Padma Shri awardee Amol Palekar is a legendary actor, director, and painter whose five-decade career has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, theatre, and the arts. A Fine Arts graduate from Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai, he began his creative journey as a painter before moving to theatre and film, where he became one of the most beloved “everyman” heroes of the 1970s with classics such as Rajnigandha, Chhoti Si Baat, and Gol Maal. His nuanced performances won both critical acclaim and popular affection, including the Filmfare Best Actor Award.

As a filmmaker, Amol Palekar has directed several acclaimed works in Hindi and Marathi cinema, including Bangarwadi and Paheli—India’s official entry to the Oscars in 2006. Beyond the screen, he continues to be an influential voice for creative integrity and artistic freedom, often speaking on the importance of preserving the “middle ground” in art and public discourse. An accomplished painter with multiple solo exhibitions, he remains active in the visual arts. His recent memoir, “Viewfinder: A Memoir,” offers an introspective account of his life in art, cinema, and social change.

Through his enduring body of work and thoughtful engagement with contemporary issues, Amol Palekar embodies the spirit of creativity with conscience—bridging art, empathy, and activism.

The renaissance man of Bengal cricket, who brought the winning mentality to the team as a player in the 1980s, has been ceaselessly working his magic as a coach, a mentor and a guide. A thorough gentleman and a gritty player, Arun, an alumnus of St. Stephen’s College (Economics) played for India as a right-handed batsman between 1982 and 1989. Lal was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. Moreover, as a young player, the former India captain and BCCI president, Saurav Ganguly, looked up to the fighter in Lal as his ‘role model’. Unsurprisingly, when a man of this caliber walks into a dressing-room, players place unwavering trust in him.

In addition to his prowess as a sportsperson, Lal is an inveterate philanthropist and animal lover. Supported by him, hundreds of underprivileged youth have been able to not only continue with their education but the likes of – Dr Anup Sarkar, a super specialty gastroenterologist at the PG Hospital in Kolkata, Ashwini, a doctor at AIIMS in Delhi, Sanjit, an IT professional in Sweden and Bikash, now a top honcho at JSW Steel – have made it really big in life. As someone who wears many hats, Lal also has a green thumb and spends his leisure planting and nurturing plants and trees.

Archana Sahay is the Global Head – ESG & Sustainability at LTIMindtree, bringing over 18 years of leadership in CSR, social development and sustainability. With a rich career spanning organisations such as Dell Technologies (where she served as APJ CSR Head) and prior roles at Thomson Reuters, Cisco Systems and Vodafone Group, she has shaped innovative social programmes, embedding technology and business strategy into the delivery of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. In her role at LTIMindtree, Archana leads the company’s ESG agenda — aligning environmental stewardship, social inclusion and governance frameworks with organisational purpose and stakeholder value. A strong advocate for female empowerment and community upliftment, she has directed high-impact educational and women’s leadership initiatives throughout her career. Her awards and industry recognition attest to her influence and deep commitment to empowering society.

Brijesh is an entrepreneur in the financial services industry . A CA, post a decade long corporate experience, transformed into an enterprenuer over 15 years ago.

Along with Ashish , leads BellWether Associates ( a wealth management arm) & Auxano Capital ( Sebi registered AIF ) .

Loves to play and watch cricket & sports ( in general ), food ( anything from south of india & mumbai street food), movies ( especially Malayalam ones ) .

With over a decade of professional experience, Swapnil Prakash Bagul is a seasoned expert in taxation, including both direct and indirect taxes. He has been practicing since 2012 and has extensive involvement in statutory audits of government banks and internal audits of co-operative banks. His proficiency extends to accounting system implementation, with a solid background in the banking industry.

In addition to his expertise in finance and auditing, Swapnil has been actively engaged in algorithmic (algo) trading for the past six years, guiding individuals in mastering this cutting-edge trading approach. Over the last five years, he has delved deeply into backtesting strategies, producing his own research papers and materials to refine and optimize trading methods.

Recognizing the evolving dynamics of the Indian share market, Swapnil began exploring Index Futures and Options trading seven years ago. Following rigorous study and research, he has been successfully trading in this domain for over six years, leveraging his comprehensive understanding of market trends to achieve consistent results.

Devina Mehra, Founder and Chairperson & Managing Director of First Global, is a trailblazing investor, entrepreneur and thought leader in global finance. A gold medallist from IIM Ahmedabad—one of only two women to receive this distinction in the institute’s history—and an eight-time gold medallist from Lucknow University, she has built a career that seamlessly blends deep market insight with advanced technology.

Under her leadership, First Global became the first Asian (ex-Japan) firm to gain membership in both the London Stock Exchange and NASD, marking a major milestone in India’s global financial participation. Today, the firm manages over USD 700 million across Indian and international markets, powered by a distinctive Human + Machine investment model integrating AI and ML. Widely quoted in leading global media including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Financial Times and CNBC, Devina has been named among Fortune India’s 50 Most Powerful Women in Business in 2022 and 2025 and featured by Outlook Business and Entrepreneur.

A prolific columnist and author, her national bestseller “Money Myths and Mantras: The Ultimate Investment Guide” topped Amazon’s charts across categories and was shortlisted for both the Jury and Popular Crossword Book Awards. With her clarity of thought and commitment to evidence-based investing, Devina continues to influence how modern investors understand markets, risk and long-term wealth creation.

Dr. Shailesh Jhawar is a distinguished healthcare leader, bringing over a decade of global critical-care expertise to India. Having trained at premier UK institutions—including his FRCA qualification, a Fellowship in Critical Care & Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (2011–12), and his CCT from the Royal College of Anaesthetists (2013). Dr. Jhawar returned to India to direct the critical-care services at Apex Hospitals in Jaipur.

As Director & Senior Consultant, he leads a multidisciplinary team delivering advanced intensive-care care across Rajasthan. Under his leadership the initiative Critical Care Hope—a tele-ICU and digital-critical-care platform—was launched to bring specialist critical-care reach into remote areas, and this model has been featured in academic case studies at Indian School of Business.

Dr. Jhawar is also an alumnus of the Indian School of Business (2017) and the Stanford Graduate School of Business–Seed Programme (2023) (added from public professional profiles) . Under his direction, Apex’s digital-ICU efforts have become a benchmark for innovation in critical care delivery.

Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar is one of India’s most respected scientists and thought leaders in innovation, research, and public policy. He served as Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) from 1995 to 2006, leading one of the world’s largest R&D networks. Over the years, he has held several prestigious positions including President of the Indian National Science Academy, Chairman of the National Innovation Foundation, President of the UK Institution of Chemical Engineers, and President of the Global Research Alliance, a consortium spanning 60,000 scientists across continents.

A Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) and Foreign Associate of both the US National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering, Dr. Mashelkar has been honored with 54 honorary doctorates from universities around the world. His international recognitions include fellowships from the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK), the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the US National Academy of Inventors. He is the recipient of the TWAS–Lenovo Science Prize (2018), the highest award of The World Academy of Sciences, and remains the only scientist to receive the prestigious JRD Tata Corporate Leadership Award.

Dr. Mashelkar has served on the boards of major companies such as Reliance Industries, Tata Motors, and Hindustan Unilever, contributing scientific and strategic guidance at the highest levels. For over three decades, he has advised successive Indian Prime Ministers as a member of the Science Advisory Council, and has chaired 16 national committees addressing critical policy challenges. A pioneering voice for scientific excellence and innovation-driven development, he continues to inspire India and the world through his leadership, vision, and service.

Irfan Sayed is a business advisor and entrepreneur with over three decades of experience across real estate, hospitality, and organizational advisory. After a successful corporate stint in leadership roles, he transitioned into independent consulting and has since supported companies and leadership teams across diverse sectors.

Irfan brings a strong outside-in perspective to his advisory work — known for his clarity, candour, and for guiding businesses on what not to do. He helps organizations refine their strategy, optimise processes and resources, and strengthen real estate and infrastructure decisions to build long-term, sustainable value.

He also handholds select foreign companies looking to set up operations in Pune, providing turnkey Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) support that includes strategic guidance, statutory liasoning, and complete on-ground execution.

A passionate audiophile with a deep love for analog sound and high-end audio systems, Irfan is developing 528audio, an upcoming platform for music and listening enthusiasts. It will offer personalised audio-setup consulting along with educational vlogs, podcasts, and blogs, all rooted in the pursuit of perfect sonic sound.

Across his ventures, Irfan blends practical experience with creative curiosity, delivering grounded insight and high-impact outcomes in every engagement.

Indraneel Chitale, a fourth-generation Partner at the 83-year-old Chitale Group, is driving the company’s transformation into a modern, innovation-led food enterprise. An alumnus of Harvard Business School’s OPM program and a graduate in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, he has led critical functions including manufacturing, automation, supply chain, data systems, franchising, and infrastructure.

He currently leads the Product Business of Chitale Group, expanding brands such as Chitale Bandhu, Chitale M Square, and Bingebar across 60+ stores and 2.5 lakh retailers globally. His strategic projects include the Ranje Greenfield Factory, extensive process automation, implementing Theory of Constraints, and building professionalized, scalable manufacturing networks across Maharashtra and Gujarat.

An avid musician and biker, Indraneel is also an angel investor involved with startups in HR-tech, sports media, agriculture, and Ayurveda. He plays key roles in public policy forums and serves on the Executive Council of MCCIA and the Board of Governors of IIM Jammu.

Jitendra Divgi is the Managing Director of Divgi-TTS and a distinguished engineering and automotive leader shaping India’s drivetrain and EV transmission innovation. A Mechanical Engineering graduate from BITS Pilani with a Master’s from the University of Massachusetts, he returned to India in 1990 to join the family enterprise.

As co-founder of DivgiWarner, he pioneered India’s first electronically controlled transmission system with Tata Motors and led the company to become India’s first exporter of gearbox assemblies to China and Southeast Asia. Under his leadership, the company received multiple global innovation and quality awards, including the CII National Quality Award.

Today, he heads Divgi-TTS—now a publicly listed company—driving world-class manufacturing of manual, automatic and EV transmissions. A connoisseur of history, philosophy and Indian classical music, he brings depth and perspective to every aspect of leadership.

Kirti Azad is a former Indian cricketer, distinguished public figure, and parliamentarian whose career spans national sports, governance, and social advocacy. Born in 1959 in Bihar, he represented India in Test cricket and One Day Internationals through the 1980s and is best known as a member of the iconic 1983 Cricket World Cup–winning Indian team. A dependable all-rounder, he played domestic cricket for Delhi and was widely respected for his competitive spirit and team-first leadership.

After retiring from cricket, Kirti Azad transitioned into public service with equal conviction. He served as a Member of the Delhi Legislative Assembly and later as a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), representing constituencies including Darbhanga and Bardhaman–Durgapur during his multi-decade political journey. Known for his outspoken views, especially on issues of sports governance, transparency and ethics, he became a strong voice advocating fairness, accountability and structural reform within Indian athletics and public institutions.

Today, Azad continues to be an influential figure at the intersection of sport, politics and social change. His unique journey—from lifting the World Cup to shaping public discourse—offers powerful insights on leadership, resilience, courage, and the importance of standing up for what matters.

Kishore Biyani, Founder and Group CEO of Future Group, is one of India’s most visionary entrepreneurs and a pioneer of modern retail. A Commerce graduate from HR College, he transformed India’s retail landscape with Pantaloons and Big Bazaar, creating one of the country’s largest consumer networks spanning 400+ cities.

Under his leadership, brands such as Central, Brand Factory, Food Bazaar and EasyDay reshaped mass retail. His bestselling book It Happened in India captures his philosophy—Rewrite Rules, Retain Values—which remains a cornerstone of Indian consumer business.

He now mentors new-age entrepreneurs, advocating agility, authenticity and resilience in a post-disruption world, inspiring leaders to build businesses rooted in purpose and cultural intuition.

Kiran Puranik is a seasoned technologist with deep experience in mobile-focused startups, driving innovation across multiple platforms. He played a key role in building ThumbSpeed’s first Symbian app, contributing to the company’s acquisition by Nokia. At MangoApps, Kiran founded the mobile division and delivered enterprise-grade solutions across industries such as healthcare, travel, and learning, helping scale the platform’s mobile capability. Today, as the co-founder of QBee: an AI-powered learning platform, he is focused on reimagining how learning is delivered to the next generation.

Krish Ashok is the author of Masala Lab: The Science of Indian cooking, published by Penguin Random House, and an Amazon best-seller that explores the science of Indian cooking with the aim of making the reader a better cook and turning the kitchen into a joyful, creative playground for culinary experimentation. The book uses simple, first-principles, middle-school level science explanations and hand-drawn illustrations to break down what happens in the Indian kitchen and recommends algorithms and metamodels for common dish types and regional Indian sub-cuisines.

In his day job, Ashok is the Global Head – Advisory & Consulting, AI.Cloud for Tata Consultancy Services (one of the world’s largest technology companies) and helps Fortune 1000 companies implement and adopt AI, a role that is at the intersection of technology, design and culture.

