Four Indian Women Shine in BBC 100 Women 2023 List

Introduction:

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) recently unveiled its 11th edition of the BBC 100 Women list for 2023, featuring inspiring and influential women from various fields around the world. This prestigious list is categorized into Culture and Education, Entertainment and Sport, Politics and Advocacy, and Science, Health, and Tech. The BBC 100 Women 2023 list not only recognizes the achievements of these four Indian women but also highlights their significant contributions in diverse fields, inspiring others around the globe. The inclusion of a ‘Climate Pioneers’ category underscores the importance of women leading the charge against the climate crisis, with Arati Kumar-Rao representing India on this front. BBC 100 Women 2023 which includes four Indian women viz. Actress Dia Mirza, Cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, Photographer Arati Kumar­Rao, and Tibetan Buddhist nun Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo.

Entertainment & Sport Category:

Harmanpreet Kaur:

• Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian Women’s National Cricket Team in all three formats, was recognized in the Entertainment & Sport category.
• In May 2023, she achieved the distinction of being named one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year.
• Leading the Mumbai Indians to victory in the inaugural Women’s Premier League in March 2023 showcased her leadership prowess.
• Under her captaincy, India secured a Gold Medal in Cricket at the 2022 Asian Games and a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
• Kaur holds the record for leading in the most number of T20I matches (100), sharing the milestone with Australia’s Meg Lanning.
• She made history in 2016 by becoming the first Indian player to sign a Big Bash League contract with the Sydney Thunders.

Dia Mirza:

• Dia Mirza, an award-winning actress, has been actively involved in social and environmental causes.
• Honored as UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador in 2017, she has also served as a brand ambassador for the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).
• Mirza’s commitment extends to being an ambassador for Save the Children, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, and a board member of the Sanctuary Nature Foundation.
• In 2022, she received the ‘Mother Teresa Memorial Award’ from the then Governor of Maharashtra, Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

Culture and Education Category:

3. Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo:

• Tenzin Palmo, born in Hertfordshire, England, is a renowned author, teacher, and founder of the Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery in Himachal Pradesh, India.
• Spending 12 years in a remote Himalayan cave, including three in rigorous meditation retreats, she holds the title of Jetsunma (Venerable Master) since 2008.
• Palmo is recognized as one of the first Westerners ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun.
• Author of books such as “Into the Heart of Life” and “Reflections On A Mountain Lake: Teachings on Practical Buddhism.”

Climate Pioneers Category:

4. Arati Kumar-Rao:

• Arati Kumar-Rao, an independent photographer and National Geographic Explorer, is dedicated to capturing the impact of environmental degradation on biodiversity.
• She is currently working on documenting forced human migration in India with a National Geographic grant.
• Kumar-Rao’s debut book, “Marginlands: Indian Landscapes On The Brink,” has been shortlisted at the TataLitLive! Awards 2023 for first book, non-fiction.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: 

Q2.  In 2022, what award did Dia Mirza receive, and who presented it to her?

Solution: Dia Mirza received the ‘Mother Teresa Memorial Award’ in 2022, presented by the then Governor of Maharashtra, Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

Q3.  Mention two organizations Dia Mirza has been associated with in her commitment to social and environmental causes.

Solution: Dia Mirza has served as a brand ambassador for the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Save the Children.

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