In collaboration with Indriya|Aditya Birla Jewellery, the iRise Women’s Day Editions across Bangalore and Hyderabad unfolded as immersive celebrations of ambition, authenticity, and shared strength. Hosted within the refined elegance of Indriya’s thoughtfully curated retail space, the gatherings brought together over 100 inspiring women across two cities, and with them, over 50 deeply personal journeys of resilience, reinvention, and rise.

These were not just meet-ups.

There was an atmosphere, A movement in motion.

Entrepreneurs, educators, doctors, published authors, mental health healers, coaches, nutritionists, policy advocates, beauty and skincare founders, Women Bike Riders, and social impact leaders - women from every sector came together under one roof. Some were building companies. Some were healing communities. Some were influencing governance systems. Some were writing books that shift narratives. Others were stepping into visibility for the very first time.
And in that space, every story was held with intention.

Bangalore Edition: Where Energy Turned Into Sisterhood

The Bangalore celebration carried a vibrant and uplifting energy from the very beginning. As women entered the space, there was excitement, but also curiosity. Conversations began gently, introductions were exchanged, and slowly the room transformed into something powerful.As stories unfolded on stage, you could feel the shift.

There were moments of laughter when journeys of reinvention were shared. There were quiet nods of understanding when challenges were spoken about openly. There were pauses, the kind that signal reflection - when vulnerability entered the room.

What made the evening truly memorable was not just the storytelling but the way it was received.
Women leaned forward. They listened deeply. They applauded not just achievements, but courage.

By the end of the evening, something organic had happened. Groups had formed naturally. Business cards were exchanged not out of obligation, but out of genuine alignment. Like-minded founders found one another. Doctors connected with wellness experts. Authors met coaches. Nutritionists spoke with mental health advocates. Conversations moved from “What do you do?” to “How can we grow together?”

Some left with collaboration ideas.
Some left with mentorship connections.
Many left with new friendships.

The feedback that followed was overwhelming. Several attendees expressed how eager they are to participate in future iRise events, sharing that the platform felt inclusive, empowering, and purposeful.

It was not networking.
It was the sense of belonging.

Hyderabad Edition

Three Days. Countless Stories.

Two Powerful Keynotes That Moved the Room.

The Hyderabad Women’s Day celebration unfolded across three impactful days, each layered with emotion, reflection, and powerful dialogue.

From the opening sessions, there was a palpable depth in the room. Women didn’t just attend… they engaged. They reflected. They shared.

Stories emerged from every corner of experience, doctors speaking about balancing caregiving with clinical responsibility, authors sharing how writing became healing, coaches speaking about rebuilding confidence, founders recounting their early struggles, and advocates highlighting systemic change.

There were moments of strong applause.
There were moments of complete silence.
There were moments where emotion was visible in teary eyes, in thoughtful pauses, in standing ovations.

A meaningful highlight of the Hyderabad edition was the felicitation of previous iRise speakers in honor of Women’s Day. It was a powerful moment of recognition, celebrating women who continue to create impact long after stepping off the stage.

Equally powerful was the presence of first-time storytellers. For many women, this was their first experience sharing their journey publicly. The courage with which they spoke added authenticity and freshness to the platform. The room responded not with judgment, but with empathy and encouragement.

It felt safe.
It felt transformative.
It felt necessary.

Keynote Spotlight: Rohini Naidu

Founder & Director, The Girl Foundation (TGF)

Working at the intersection of gender policy, institutional governance, and social impact, Rohini Naidu brought depth and clarity to the Hyderabad edition.

Through her work, she advises corporates, educational institutions, and public bodies on:

· Workplace harassment prevention (POSH)

· Child protection & POCSO awareness

· Institutional safeguarding architecture

· Period equity & menstrual dignity initiatives

· SDG 3 & SDG 5 aligned implementation

Her mission is simple yet powerful: strengthening institutions where dignity is non-negotiable.

Beyond policy frameworks and governance models, it was her personal journey that deeply resonated with the audience. As she shared the experiences that shaped her path, the room grew still. Her story was heartfelt and layered, a reminder that systemic reform begins with lived conviction.

It was not just informative but also deeply human.

Keynote Spotlight: Priyanka Kamath

Founder & CEO, 100 GIGA
Stanford BASS’23 | Ex-World Bank (IFC) | Ex-PepsiCo
Recognized among the Top 100 Women in AI & Blockchain Globally

“Greatness comes not from a position, but from helping build the future.” — Indra Nooyi

Priyanka Kamath embodied this philosophy with clarity and courage.

An AI ecosystem builder for India, with girls at the center of technological advancement, Priyanka has worked across global institutions including the World Bank (IFC), Novartis, and PepsiCo — building enterprise-grade platforms impacting applications worth over $600M in market value.

Her keynote challenged the audience to think beyond titles and toward responsibility. She spoke about designing responsible, bias-aware AI systems and ensuring that innovation remains equitable and inclusive.

Her energy was visionary yet grounded.
Her message was bold yet necessary.

She invited the room to think not just about success, but about legacy.

The Indriya Experience: Where Craft Meets Contemporary Elegance

The collaboration with Indriya, launched in July 2024 by the Aditya Birla Group, elevated the entire celebration with sophistication and intentionality.

A premium new-age jewellery brand, Indriya derives its name from Sanskrit, representing the five senses. Its insignia, a graceful female gazelle, symbolizes beauty, elegance, and strength — values that mirrored the spirit of iRise.

With over 20,000 curated designs across gold, diamond, and polki collections, including 8,000+ exclusive in-house creations… Indriya blends heritage craftsmanship with contemporary versatility. From everyday elegance to bridal grandeur, the brand reflects the multifaceted modern woman.

The retail space offered an immersive experience, complete with in-store stylists and dedicated bridal lounges. Many speakers and attendees admired the intricate detailing, statement pieces, and timeless designs, appreciating how seamlessly tradition and innovation coexisted.

Indriya’s commitment to trust through BIS-hallmarked gold, certified diamonds, a transparent buyback program, and a one-year warranty reinforces its vision of becoming one of India’s top jewellery retailers, with plans to expand to 100 stores by FY2026.

The setting did more than host the event , it enhanced it.
It created an ambiance that was refined yet warm, luxurious yet welcoming.

Strength, adorned with grace.

A Platform That Continues to Rise

Across two cities, three days, and over 50 voices, one truth became clear:

Women are ready for platforms that amplify real stories.

The emotional moments, the bonds formed, the collaborations sparked, and the overwhelming enthusiasm to return reflect the growing impact of iRise by Upshot Brand Media.

This Women’s Day was not simply observed.

It was experienced.

It was shared.

It was felt.

And the rise continues.

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