He also makes simple explainer videos debunking popular misconceptions about food and diet on Instagram and YouTube, and is a regular columnist on food, science, and culture for publications such as Mint, The Hindu, Conde Nast Traveler and Scroll.

He is a trained Indian classical violinist who also plays the Cello and electric guitar and composes and produces music that you can listen to on all major streaming platforms. A particularly popular playlist is Sanskrit Rock, where he translates and adapts popular heavy metal and classic rock songs into Sanskrit. His music was featured on NPR – https://www.pri.org/stories/2014-10-03/classical-indian-musician-transforming-hit-songs-pop-parodies.

He is on
@krishashok on Twitter
@_masalalab on Instagram
@krishashok on YouTube

Recent media appearances

1.A Scientist in the Kitchen – The Seen and the Unseen podcast with Amit Varma https://seenunseen.in/episodes/2020/12/20/episode-204-a-scientist-in-the-kitchen/

2.The 2.7 Billion Year Story of Chicken Curry (Google Talk) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXAKuKJ0AAQ

3.The Science of Indian Cooking – Keynote talk at Manthan https://scroll.in/magazine/981286/how-all-indians-including-teetotallers-end-up-consuming-a-lot-of-alcohol-without-knowing-it

Music

1.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2tNJmxQOh8PxU1OUdqwS9E
2.Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/in/artist/krish-ashok/1570432658
3.Jio Saavn: https://www.jiosaavn.com/artist/krish-ashok-/o-xRVYsPzZ0_
4.Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.in/artists/B00R1ABMVS/krish-ashok
5.YouTube: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mZvACFLKhrQC4Jh6dSp-O7g0N5-w5sGlU
6.Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/krishashok

Blog
https://krishashok.me

Lloyd Mathias is a Business Strategist and Investor. He invests, partners and collaborates with founders of early-stage companies in the areas of AI, EdTech, data analytics and digital technology.

Lloyd is on the Boards of numerous listed companies as an Independent Director.

He was the marketing head of HP Inc’s Asia business. In previous corporate roles he was President & CMO of Tata Teleservices, Country Director for Motorola, Executive VP Marketing and Category Director for PepsiCo India and South Asia.

An acknowledged thought leader, Lloyd has written op-eds, columns, and has been quoted on business and policy issues in local and international media.

@LloydMathias www.linkedin.com/in/lloyd-mathias/

Manik M. Jolly is a decorated military veteran turned renewable-energy innovator, strategic communicator and author. A former officer of the Indian Army (Gorkha regiment and Military Intelligence), he has led operations in high-intensity environments and commanded intelligence/counter-intelligence detachments.

Building on this foundation, he founded Grassroots & Rural Innovative Development (GRID) Pvt Ltd — a social enterprise focused on delivering solar micro-grids, clean drinking water and digital connectivity to underserved rural areas in India and beyond.

As a strategic communication faculty member (at Indian Institute of Mass Communication) and published author of military-thriller works, Jolly is committed to shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators and storytellers.

Manish Om Prakash Agarwal, 43, is based in Kolkata, India, and is the founder of a women’s garments manufacturing unit specializing in women’s wear. His business focuses on designing and producing high-quality apparel for the women’s fashion segment. He is married and has two daughters.

Manish currently places strong emphasis on health and overall well-being. He acknowledges the guidance of Sandeep Mall, whose deep and comprehensive knowledge in the wellness and financial domain has been a valuable source of learning and perspective.

A passionate traveler, Manish is particularly inclined toward adventure and endurance-based journeys. He has completed the demanding Panch Kedar Track, a high-altitude trek known for its rigorous terrain and spiritual significance. Further reflecting his resilience and commitment, he has also undertaken the month-long Kanwar Yatra 3600 km—an arduous journey spanning approximately 3,600 kilometers, undertaken predominantly on foot, from Gangotri to Rameswaram.

Beyond his entrepreneurial and exploratory pursuits, Manish is also interested in music and vocal expression. He is fond of singing and continues to nurture the art of music as a personal interest.

His journey reflects a blend of entrepreneurship, endurance, spirituality, and exploration—supported by a structured approach to personal growth and holistic well-being.

Mohit has spent over 18 years in the financial services industry, working at the cusp of corporate banking, technology, and digital transformation . As Director – Transaction Banking at BNP Paribas, he and his wonderful team work closely with large Multinational and Indian corporates to redefine their cash-management, trade-finance, and supply-chain ecosystems, while bringing in efficiency, resilience, and digital ethos.

Having observed India’s digital evolution from close quarters, Mohit brings a practitioner’s clarity on how organisations and people adapt around transformative times. His professional journey has shaped a deep belief in continuous growth, disciplined learning, and conscious living.

Beyond work, Mohit is an avid reader committed to connecting people with books that are meant to be read by them. He pursues holistic fitness, writes occasionally and travels mindfully. He responds with equal warmth when addressed as : Icarus.

Mudar Patherya is a garbage picker, heritage building photographer, Urdu lover, butterfly-chaser, bylane walker, stock picker, social activist and writer. He also happens to find time to work behind a desk and make a living.

Mudar runs Trisys, India’s oldest (and among the largest) agency dedicated to producing annual reports. He started this segment within India and over the last 30 years, 11 agencies have emerged out of Trisys to become his competitors!

Mudar is an activist in Kolkata (urban, environmental and social). He has been responsible for cleaning urban water bodies including the famed Santragacchi Jheel twice over and the turnaround of Rabindra Sarobar. With much of Kolkata getting cleaned in the last decade, he is temporarily out of work.

He inspired the creation of a philanthropic NGO called Kolkata Gives that mobilized nearly Rs 100 mn during the pandemic.

He initiated the painting of electricity boxes around eminent Kolkata personalities. Co-conceived the popular Live in Lakes musical event inside Rabindra Sarobar. Initiated the clean-up of Vivekananda Park, Lily Pool, Avenue Sammilani lighting, water sprinklers inside Rabindra Sarobar and the open-air gallery inside Rabindra Sarobar. Helped replant 149 fallen trees in Rabindra/Subhas Sarobar in 2020.

He keeps threatening his family that he will close down his office and create an NGO dedicated to teaching children the ability to speak and write good English.

IPS 1996 batch
Odisha cadre.
Present posting
Additional DGP, CID-Crime and
MD, Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), Odisha.

Have served in various capacities in police and non police departments for last 24 years including a five years tenure in CBI.

He is credited with establishing popular city bus service Mo Bus in Bhubaneswar and nearby cities in his role as MD, Capital Region Urban Transport, Odisha. The city bus service has been recently awarded with UN Award for Public Service.

