Ananya Barua

It all started during the devastating Chennai floods of 1978. That's when Jaya truly saw what neglect truly is — and realised that poverty was a greater disaster than the flood itself. #Respect #RealLifeHeroine

A brave woman who made a pivotal contribution to the Great Revolt of 1857, Azeezunbai was among the many courtesans who lived a life of intrigue and danger to fight colonial rule. Yet few Indians know their story.

Loaded with herbs and spices, these age-old 'pisi loons' from the mountains are not just super healthy, they are delicious enough to liven up any meal! #FoodSecrets #EdibleHeritage

Mahatma Gandhi's personal physician, this gritty woman fought for India’s freedom and the welfare of those stricken with leprosy. She went on to become independent India's first health minister of Delhi state. #DoctorsDay

“When I told them about my decision, most of them laughed it off as a joke. After they realised I was serious, I would be repeatedly asked if I could manage the kids or if I was really going to do the housework. It was unthinkable for many."

"It has never been about the money but about the people. As a doctor, it is my duty to use my skills to the best and help them. And there comes a day when we work towards something that simply makes us happy. I was lucky to have found that out rather early."

Some are discontinued, some are downright dated (hello, Phantom!) but this roundup of the 90s’ favourite ‘cheap thrills’ is guaranteed to inspire a few choice cravings!

“Rapid urban expansion is taking a toll on our natural resources. These skewed notions of development floated by glamorous campaigns that make us believe that progress means a mindless increase in infrastructure, without a thought to the environment, is completely flawed. Each one of us needs to get closer to nature and understand that we can’t survive if we deplete natural resources.” #sustainablehomes

“For far too long in Indian art, women have been depicted as goddesses or subordinates. In my artwork, I try to portray women as I see them around me," says the last of Kolkata's Patua painters.

"Things that we take for granted are often the most crucial. A desk, chair or a blackboard might sound to be the most basic requirement in a school and yet there are hundreds of schools in rural India that are devoid of them. This was our attempt to break that bubble and bring forth a sustainable solution."