From hosting Kyunki 2.0 to speaking at the prestigious TIME100 event, Smriti Irani has given India a proud moment on the global stage. October 2025 has been a remarkable month for the former Union Minister and television icon, as she seamlessly blends her media presence with impactful social initiatives. Amidst filming her show and engaging with international leaders, she presented Spark the 100k Collective, an initiative dedicated to empowering 100,000 women across 300 cities in India.
At TIME100, Irani highlighted the real-world impact of her initiative, which provides women with skills, support, and opportunities to start their own businesses. Her speech emphasized India’s female workforce, noting that 90 million women in villages generate $37 billion annually through small businesses, while 1.5 million women serve as elected representatives in local governance and 6 million work on the frontlines of healthcare. Her words showcased not just numbers, but the immense potential of Indian women.
In an emotional moment, Irani reflected on her roots, recalling how her father, a bookseller in New Delhi, worked tirelessly to support his daughters. “Forty-two years ago, my father would buy old Time magazines from a junk dealer to earn two dollars a day and feed three daughters. Today, as I stand among you all, it's only because my parents were hardworking and someone helped me with my education,” she said. This personal story resonated deeply, reminding audiences of the role of perseverance, opportunity, and mentorship in shaping success.
Introducing the vision of Spark the 100k Collective, Irani outlined her mission to create a $100 million impact fund and scale the initiative beyond India to 56 countries. “I came here to sow a seed,” she said, urging global leaders to recognize the economic power of women while advocating for equity. She reminded the world that women control $30 trillion in global spending but own only one in three businesses and still face a 20% wage gap.
By merging advocacy, entrepreneurship, and storytelling, Smriti Irani has positioned herself as a global voice for women’s empowerment. Through Spark the 100k Collective, she is not just speaking for millions, but actively creating a path for sustainable change. October 2025 may mark a high point in her journey, but it is clear that Irani’s influence will continue to spark transformation both in India and worldwide.