Cracked many important cases. A movie Mind Game has been made on one of his cases – parcel bomb blast case. Renowned actor Atul Kulkarni has played his character as IG, Crime Branch, Odisha.

Awarded with Kathin Sewa Medal for working in Naxal Affected areas in year 2007. DGPs Commendation Disc, Governor’s Medal for Police Service and Presidents Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

He is known for using social media for public service and has more than 2.6 lakhs followers on Twitter. He has been very active in helping the people during Covid pandemic through his online initiative India Cares.

One of India’s most accomplished nature, wildlife and conservation photographers, Dhritiman Mukherjee is an explorer and wanderer. In the last 25 years, he has pushed his limits as a photographer to do work that is compelling as well as scientifically essential. He is purely a field guy and he spends 300 days a year in the wild. Dhritiman has worked on vast species and habitats in 40 countries, specially he worked extensively in India. He has trekked the highest reaches of the Himalayas in search of the elusive snow leopard, spent years tracking down the brown bear. He has climbed an active volcano in Congo to shoot active lava lakes and paraglided in the Himalayas to photograph vultures in flight. His work has taken him from the Arctic to Antarctica to photograph underwater ice formations and polar life and to the depths of frozen Lake Baikal in Siberia to photograph Baikal Seals. He has dived in the underwater caves in Mexico, swum through the streams of Brazil to shoot the anaconda and photographed the American crocodile up close. He has spent months crouched on wet rainforest floors in search of the tiniest creatures and explored deep inside vertical caves in search of world largest troglobitic blind fish.

He has won innumerable awards for his vibrant images including NHM WPY, NaturesBest, DGMPC . But the accolades that he holds most dear are the Carl Zeiss award, the RBS Earth Hero award and the Kirloskar Vasundhara Mitra as got these for using his images for conservation. He was a jury member of wildlife photographer of the year by Natural History Museum London 2022 and 6th National award for photography by Government of India.

He has co-authored the book Magical Biodiversity of India and The Land of Mosaic. Now he is an ambassador of RoundGlass Sustain and he is Sony Explorer.

Joy Bhattacharjya is the Director General of the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports. He also runs the Prime Volleyball League and is a cricket analyst with Cricbuzz, the world’s largest online cricket platform.

His previous stint was as the Project Director for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which in October 2017 became the most attended and successful junior tournament in the history of FIFA. Other engagements include being Team Director for the Kolkata Knight Riders, Head of programming for both History Channel and National Geographic channel for South Asia and ESPN Star Sports’ first Indian Head of Production.

Joy has written on sport for the likes of TOI, India Today, BBC, The Telegraph and the Hindustan Times, has regular quiz columns with the Times of India and also writes on sport for the Economic Times.

Deepa C Dave has been a corporate executive for 25 yrs now. She is a fitness enthusiast and is passionate about healthy eating and nutrition. She loves going to gym and practices numerology, bach medicine, colour therapy and angel card reading for friends and family.

Manish is a driven professional, started working from the tender age of 11, teaching tuitions, working on daily wages to sitting in the PCOs and working in the factories during school breaks. After completing 12th in 2007, he started working in a call centre and McDonald’s in Pune, shuffling two jobs for a period of nine-months before entering an international call centre that paid a need-based sizeable income.

He moved to digital marketing after four years in the call centre industry, and started doing pre-sales, appointment settings, and social media marketing. Manish kept working on all opportunities, moved up to managerial roles and then to leadership over the years.

Now he works with content creators across the Nation helping them with content strategy, working with early-stage startups, helping them set up their teams, branding and marketing units and much more. He also works with many entrepreneurs helping them elevate their personal brands using video content and social media platforms.

Manish has worked with several digital and social media agencies, projects like TEDxGateway, and Wikipedia, and is a part of the leadership team of India’s best social impact organization – Josh Talks. Over the years he has now built a profile as a Generalist.

Recently, he co-authored a book ‘Booming Digital Stars’ – covering the aspects of the creator economy and stories of 11 most inspiring content creators of India. The book has gone to become a best-seller within a month of its launch.

Meghdut Roy Chowdhury is a serial entrepreneur, community builder and social-change maker from Calcutta, India. He started his first company at the age of 19, a music recording studio by the name of BlooperHouse Studios, which has till date produced more than 3000 albums and artists from across the world. Meghdut has a Masters’ in Management with a specialisation in International Business from HEC Paris, Stanford University and Tel Aviv University. He is currently the Chief Innovation Officer at Techno India Group, one of the largest educational conglomerates in India with 100k+ students and has been driving a new wave of experiential inter-disciplinary learning for adults through the Offbeat CCU, a school of the future. He also runs West Bengal’s only Atal Incubation Center for Startups, a campaign to “Make Calcutta Relevant Again” and has recently co-founded Bengal Business Council to promote Entrepreneurship and change the narrative around doing business in the East. He advises HNIs and Family Offices on global cross-border transactions.

Priti Rathi Gupta, Founder of LXME, has led and inspired over 200,000 women towards building their financial acumen and financialization of their small savings.

An Alumni of Harvard Business School, she had held leadership positions as M. D. of Anand Rathi, one of India’s largest Financial Services Conglomerate, at YPO, and Founder of Ishka films. She is a reputed expert awarded for setting up the Commodities desk, Currency, and Forex Advisory business with two decades of experience in the BFSI industry & is now focused on bridging the gap between women & wealth.

Amongst many recognitions, Priti & LXME were featured in Her Majesty the Queen: The Official Platinum Jubilee Pageant Commemorative Album. This album features a range of outstanding individuals and organizations selected for their transformational contribution around the world.

LXME was awarded The “Annual Impact Creator Awards 2021” (ICA2021) as the “Warrior of Change” under the Fintech Innovation category, an initiative by Billennium Divas. Being LXME Facebook Community was one amongst 130 communities globally, to be part of Facebook’s Community Accelerator Program that helps leaders harness the power of their community to turn impactful ideas into action.

LXME is one of the 20 women-founded or co-founded startups selected by the Google for Startups Accelerator Program out of nearly 400 applications.

I am a Managing Partner at Suvarna Capital Advisors LLP, a renewable energy transition advisor to global corporations having production operations across India. I hold a postgraduate, Master’s in Finance degree from the Henley Business School, United Kingdom. I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment (CISI) in London and also an Associate Member of the Worshipful Company of International Bankers, a livery company with a Royal Charter, based in the City of London.

