It's the birthday of three exceptional Indian women, each of whom for me represent very different facets of strength and resolve in the face of adversity. And make me think again about how many heroines we have in this country!

First up Ela Bhatt, a Gandhian, who in 1972 started the Self Employed Women's Organization. SEWA, 16 lacs strong is the largest organization of informal workers worldwide & a huge support to many women working in the informal sector. Ela started as a lawyer, but did so much more!

Next up, the daughter of an Indian freedom fighter, the great-granddaughter of a Chinese Gandhian, and an ace badminton player. Jwala Gutta won a doubles gold in the 2010 CWG, a bronze in the WC & and an Arjuna Award. And is ever ready to battle for her causes.

And the third, the amazing Neerja Bhanot, whose heroism on Panam Flight 73, hijacked in Karachi in 1986, saved scores of life at the cost of her own. Neerja is one of the few people to win both the Ashok Chakra & the Tamgha-e-Pakistan for her bravery. & an inspiration to so many