16th August 2024: Femina is privileged to unveil its August 2024 issue, aptly titled ‘The Future Is Female’. The cover and Cover Story of this issue are a celebration of the young trailblazers who are leaving a permanent mark in their respective fields. These inspiring stories are a testament to the creativity, strength, and resilience of the next generation of women leaders and achievers.
Femina has brought together eight extraordinary young women who are making waves in sports, the arts, activism, and entertainment on its cover. Each represents the spirit of courage, innovation, and determination that defines the future of female power.
The cover features celebrated young choreographer Saumya Kamble and highlights her incredible journey from local dance forms to national fame. Reflecting on what she has learned from her journey, Saumya says, “Stay humble and work hard without expecting instant results – trust the process completely.”
Joining Saumya on the cover is Krithi Yadav, a 19-year-old beatboxer who has everyone moving to her rhythm. She shares, “I motivate others by posting my reels. Because if I can, you can too. Showcase your skills even if you’re in the process of learning or not that good; you’ll get support in the most unexpected places.”
Another young talent featured in this issue is four-year-old Rishika Sarkar, who became an internet sensation when her cricket batting video went viral, capturing hearts across the nation. Rishika enthuses, “I love batting. I never get bored of it.” And she has also told Femina that her favorite cricketer is none other than the sensational Virat Kohli.
Gini, an 18-year-old indie artist who has been creating waves with her heartfelt lyrics and soulful music, is also featured on the cover. Speaking about her music, she states, “I want to tell stories that people might or might not have heard but can interpret in their way and add their own emotions to.”
Another star in the cover octet is Ridhima Pandey, a young climate activist who has become an unstoppable force in the fight for environmental justice. She throws down a challenge: “If I, as a young activist, can sacrifice my childhood to correct the mistakes of others, then, surely, you can step up and become more responsible. We need your support and action to drive meaningful change.”
Sugar Banarse, an 18-year-old Indian competitive surfer, is another shining cover girl in this issue. “Explore your passion and embrace the challenges that come with it, and I promise you will grow from that,” says Sugar passionately.
Continuing the list of trailblazers, there is mountaineer Kaamya Karthikeyan, whose passion for trekking has led her to conquer some of the world’s highest peaks. Kaamya reveals, “It was after I scaled Mount Stok Kangri in Ladakh that my dad pointed out that I had scaled the highest peaks in four continents. I immediately expressed a desire to scale peaks in the other three as well and that’s how the Seven Summits plan took place.”
Finally, the cover also features the rising star of Indian cinema, Nitanshi Goel, who dazzled audiences with her versatility and natural charm in Laapataa Ladies. She has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the film industry with her role as Phool Kumari.
Femina’s August 2024 issue is a testament to the power of young women who are not just dreaming big but are actively working towards turning those dreams into reality. As these young women continue to inspire, one thing is clear: the future is indeed female.