I am passionate about deal making in the Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) deals and renewable energy transition space. I thrive on transactions involving divestiture and acquisition of operating wind power & solar power assets having executed mandates on the Buy-Side & Sell-Side. I advise industrial clients on a multitude of green power procurement options to achieve their sustainability goals. I enjoy Cricket, Poker, Movies and Snooker.

I am a Managing Partner at Suvarna Capital Advisors LLP, a renewable energy transition advisor to global corporations having production operations across India. I hold a postgraduate, Master’s in Finance degree from the Henley Business School, United Kingdom. I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment (CISI) in London and also an Associate Member of the Worshipful Company of International Bankers, a livery company with a Royal Charter, based in the City of London.

I am passionate about deal making in the Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) deals and renewable energy transition space. I thrive on transactions involving divestiture and acquisition of operating wind power & solar power assets having executed mandates on the Buy-Side & Sell-Side. I advise industrial clients on a multitude of green power procurement options to achieve their sustainability goals. I enjoy Cricket, Poker, Movies and Snooker.

I’m Rakhi Thirani, a seasoned video editor with over 20 years of global freelance experience. I seek joy in exploring new cinematic experiences and immersing myself in the ever-evolving world of visual storytelling. My journey reflects dedication to my craft and a commitment to a fulfilling life with unwavering support from my family.

Meet Sneha, a renowned pastry chef who hails from Le Cordon Bleu Paris. With extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, she has established herself as a reputable name in the culinary world.

After completing her cuisine diploma from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Sneha went on to open up her own Paris Cafe and ran it successfully for nine years. During this time, she honed her skills as a pastry chef and gained invaluable knowledge in managing a business.

Today, Sneha is an influencer with over 800k followers on social media platforms. Her expertise and knowledge in the culinary world have helped her garner a massive following, and her creative flair in crafting delicious and visually appealing dishes have caught the attention of food enthusiasts worldwide.

Sneha is not just a social media influencer; she is also an F&B consultant who has worked with numerous restaurants and cafes across the country. Her hands-on experience in the industry has allowed her to offer invaluable insights and advice on how to improve the quality of their food and services.

Overall, Sneha’s passion and dedication for the culinary arts have brought her a long way in her career. With her extensive knowledge and experience, she continues to inspire and influence aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts everywhere.

Shubho Sengupta: a veteran ad guru, Subho Sengupta has worked in traditional/brand advertising working with brands like O&M, Leo Burnett, JWT and Contract Advertising. Senguptahas experience across a spectrum of brands, from multinational to start-ups, including Amex, NIIT, GSK, Gillette, Pepsi, Coke, Motorola, Star-ESPN,DeBeers, etc.Since 2007 he has been involved indigital/integrated advertising and marketing and joined Interactive Avenues in 2007, a digital advertising agency, as National CreativeDirector. Over the years he has worked with brands like NIIT, ICICI, ESPN, Colgate, Travelocity, Rediffusion Y&R Delhi, Airtel, LG, and Xerox.2011-2011. Eventually he moved to Coca-Cola as a digital consultant. From 2013 onwards he has been working as a creative consultant with India’s biggest brands like ABP Group,Tata Tea, Airtel, Nokia, Lava Mobiles, Times Group, and Outlook. Currently he is a consult with IT Ministry (Government of India) functioning as a Director, MyGov.

Shishir Goel is a Founding Partner of GoGroup, an independent venture studio with a focus on creating diverse companies across various industries. GoGroup has not only launched successful companies like GoParts, Trustspace, Eduneon, Evolut, and Wandel but has also forged strategic partnerships with prestigious organizations such as HHLA, ZF, Maxsolar, Terazo, GoPuls, and Warehousing1.

These collaborations are aimed at enhancing the digital capabilities of their ventures, marking significant progress in the European market. Since 2019, Shishir has been dedicated to three primary objectives: nurturing long-term collaborations, ensuring profitability from the very beginning, and embarking on multiple ‘zero to one’ product development journeys.

Before the inception of GoGroup, Shishir built and scaled several tech-product companies and engineering teams across various international organizations. Active in the Indo-German sector for over a decade, he firmly believes that exporting goods and services from India and importing innovation and technology into India is crucial for the nation’s advancement.

Sachin is a seasoned business professional with over 20 years of experience, specializing in the area of market entry strategy, customer relationship management, product management, strategic business alliances and partnerships across startups, turnarounds, and businesses in an exponential growth phase. He currently is the Chief Business Officer at Autovert Technologies which he co-founded and is now a fully owned subsidiary of Ecofy – promoted by Eversource Capital, India’s leading climate impact investor.

Sachin has served a variety of industries ranging from BPO and Banking to Printing Solutions and Integrated FM & Food Solutions in different functions through his career.

Sushil Borde leads the Reliance Innovation Leadership Centre, driving strategic innovation and new energy initiatives for Reliance Industries. He convenes the Reliance Innovation Council—comprising Nobel Laureates and global thought leaders—and holds a patent for an original innovation platform.

As head of the New Energy Council Secretariat, he shapes Reliance’s global decarbonization strategy across Australia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Spain and the USA. He previously played key roles in founding Reliance Foundation, Jio Institute, and guiding the Mumbai Indians IPL franchise.

Internationally, Sushil has served as Senior Advisor to the Global Research Alliance and as President of the MIT Fab Foundation. He also leads the Anjani Mashelkar Foundation, enabling transformative, affordable healthcare innovations. A Mechanical Engineer with an MBA, he is co-author of More From Less For More, and co-creator of Timeless Inspirator – Reliving Gandhi.

Vishal Gondal, celebrated not only as the trailblazer of the Indian gaming industry but also as a stalwart in the realm of Web3 and cutting-edge digital innovation, has made his mark across multiple domains. With strategic foresight, he founded India Games, a venture that captured global attention and subsequently led to its notable acquisition by the entertainment behemoth, Walt Disney.

Transitioning from this success, Vishal’s current endeavour, GOQii, represents an avant-garde blend of health and the burgeoning Health Metaverse. By leveraging the Metaverse, he seeks to gamify wellness, presenting it within a decentralized and engaging framework. Vishal firmly believes in the Metaverse’s capacity to revolutionize how we perceive and integrate the digital and real worlds.

His international acclaim and recognition have placed him in the esteemed company of luminaries, notably Steve Jobs. Beyond his entrepreneurial feats, Vishal has showcased his prowess as an astute angel investor, channelling resources and support towards nascent WEB3 ventures.

His podcast, a platform where he engages with and amplifies the voices of those at the helm of digital transformation, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to innovation and the propagation of knowledge in the ever-evolving WEB3 landscape.

