Bimla Poddar is an Indian social worker, philanthropist and the founder of Jnana Pravaha, a Varanasi based centre for cultural studies, engaged in the efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of India. Under the aegis of the organization, Poddar is involved in activities related to exploration of India's culture and maintains a heritage museum housing artifacts from ancient India. 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 and holds the directorship of many of the family concerns which includes Ambuja Cements. She was honoured by the Government of India in 2015 with Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award.