Success often demands breaking free from the boundaries that society subtly sets, especially for women. From being told to follow a conventional path to balancing ambition with expectations, these limitations can quietly shape lives. Yet, some refuse to accept these constraints, choosing instead to carve their own way forward. Manasi Joshi and Priyanka Das Rajkakati are living proof that resilience and ambition can forge paths where none seemed possible.
Whether it's defying physical limitations or blending science and art in ways that break the mould, these women have shown that conventional expectations do not apply when you set your sights higher.
Manasi Joshi, a para-badminton world champion, started out as an engineer with a passion for sports. However, a life-altering accident in 2011, which resulted in the amputation of her left leg, shifted her focus. What could have been a devastating setback became the beginning of a new chapter. Joshi embraced her rehabilitation journey through badminton, transforming her hobby into a professional career.
The conventional norms may suggest: “You can pursue your dreams, but stay within your limits.” Manasi retorts: “My limits are just stepping stones to something greater.”
Winning gold in international tournaments, she defied both physical and societal limitations, demonstrating that ambition and perseverance can lead to extraordinary outcomes, even in the face of adversity. As she recalls, “The accident changed my life, but it didn’t change my goals. It just gave me a different way to reach them.”
Priyanka Das Rajkakati’s path has been equally unconventional. A space scientist and artist, she has managed to combine her love for both disciplines in ways few would dare. From contributing to a Lunar mission to training as an analogue astronaut, Rajkakati has defied traditional career boundaries.
Sticking to the trodden path works for those who have someone up ahead to guide them. I didn't wander this far away from the main path, only to rejoin it at some point”, says Ms Rajkakati. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “It wasn’t about choosing between science and art; it was about realising I could do both, no matter how difficult the path seemed.”
Both women rejected the societal narrative that ambition and success must fit a prescribed role. By following their instincts and carving their own way, they’ve shown that the pursuit of passion is not just possible, it’s essential. L'Oréal Paris, in collaboration with Forbes India, celebrates the success of women like Joshi and Rajkakati. Their journeys serve as a reminder that no matter the challenges faced, “because your worth is your choice, you're worth it”
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