Anupama Katkar is a distinguished corporate leader who is passionate about social causes and environmental preservation. Her story is one of perseverance, dedication, and the ability to turn ideas into meaningful realities.
Katkar’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1995, when she and her husband co-founded a small bootstrapping business. This modest two-person business has developed over time into a public limited corporation with a sizeable workforce exceeding 1,000 employees. Katkar is grateful that BW Businessworld has acknowledged her work in the social sector.
One of her proudest achievements was the establishment of the Quick Heal Speaking Foundation in 2015. The Foundation's core mission is to address rising cybercrimes and abuses, particularly sextortion, that impacts young minds exposed to the internet from an early age. Realising the importance of raising awareness among students, the Foundation started conducting cyber awareness programmes in schools. However, covering a vast number of students presented its own set of challenges.
To overcome these challenges, Katkar devised the innovative "Earn and Learn" programme, engaging computer science students from colleges and universities. She delineated, "These students undergo training not only in cyber awareness but also in personality development and public speaking skills. As a result, they become effective trainers, leading cyber awareness sessions in schools and counselling students." Katkar further added that this initiative not only promotes cyber awareness but also transforms the lives of these students, turning them into social change ambassadors.
Apart from her work in cyber awareness, Katkar's passion extends to educating the general public on internet safety through engaging street plays in collaboration with the police.
She expanded her humanitarian activities into the healthcare industry during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Quick Heal team gave mobile clinics to NGOs in affluent areas lacking medical services. These mobile clinics have had a significant influence on the lives of people living in isolated villages with little access to healthcare.
Katkar is a standout in her corporate position at Quick Heal and is steadfast in her commitment to environmental preservation. Her path is an example of the power of compassion and dedication to attain greatness, inspiring young minds.
Katkar's profile exemplifies a leader who uses her platform and success to create positive change in society. Her dedication to environmental conservation, cyber awareness, and healthcare has touched countless lives, underscored the significance of true leadership and left a lasting impact on the world.