on your Feet 2023”. This time the jury of Divya Dutta, Susan Khan, and Manya Singh selected the winners after seeing their work. We respected the advice of the jury and gave an additional award of Rs 1 lakh to an emerging female entrepreneur. While we inspire every woman to dream and help them come true, we also do our part to help them stand on their feet. Let us help from some side. Our aim is to contribute to the upliftment of every woman. Be it giving cash prize money or giving medicines.

Empowerment is the core of Moha's initiative. By supporting women entrepreneurs with mentorship and seed capital, it provides them with the tools they need to turn their ideas into reality. This initiative recognizes the immense potential of every woman. By providing financial and support for guidance, it opens the door for women to succeed.

After selecting the award-winning women entrepreneurs and distributing the awards to them, Divya Dutta said, "In the environment, we are living in these days, on one hand, when a woman falls on the road or railway platform, people use her for their entertainment. People make a reel and walk away, but no one comes forward to help her. In such an environment, if any person or company steps forward to help someone, then it cannot be appreciated enough. I want to thank ‘Moha’ that they have taken such an initiative. Providing financial independence to a woman, helping her to progress in her business, and making her stand on her own feet is a very beautiful initiative. I am happy that I was present as a judge in this noble cause and our decision was given by Dr., Director of Moha and Charak. Ram H Shroff accepted.”

The second judge and 2020 Femina Miss India winner Manya Singh said, "I came here as a judge, but my main objective was not to judge anyone for their work, but to understand how women do all this." Now you see, our first winner, Deeksha Pandey, comes from a village in Uttar Pradesh. She lived her dream on the strength of her passion and has reached this position. So Moha also invited people not only from big cities but also from villages and worked to give wings to their dreams. I believe that when we move women forward, our country also moves forward.”

-Shantiswarup Tripathi