wcrc leaders asia 2 | Page 26

COVER STORY ASIA'S 100 MOST POWERFUL WOMEN ABIDA PARVEEN Citizenship/Residence Pakistan Abida Parveen is a Pakistani singer of Sindhi descent and one of the foremost exponents of Sufi music. She brought Sufi Music to a new level and gave it a new identity marking the beginning of this journey at Sultana Siddiqui’s Awazo Andaz in 1980. Her rendition of Heer Waris Shah and Kabir are also held high among the music enthusiasts. She’s considered one of the finest vocalists of the preset age. She has represented Pakistan before masses and has performed for huge audiences worldwide. An Indian businesswoman and social worker, who led Thermax Ltd., 32.46 billion (US$490 million) energy and environment engineering business, as its chairperson. Her calm determination has helped her family and company Thermax India tide over trying times. Thermax, with its presence in 14 countries, has emerged as a leading manufacturer of engineering products and systems for industries. Being open to challenges and taking them on confidently is second nature to Aga Anu Aga had been figured among the eight richest Indian women and in 2007 was part of 40 Richest Indians by net worth according to Forbes magazine. In 2010 she was awarded the Padma Shri for Social Work by the Government of India. She is currently Chairperson of Teach for India. 26 Up Till October 15, 2015 ANU AGA Citizenship/Residence India