FICCI FLO Kolkata Chapter's new chairperson, Radhika Dalmia's passion lies in philanthropy. Born and raised in a business family and married into one, she finds pleasure in handling the CSR activities of the family business and introducing several initiatives for women and children. Strongly inculcating values of 'seva' in the family adds to her passion for philanthropy. Excerpts:
When did your association with FICCI FLO start and how did it help you in your journey over the years?
My meaningful and rewarding journey with FICCI FLO started around six years back. Over these years, with active participation and managing responsibilities, I have observed a phenomenal personal transformation. I feel confident to take up a leadership role on such a prestigious platform. I am very enthusiastic and optimistic about the possibilities that lie ahead. Observing my stalwart colleagues at FLO, working in synergy with them and regularly interacting with the larger network across the country helped me evolve to a great extent.
What does this new position in the organisation mean to you?
It is a matter of great honour to accept the chairpersonship of an institution like FLO Kolkata. An organisation like no other in India, with its unparalleled legacy of four decades of path-breaking work in empowering women across the country, FLO provides great opportunities for women like me, who believe in the gender-inclusive growth story of India. It also serves immense opportunities for women to encourage, motivate, and inspire each other to showcase and enhance their talents, skills, experiences and energies.
What is your theme for this year?
The theme for the year 2023-2024 is ‘Ignite the spark within’. Each one of us is highly talented and skilful and has unlimited potential within us – to rise and uplift those around us. To drive remarkable changes and to touch many lives. The underlying sparks often need igniting to bring out the best in us and that is what my team and I will focus on over the year.
Can you take us through your plans and objectives for FICCI and how are you envisioning its growth in the coming year?
Driven by FICCI FLO’s core mantra ‘The Power to Empower’ and our theme of ‘Ignite the Spark Within’, I feel, we have a huge potential to be able to touch countless lives with the collective power of the FLO community and collaborative synergies with other established entities and eminent individuals. An array of enriching programs are being planned for the year, creating varied opportunities for our members to engage in learning, sharing, upskilling, networking and deep-fuelling their different quests and interests. A host of talks, panel discussions, workshops, field trips, interactive programs and activities are being planned covering a broad spectrum of interests - wealth management, entrepreneurship, leadership, performing arts, literature, politics, education, wellness, spirituality, personal development, heritage, digital communication, to name a few, with the primary emphasis on raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and building skills. I am open to creative and thought-provoking ideas that empower and enlighten us at FLO and create formal and informal opportunities for each one of us. In parallel to the learning programs, my emphasis will also be on co-creating many ways to uplift lives and fulfil the wishes of marginalised communities. There will also be a strong emphasis on the environment and raising the employability of women.
What are some of the challenges you are looking forward to addressing during your tenure?
The key challenges will be to identify the potentiality of our members and provide appropriate opportunities to nurture and fuel the culture of inclusiveness and collaborative learning and the spirit of uplifting one another. My team and I hope to encourage our members to understand the real-time issues of today’s fast-paced world, which navigates through collaborations, changing environments and open communication to achieve success.
What are some of your most memorable moments during your association with FICCI over the years?
Two years ago I was treasurer of FLO Kolkata chapter where I learnt in depth about finances, taking up responsibilities independently, and being responsive to the vast network of our members. Team building and team playing are other important skills I learnt after actively getting involved in FLO activities. Attending programs across the country and listening to some of the most empowered leaders and change-makers of our times constantly kept me yearning to learn more. These experiences further fuelled my sense of self-worth, helping me identify the right opportunities and make informed choices in all aspects of life. It helped me develop a serious interest in contributing towards the social, educational, economic and psychological empowerment of others. Every field trip I took, every meeting I attended, and every responsibility I was entrusted with further strengthened my belief that each one of us has immense potential within – we just need to continuously keep inspiring and encouraging one another.
Which qualities define a FICCI FLO woman?
A FICCI FLO woman knows her worth, understands her vulnerabilities, never stops learning, stands up for her belief, takes responsibility for her choices, is confident, focused, beautiful inside out and is bold to accept challenges. She can communicate effectively and believes that every woman is a superwoman.