Saurabh Nigam is the Vice President of Human Capital at Omidyar Network, which is one of the world’s ing impact investing organizations. Saurabh supports ON’s portfolio of entrepreneurs in India, with a focus on organization design, change management, talent management and executive coaching. Saurabh has been recognized as one of the Top 25 future HR ers of the country by People Matters & DDI International. He is also the recipient of HR 40 Under 40 award by Jombay for the year 2018. A Bachelor of Engineering (B.E) in Electronics and Telecommunications Saurabh holds Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations (PM&IR) and SPHR, GPHR and HRMP certifications from SHRM, USA – being the only Indian and one among the first 10 professionals globally to hold these three certifications simultaneously.

Shishir Goel is a Founding Partner of GoGroup, an independent venture studio with a focus on creating diverse companies across various industries. GoGroup has not only launched successful companies like GoParts, Trustspace, Eduneon, Evolut, and Wandel but has also forged strategic partnerships with prestigious organizations such as HHLA, ZF, Maxsolar, Terazo, GoPuls, and Warehousing1.

These collaborations are aimed at enhancing the digital capabilities of their ventures, marking significant progress in the European market. Since 2019, Shishir has been dedicated to three primary objectives: nurturing long-term collaborations, ensuring profitability from the very beginning, and embarking on multiple ‘zero to one’ product development journeys.

Before the inception of GoGroup, Shishir built and scaled several tech-product companies and engineering teams across various international organizations. Active in the Indo-German sector for over a decade, he firmly believes that exporting goods and services from India and importing innovation and technology into India is crucial for the nation’s advancement.

Saurabh Nigam is the Vice President of Human Capital at Omidyar Network, which is one of the world’s ing impact investing organizations. Saurabh supports ON’s portfolio of entrepreneurs in India, with a focus on organization design, change management, talent management and executive coaching. Saurabh has been recognized as one of the Top 25 future HR ers of the country by People Matters & DDI International. He is also the recipient of HR 40 Under 40 award by Jombay for the year 2018. A Bachelor of Engineering (B.E) in Electronics and Telecommunications Saurabh holds Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations (PM&IR) and SPHR, GPHR and HRMP certifications from SHRM, USA – being the only Indian and one among the first 10 professionals globally to hold these three certifications simultaneously.

Dr Ravindra Singh Shekhawat is a neurologist practicing at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore. He has a special interest in stroke and post stroke neuro-recovery. Dr Ravi has completed his medical training from Madras Medical College, Chennai, India, and graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. He later became a member of the Royal College of Physicians, London (MRCP, UK), before moving on to pursue his senior residency training in Neurology at Singapore General Hospital. This was followed by fellowships at the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS) and the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP, Edinburgh). He was working as a Neurology consultant under the National Neuroscience institute and has been providing neurology services at Singapore General Hospital and Changi General Hospital.

Pooja Surana is a sports enthusiast and holds a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Karate. Professionally, she is a CA, CS, and CFA, currently serving as an Associate Partner at RADS & Co. Chartered Accountants. In this role, she oversees financial consultancy and leads a team specializing in trading and investment across equities, derivatives, and commodities. Additionally, she serves as an Advisor to the issue for SME IPOs

Kaushal is the Founder/CEO of Teabox, the world’s first vertically integrated premium tea brand that is disrupting a $50 billion industry with its innovations in technology/supply chain. It has been widely chronicled as a disruptive idea in a 200-year old industry and has raised funds from global marquee investors such as Accel Partners & Mr. Ratan Tata among others.

Started in 2013, Teabox has shipped over 5bn+ cups of tea to customers in 150+ countries. Kaushal has also been recognised as Reuter’s Change Maker, Fortune 40 Under 40, Entrepreneur Magazine’s 35 Under 35, Fortune Magazine’s Top 5 Creative People (2016), CNBC’s Young Turk (2016), an INK Fellow (2015) and AACSB Influential Leader (2015). Kaushal has also been featured in publications such as New York Times, CNN International, Forbes, Discovery and The Economic Times.

Kaushal graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Business Management from the Singapore Management University (SMU).

Manish is a driven professional, started working from the tender age of 11, teaching tuitions, working on daily wages to sitting in the PCOs and working in the factories during school breaks. After completing 12th in 2007, he started working in a call centre and McDonald’s in Pune, shuffling two jobs for a period of nine-months before entering an international call centre that paid a need-based sizeable income.

He moved to digital marketing after four years in the call centre industry, and started doing pre-sales, appointment settings, and social media marketing. Manish kept working on all opportunities, moved up to managerial roles and then to leadership over the years.

Now he works with content creators across the Nation helping them with content strategy, working with early-stage startups, helping them set up their teams, branding and marketing units and much more. He also works with many entrepreneurs helping them elevate their personal brands using video content and social media platforms.

Manish has worked with several digital and social media agencies, projects like TEDxGateway, and Wikipedia, and is a part of the leadership team of India’s best social impact organization – Josh Talks. Over the years he has now built a profile as a Generalist.

Recently, he co-authored a book ‘Booming Digital Stars’ – covering the aspects of the creator economy and stories of 11 most inspiring content creators of India. The book has gone to become a best-seller within a month of its launch.

Priti Rathi Gupta, Founder of LXME, has led and inspired over 200,000 women towards building their financial acumen and financialization of their small savings.

An Alumni of Harvard Business School, she had held leadership positions as M. D. of Anand Rathi, one of India’s largest Financial Services Conglomerate, at YPO, and Founder of Ishka films. She is a reputed expert awarded for setting up the Commodities desk, Currency, and Forex Advisory business with two decades of experience in the BFSI industry & is now focused on bridging the gap between women & wealth.

Amongst many recognitions, Priti & LXME were featured in Her Majesty the Queen: The Official Platinum Jubilee Pageant Commemorative Album. This album features a range of outstanding individuals and organizations selected for their transformational contribution around the world.

LXME was awarded The “Annual Impact Creator Awards 2021” (ICA2021) as the “Warrior of Change” under the Fintech Innovation category, an initiative by Billennium Divas. Being LXME Facebook Community was one amongst 130 communities globally, to be part of Facebook’s Community Accelerator Program that helps leaders harness the power of their community to turn impactful ideas into action.

LXME is one of the 20 women-founded or co-founded startups selected by the Google for Startups Accelerator Program out of nearly 400 applications.

Rakesh Sheth is a multi-faceted management professional with over 20 years of experience leading businesses across multiple domains and managing cross-functional teams and operations. A passionate entrepreneur at heart, he has a strong finance background, and built successful ventures from the ground up and grown them to leadership stages in their domain. He also has significant experience in helping family-owned businesses aiding in asset restructuring and family wealth & estate management with a focus on reducing risk to family wealth exposure to business uncertainties.

