From being neglected to becoming unstoppable, women have slowly reinvented their place in the world.
Today, India’s daughters are not just part of the story they are leading it.
Over the years, the role of women has undergone a visible shift. Across fields and frontiers, their achievements are no longer exceptions, but powerful reminders of what determination and opportunity can create together. Across various fields including classrooms, labs and global platforms, they are stepping forward with quiet determination , not just participating, but leading, achieving, and reshaping the narrative. What was once considered as an exception is now rapidly becoming the norm.
India’s achievement at the 15th European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) 2026, where a team of four young women transformed months of intense preparation into a historic victory on the global stage, reflects this shift.
It also stands as a testament to how sustained effort, mentorship, and opportunity are steadily reshaping the landscape of excellence in the country.
Held in Bordeaux, France from April 9 to 15, the 15th edition of EGMO brought together around 260 participants from 67 countries, making it one of the most prestigious international competitions exclusively for schoolgirls passionate about mathematics. India, which has been participating as a guest nation since 2015, recorded its best-ever performance this year.
Leading this milestone was Mumbai’s Shreya Shantanu Mundhada, who created history by becoming the first Indian girl to win a gold medal at EGMO. Alongside her, Sanjana Philo Chacko from Thrissur/Kerala), secured a silver medal, while Shivani Barath Kumar from Chennai, won a bronze. Shrimoyee Bera from Kolkata, was the fourth member of the team, contributing to India’s overall success.
With one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal, India achieved an overall rank of sixth among 67 countries , its highest ranking at the Olympiad to date. This achievement is a big step forward for the country in international Olympiad.
This accomplishment came from a very competitive and organized selection process. Almost six lakh students from all over India take part in the Mathematical Olympiad Programme every year. Students journey through layers of challenge, from regional rounds to state arenas, and onward to the national stage, each step narrowing the path and each test refining their resolve.
By the time they arrive at the final training camp, they are no longer just participants, but the few who have endured a long passage of effort. For many, reaching this threshold is not a moment, but the culmination of years shaped by discipline, persistence, and quiet determination.
The Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a constituent unit of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, serves as the nodal centre for India’s Olympiad programmes, playing a key role in identifying and nurturing young talent. The programme is supported by the National Board for Higher Mathematics under the Department of Atomic Energy, along with contributions from past Olympians and academic experts.
Highlighting this remarkable achievement, our Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, spoke about the team in his recent address of Mann Ki Baat. He not only congratulated these super talented girls but also named each one of them with lot of pride.
Beyond medals and rankings, this achievement carries a deeper significance. It signals the steady transformation of India’s academic landscape, where access, encouragement, and opportunity are enabling more young women to excel at the highest levels.
As these four students return with global recognition, they carry with them more than honours. They carry a message that talent, when nurtured with the right support, can break barriers and set new standards. And in doing so, India’s daughters are not just participating in history, but actively shaping it. And as they step forward, they leave behind not footprints, but a path for generations to follow.