Matribhumi Samachar English
Chennai, Tamil Nadu | April 17, 2026: FICCI FLO Chennai, under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Amulya Rao, Chairperson, successfully hosted an inspiring and thought-provoking session titled “Beyond Generations: The Strength of Legacy & Heritage” at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai.
The session brought together two eminent voices,Radhika Raje, Maharani of Baroda, and Dr. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals for a compelling conversation on the enduring power of legacy, the significance of heritage, and the evolving role of leadership across generations.
The engaging dialogue offered deep insights into how values, traditions, and vision shape not only individual journeys but also institutions that stand the test of time. Both speakers shared personal anecdotes, reflections, and perspectives on balancing legacy with modernity, inspiring the audience to embrace their roots while navigating the future with purpose.
Radhika Raje Gaekwad and Dr. Preetha Reddy did the honours of releasing mission of FloConnect for the year 2026-2027.
The session witnessed an enthusiastic turnout of FLO members, entrepreneurs, and leaders from diverse sectors, all keen to gain wisdom from the rich experiences of the distinguished speakers.
Quote – Radhika Raje, Maharani of Baroda:
“Legacy is not a title,it is a responsibility to preserve something larger than yourself for future generations,” reflected Radhika Raje Gaekwad, emphasizing that identity must be shaped by purpose rather than inheritance. Highlighting the importance of keeping heritage alive, she noted, “If even one generation stops practicing traditions, they risk being lost forever,” while adding that “heritage must be lived, adapted, and made relevant.” Speaking on culture and craft, she asserted, “It cannot survive as charity,it must evolve with time,” and underscored the larger impact of heritage, stating, “Tourism sustains culture, creates livelihoods, and strengthens communities.” On inclusion and progress, she observed, “Even if representation begins as tokenism, it opens doors,” ultimately concluding, “Legacy is not about holding on to the past,it is about shaping the future with intention, rooted in who we are.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Amulya Rao, Chairperson, FLO Chennai, emphasized the importance of such dialogues in fostering meaningful conversations around leadership and legacy, especially in today’s rapidly evolving world.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, allowing attendees to interact with the speakers and further delve into the themes discussed.
FICCI FLO Chennai continues to curate impactful sessions that bring together influential leaders and changemakers, creating a platform for learning, exchange, and inspiration.
About FICCI FLO
The FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) is the women’s wing of FICCI and the largest women-led business organisation in South-East Asia, dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship, leadership, and professional excellence among women. With a Pan-India presence of 21 chapters and over 16,000 members, FLO continues to shape India’s economic and innovation ecosystem through women-led growth.
FICCI FLO Chennai, established in 1993, has been at the forefront of empowering women across socio-economic backgrounds through entrepreneurship development, leadership programs, skill-building, and policy advocacy. The chapter actively nurtures women-led enterprises, supports MSME growth, promotes heritage sectors such as textiles and handloom, and strengthens pathways for women in governance and board leadership.
Aligned with the vision of inclusive and future-ready growth, FICCI FLO Chennai continues to champion innovation, digital capability, sustainability, and women’s leadership across industries.
About The Legacy Project
The Legacy Project – a curated platform by Vidya Gajapati Raju Singh,Jyoti Agarwal,Deepali Goyal ,is dedicated to celebrating heritage, craftsmanship, and timeless cultural narratives. It brings together legacy brands, royal lineages, and master artisans to create immersive experiences that honour tradition while engaging with contemporary sensibilities.
At its core, The Legacy Project is about storytelling uncovering the history behind objects, rituals, and design, and presenting them in a way that resonates with today’s discerning audience. Through thoughtfully designed events, showcases, and conversations, it aims to preserve cultural richness while fostering a deeper appreciation for legacy in modern life.
About Dr. Amulya Rao
Dr. Amulya Rao is a medical professional, entrepreneur, education counselor, and community leader whose career spans healthcare, business, education, and social leadership. A Gold Medalist from Guntur Medical College, she has built a distinguished journey across medicine, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership platforms.
Beyond her contributions to healthcare and education, she is also the co-founder of Maggam, an exclusive saree exhibitions platform dedicated to promoting traditional craftsmanship and textile heritage. Her extensive leadership experience includes serving as President of the International Women’s Association and holding multiple senior leadership roles within FICCI FLO Chennai before assuming the role of Chairperson.
Her diverse cross-sector expertise, combined with her passion for empowering women and preserving heritage-led enterprise, makes her a powerful voice in conversations around leadership, entrepreneurship, and industry transformation.
FICCI FLO Chennai – Verticals
Green Tech & Circular Economy
The Green Tech & Circular Economy vertical of FLO Chennai is anchored in a simple belief that sustainability must move from intention to everyday action. From individual choices to business practices, our goal is to build a mindset where waste is seen as a resource and every small step contributes to a larger environmental impact.
This year, we are focusing on three key areas. First, building awareness and community inviting members to share their green initiatives and success stories, creating a space for
ideas, inspiration, and collaboration, while also amplifying these efforts through social media and connecting with the all India green initiatives group.
Second, enabling partnerships and innovation exploring collaborations with changemakers such as circular businesses working on upcycling waste, engaging with youth organizations , and supporting impactful ideas like eliminating cigarette butt waste through collection and repurposing.
And third, driving on-ground action promoting waste segregation at source, decentralized wastewater treatment and reuse, solar and energy-efficient lighting, eco-friendly packaging, and responsible e-waste management through verified partners. We will also engage schools and colleges to drive early mindset change and organize site visits to green buildings for practical learning.
Aligned with FLO National, our goal is clear to create a culture of sustainability that is practical, scalable, and impactful.
Agri Agro-Based & Food Processing
At FICCI FLO Chennai, our Agri, Agro-Based & Food Processing vertical this year is focused on building a strong, inclusive value chain led by women.
We are working at two levels.
First, with our members in food and allied businesses enabling them to grow into complete entrepreneurs through economic -led engagements, business workshops, and digital empowerment.
Second, at the grassroots supporting SHG women with training, certifications, and hands on capabilities in food processing and agro based products.
A key focus this year is building a semi-processed ingredient ecosystem where SHG women can produce items like masalas and ready-to-cook inputs, and directly supply to member enterprises.
We are also enabling market linkages, financial access, and institutional support, ensuring these women are not just trained but truly connected to opportunity.
Our goal is simple
To create sustainable economic impact, where both grassroots women and entrepreneurs grow together in one integrated ecosystem.
Wellness & Life Skills
The Wellness & Life Skills vertical is centered on the belief that effective leadership begins within. It focuses on nurturing the whole individual—strengthening mental clarity, emotional resilience, and physical well-being—so that members are equipped to navigate both personal and professional demands with confidence and balance. By prioritizing self-awareness and inner stability, the vertical lays the groundwork for more mindful decision-making and sustained leadership impact.
Through thoughtfully curated workshops, coaching sessions, and a supportive community ecosystem, the vertical creates spaces for continuous growth and reflection. It encourages members to view wellness not as a one-time goal, but as an ongoing practice—one that evolves with time and intention. By building strong internal foundations, it empowers women to lead with purpose, adapt with resilience, and thrive across every dimension of their lives.
It further extends this impact by enabling a pathway from life skills to livelihood, while working collaboratively across initiatives to reach and empower women and young girls (16+)
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