Sivakumar’s Twitter profile (@S_Sivakumar) reads: Urban Farmer (#HomeGarden #GreenHouse), Science Simplified (#SundayScience), Business Model Innovation (#Mentor #Angel), Creative Photography (actually, creative captions for routine photographs).

He heads the Agri and IT Businesses of ITC Limited, a three billion dollar portfolio out of the group’s ten.

Sivakumar also oversees ITC’s Social Investments Programme and Corporate Sustainability Initiatives, which helped ITC achieve the distinction of being water positive, carbon positive and solid waste recycling positive for nearly two decades in a row – the only enterprise in the world to do so.

ITC’s trailblazing ‘e-Choupal’ initiative was developed and executed under his leadership. Operating in 21 crop value chains across 220 districts, the initiative reaches over four million farmers with customised agri extension services, while securing identity-preserved agri produce for ITC’s Branded Foods business and other customers around the world.

Sivakumar serves on the Advisory Council to the Ministry of Rural Development, the Commodity Derivatives Advisory Committee of SEBI, and on the Management Committee of National Agricultural Higher Education Project of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. He chairs the National Agricultural Council of the CII.

Sivakumar has also been on the boards of NABARD and IRMA (Institute of Rural Management – also his alma mater, where he topped the Class of 1983). He has been the Vice Chairman of the WEF’s Global Agenda Council on Social Innovation and UN Global Compact’s Core Advisory Group to develop Sustainable Agriculture Business Principles.

Sivakumar blogs at shivsthirdeye.in.

Shubho Sengupta: a veteran ad guru, Subho Sengupta has worked in traditional/brand advertising working with brands like O&M, Leo Burnett, JWT and Contract Advertising. Senguptahas experience across a spectrum of brands, from multinational to start-ups, including Amex, NIIT, GSK, Gillette, Pepsi, Coke, Motorola, Star-ESPN,DeBeers, etc.Since 2007 he has been involved indigital/integrated advertising and marketing and joined Interactive Avenues in 2007, a digital advertising agency, as National CreativeDirector. Over the years he has worked with brands like NIIT, ICICI, ESPN, Colgate, Travelocity, Rediffusion Y&R Delhi, Airtel, LG, and Xerox.2011-2011. Eventually he moved to Coca-Cola as a digital consultant. From 2013 onwards he has been working as a creative consultant with India’s biggest brands like ABP Group,Tata Tea, Airtel, Nokia, Lava Mobiles, Times Group, and Outlook. Currently he is a consult with IT Ministry (Government of India) functioning as a Director, MyGov.

Vipul Gupta is the Executive Director of Earth Focus, which has a vision to shape a landscape where people and nature thrive together.

Prior to Earth Focus, Vipul spent three decades building teams and organisations in the corporate sector, in the realm of manufacturing and distribution. His last venture, Excel Controlinkage, has over 800 employees and exports to 70 countries. He is as comfortable working with tribal communities as he is in board rooms.

In parallel, Vipul’s philanthropic journey spans over three decades on girl child education across the country. Bringing his business expertise to a new life in the non-profit sector, Vipul works to solve development challenges through a community-driven approach that creates resilient, long-lasting solutions. Through extensive engagement with local communities, civil society organisations, government agencies, and businesses, he realised the need to connect the gaps between funding, data and research, and local practitioners – which led to the birth of Earth Focus Foundation’s bottom-up, in-depth approach.Outside of Earth Focus, he also mentors small businesses and individuals on management and strategy.

He is also leading a mission to bring millets into the mainstream collaborating with researchers, agriculture machines, farmers and CSO’s and retailers. He plays a strategic advisor role at Nature in Focus, a portal on nature, wildlife and conservation.

A passionate and awarded nature photographer, Vipul also dabbles in spatial design and process design.Vipul has a BE degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manipal University.

A simple, laidback, not very ambitious 3rd generation entrepreneur from Dhanbad, Jharkhand.

Jagannath has been kind to have blessed me with a beautiful life.
I am sure I shall manage an A if not A+ both as a father and son and a decent B / B+ as a husband.

About Two third of life has gone by..Have now taken responsibility of my health. Have become little Mindful ..of what I eat…of my physical training..and yes Quit Smoking too!!
All thanks to a wonderful human whom I discovered on Twitter.

I am a Dreamer..i dream of great careers ahead for my kids.

I am a seeker..I seek Love.

I am a Human..I believe in Humanity.

Born in Mumbai and schooled in Panchgani, he was always highly academically inclined. During his school days, he was a state-level basketball player.After completing his Textile Engineering from DKTE, Ichalkaranji in the year 1998, he took up a job in project consultancy based in Mumbai.He joined the family business in 2000. Later, in the year 2009, He took over the reins of the business after the demise of his Father.

He heads a manufacturing business in textiles with over 1200 employees & exports fabrics and apparel to over 20 countries and works with reputed Indian brands like Arrow, Van Heusen amongst others.

He has been awarded numerous times by Texprocil for the export of fabrics.
He is a voracious reader and draws inspiration from leaders like Shivaji Maharaj, Dhirubhai Ambani, Honorable PM Shri Narendra Modi, Elon Musk amongst many others. He is also a guest lecturer at DKTE’s Textile & Engineering Institute, Ichalkaranji & is actively involved in voluntarily mentoring second-generation entrepreneurs from the textile industry. Presently he is also the Chairman of the Fabric sub-committee at TEXPROCIL.
He is an avid cyclist and an adventure sports enthusiast. His adventurous spirit has bagged him a place in the most prestigious “Guinness World Records” in a group event held at Koh Tao, Thailand in 2016 for “The Longest Underwater Human Chain”.
He is happily married to Rachana, who is an educationist and runs a successful state-level franchisee in kids’ vocational education. They are blessed with 2 kids- an elder daughter, Anvita, 12 years old, who is creatively inclined and writes well & a younger son, Shaurya, 8 years old, who is a national-level chess player. They stay with their Mother in Ichalkaranji, in western Maharashtra.

Nikhil Shewakramani is currently based in Hyderabad and identifies strongly with practices that support balance and mindfulness, including structured rest, routine physical activity, and the principle of renewed opportunity. He is a father to his 11-year-old son, Neev, and has been married for 18 years to his wife, Parul.

Born in Delhi, Nikhil’s personal and professional outlook has been shaped through a wide range of global experiences, having lived across 10 cities, spanning 3 continents. He presently considers Hyderabad a significant phase in his evolving journey, both personally and professionally.

