Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of 30 Women in Power by Naina Lal Kidwai

You know those moments when you pick up a book hoping it will stir something deep within you? That’s exactly how I felt when I reached for 30 Women in Power. With a title so bold and a curator like Naina Lal Kidwai—India’s trailblazing banker and a woman who shattered more than a few glass ceilings—I expected to be blown away.

The idea is noble: tell the stories of women who’ve climbed the highest ladders in their fields, outside the glamour of Bollywood, and make them accessible to us. But did it truly deliver? Well… yes and no.

The book brings together short, essay-style accounts of thirty Indian women who’ve risen to leadership roles in fields ranging from science and law to banking and healthcare. From Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who famously started Biocon in a garage, to Zia Mody, who shaped India’s corporate law landscape, these women have, no doubt, left a mark.

But here's the thing—many of the stories read like polished LinkedIn bios or keynote introductions. While some dive into deeply personal journeys, others barely scratch the surface. I often found myself wanting more—more vulnerability, more challenges, more real talk.

Naina Lal Kidwai’s curation is crisp and to the point. The language is simple, clear, and accessible, which works well if you're looking for a quick read or a motivational snack. However, for those of us craving the emotional textures and intimate moments that truly define a journey, the prose might feel too measured, even rehearsed at times.

Let’s talk about the women themselves. They’re accomplished. They’re powerful. And they’ve earned their place in this book. But many come from privileged backgrounds—bureaucratic families, Ivy League degrees, mentors in high places. That’s not to say they didn’t work hard (they did), but their starting lines were far ahead of most Indian women.

Two profiles really stood out to me: Ms. Iyer and Ms. Kochar. There was honesty, a rawness in their accounts that made me pause. Their stories felt lived in, not just listed.

The book follows a straightforward format—each woman gets her space to tell her story. But read it cover to cover, and it starts to feel repetitive. Many had supportive spouses, financial backing, and strong networks. After a while, I started mentally ticking boxes.

A recurring theme is the mythical work-life balance. Most women spoke about how they “managed it all,” but often at the cost of personal time or with immense help at home. One poignant takeaway? Women don’t have to be superwomen. We just have to make intentional choices.

Still, I wish the book had taken a harder look at deeper social issues—patriarchy, economic disparity, lack of education—that prevent millions of women from even dreaming big.

Some stories left me inspired. Others left me… indifferent. There were moments—like reading how Kiran started Biocon with ₹10,000—that gave me goosebumps. But much of the book felt like watching success from a distance, through a glass wall.

The biggest win? Visibility. These women are more than just headlines or occasional panelists. The book celebrates a wide range of professions and proves that leadership isn’t just reserved for a select few fields. It's also refreshingly Bollywood-free.

The glaring issue is the lack of diverse backgrounds. The absence of stories from rural India, from underprivileged sections, or from women who battled societal orthodoxy was disappointing. It felt like a missed opportunity to truly showcase the spectrum of Indian womanhood.

As someone who believes deeply in the power of storytelling, I was hoping for soul-stirring narratives. What I got were snapshots—motivational, yes, but not always moving. Still, if even one story in this book nudges a young woman to believe in herself, it's done its job.

30 Women in Powe is an important book, even if it’s not a perfect one. It's a good starter pack for anyone seeking inspiration. But if you’re looking for depth, nuance, and a mirror to everyday India—you might be left wanting more.

Recommended for college students, early-career professionals, and anyone seeking a light but empowering weekend read. Just read it with your eyes open—and your expectations tempered.

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