Tage Rita Takhe, founder of India’s first kiwi wine brand Naara Aaba, has been selected for the Vital Voices Global Fellowship 2025, an international initiative that recognizes and supports women leaders driving global change.

A native of Hong village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Subansiri district, Rita is known for turning surplus kiwi produce into a value-added product, creating new opportunities for farmers and promoting sustainable agri-entrepreneurship. Her efforts have positioned Naara Aaba as a pioneering brand in India’s wine industry.

Rita is one of 51 women selected from 39 countries for the fellowship, which supports women leaders working to solve the world’s greatest challenges. Her work draws from her Apatani heritage and highlights the potential of local innovation to create global impact.