The Economic Times

Married off at 12, Dalit survivor of domestic abuse now runs successful copper business, has a Padma Shri and net worth of more than Rs 1000 crore

Kalpana Saroj overcame immense hardship and social discrimination to build a business worth over Rs 100 crore. She faced early struggles, including an abusive marriage and societal judgment. Saroj rebuilt her life in Mumbai, starting with a garment factory job and then venturing into tailoring and furniture. She successfully revived the debt-ridden Kamani Tubes.