Mahalakshmi Saravanan is an internationally recognized first-generation social entrepreneur and TEDx speaker with a remarkable journey that inspires many. Hailing from Ketti, a quaint village in The Nilgiris, she belongs to the indigenous Badaga community. Despite her initial lack of business knowledge, Mahalakshmi embarked on her entrepreneurial journey and founded her brand, “Women Entrepreneurs India,” from the ground up. Today, this organization stands as a beacon of support and encouragement for women aspiring to become entrepreneurs.
Starting with no industry connections, Mahalakshmi has successfully built an internationally recognized brand that has empowered thousands of women entrepreneurs across the globe under the umbrella of Women Entrepreneurs India. Her extraordinary journey exemplifies resilience and the power of entrepreneurship in transforming lives. She is a pioneer social entrepreneur who helps women start-ups, reinforce their business roots and grow their businesses.
Awards & recognitions: International awards: 2, Awards: 15,Mementos: 100+
Mahalakshmi Saravanan was invited as the Chief Guest by the Indian Space Research Organisation-ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri during their women’s day celebrations on 30th March, 2022. She was honoured with a PSLV memento, scale 1:200. She interacted with 150+ engineers directly and addressed 500+ employees of ISRO through a live stream at the same time.
Women Entrepreneurs India, her social initiative was featured on the 2019 Asia Pacific journal, an initiative of the Cabinet Office of Japan. She was featured along with the global leaders and companies across the Asia-Pacific region
Awards:
- Golden Women 2025” from Pothys Swarna Mahal, Chennai
- “Women Icon of the year award 2023-2024” from Kumararani Meena Muthiah College – Chettinad group of Institutions
- “Women Achiever Award 2023” from Chennai Institute of Technology, 2023
- “NEHRU WOMEN EXCELLENCE AWARD 2022” for the category Entrepreneurship and making a difference at the International Women’s Day event organized by the Nehru College.
- Featured on “The Economic Times” (newspaper)
- TEDx Speaker- March, 2019 & more.
