Bimla Poddar is an Indian social worker, businessperson, philanthropist and the founder of Jnana Pravaha,[1][2] a Varanasi based centre for cultural studies, engaged in the efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of India.[3] Under the aegis of the organization, Poddar is involved in activities related to exploration of India's culture[4][5] and maintains a heritage museum housing artifacts from ancient India.[2][6] Born and brought up in Varanasi, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, she was married into a rich business family to late Bimal Kumar Poddar[7] and holds the directorship of many of the family concerns[8][9] which includes Ambuja Cements.[7] She was honoured by the Government of India in 2015 with Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award.[10]