Professionally, Nikhil leads two companies with a focus on investing in innovative ideas, early-stage ventures, and opportunity-driven concepts. His work reflects interest in ideation, strategic investment, and operational leadership.

Nikhil is passionate about travel as a means of meaningful connection, routinely engaging with family members, close networks, and business collaborators. He values community dynamics and active participation within groups, recognizing the importance of communication, cohesion, and collective momentum.

In parallel, he is developing an educational support initiative designed for individuals whose academic journeys were interrupted or delayed—creating a structured pathway for learning, reskilling, and reintegration. His approach emphasizes second chances through capacity building, self-development, and long-term growth.

His interests also extend to music and vocal arts, and he remains committed to personal well-being, community engagement, and collaborative experiences with purpose-driven outcomes.

Rakesh Sheth is a multi-faceted management professional with over 20 years of experience leading businesses across multiple domains and managing cross-functional teams and operations. A passionate entrepreneur at heart, he has a strong finance background, and built successful ventures from the ground up and grown them to leadership stages in their domain. He also has significant experience in helping family-owned businesses aiding in asset restructuring and family wealth & estate management with a focus on reducing risk to family wealth exposure to business uncertainties.

Ruchit G Garg is Founder & CEO of Harvesting Farmer Network (HFN), where his mission is to help 120 million farmers make more profitable.

Ruchit has worked for global giants like Microsoft, helping build XBOX, Operating system, sold a technology company in USA, and then later moved to India to work with small-holder farmers of India. Ruchit was also instrumental in creating the world’s first commercial text-to-speech system in Hindi. Over the years Ruchit has been invited to many national/international conferences and his work has been covered on likes of New York Times, DW, NPR, DW, CNN, CNBC, Mint and lot more across the world.

He can be found on twitter as @ruchitgarg

Sivakumar’s Twitter profile (@S_Sivakumar) reads: Urban Farmer (#HomeGarden #GreenHouse), Science Simplified (#SundayScience), Business Model Innovation (#Mentor #Angel), Creative Photography (actually, creative captions for routine photographs).

He heads the Agri and IT Businesses of ITC Limited, a three billion dollar portfolio out of the group’s ten.

Sivakumar also oversees ITC’s Social Investments Programme and Corporate Sustainability Initiatives, which helped ITC achieve the distinction of being water positive, carbon positive and solid waste recycling positive for nearly two decades in a row – the only enterprise in the world to do so.

ITC’s trailblazing ‘e-Choupal’ initiative was developed and executed under his leadership. Operating in 21 crop value chains across 220 districts, the initiative reaches over four million farmers with customised agri extension services, while securing identity-preserved agri produce for ITC’s Branded Foods business and other customers around the world.

Sivakumar serves on the Advisory Council to the Ministry of Rural Development, the Commodity Derivatives Advisory Committee of SEBI, and on the Management Committee of National Agricultural Higher Education Project of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. He chairs the National Agricultural Council of the CII.

Sivakumar has also been on the boards of NABARD and IRMA (Institute of Rural Management – also his alma mater, where he topped the Class of 1983). He has been the Vice Chairman of the WEF’s Global Agenda Council on Social Innovation and UN Global Compact’s Core Advisory Group to develop Sustainable Agriculture Business Principles.

Sivakumar blogs at shivsthirdeye.in.

Saurabh Joshi currently works as Director of Sales for Asia Pacific for Janes. Janes is a 125-year-old brand in the domain of defence intelligence and national security. Saurabh has led various research and analysis teams in Janes in the domain of open source intelligence (OSINT) and has helped customers in understanding risks and market opportunities through OSINT. He has advised national security and defence industry customers on changing landscape of technology, aspects of war & conflicts, and applications of AI in defence. Saurabh retired as a Squadron Leader from the Indian Airforce after a decade of service in the domain of radars and military communications. Saurabh likes to cycle, run and do strength training to keep himself fit and healthy.

Rohit quit his corporate job to follow his passion for wildlife. His photographs are published in many national and international media. He decided to keep his photographs under creative commons so that these images can be used by a larger community for awareness purposes. He is also a filmmaker, and has recently co-produced “Project Tiger” a feature length documentary on the greatest conservation success story. Other films in Which he has played a critical role are “The Real Jungle Book”, “Destination Wild India”, “The Last Frontier”, “Forgotten People” to name a few.

He co-founded Nature inFocus, a visual storytelling platform for all things wild. Nature inFocus has successfully brought the larger wildlife community onto a single platform through its portal, calendar festival and annual photography and film awards. The Nature inFocus Festival is arguably the largest event of its kind in the world.

He also founded narrative – branding and communication firm to take his passion forward of design and strategy. Narrative today has created a niche in the design industry with its approach of storytelling that transforms businesses. Narrative work was showcased in the World Economic Forum for the campaign “ Innovation Now, Growth forever” for Govt of Karnataka also they handled communication for Karnataka’s Global Investors Meet in 2022. It has also created campaigns for AMD, Vestas, Wildcraft, Toyota Financial Services, Dell and many more.

Rohit is a fitness enthusiast. He took fitness training seriously 2 years ago and made sure It becomes his priority.

I am currently Director Sales Asia Pacific for a company called Janes. I lead the sales team for the region and my customer base is mainly national security customers (armed forces, intelligence organisations etc) and defence industries in Asia Pacific region. We support these organisations by providing data and analysis pertaining to the domain of aerospace defence and security.

Prior to this role, I was leading various research and analysis teams within the same company in the areas of geopolitical, technical and market research in the same domain. I was the first person to be hired in India for the organisation and then went on to head the India office for the company. Before Janes, I worked briefly for Amazon when it was launching its ecommerce operations in India in 2012-13.

This was after I had retired as a Squadron Leader from the Indian Airforce after serving 10 years as an engineering officer in the domain of radars, military communication, and electronic warfare. I have enjoyed working in both the domains with a sort of even split of 10 years in armed forces and 11 years in corporate domain.

I am married, my wife is working in financial sector, and we are settled in Bangalore. I have a son who is in his first year of engineering from BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus.

I like to cycle, run and do strength training to keep myself fit and healthy.

Ashish Shanker is Managing Director and heads the Private Wealth arm of Motilal Oswal Group. His current responsibilities encompass managing family office mandates, products & research, financial planning, and investment strategy for the wealth management business. This involves running the investment and product committee to formulate views across asset classes as well as evaluate products suitable for clients. He has been instrumental in evolving the proprietary 4C framework for selecting equity and fixed income managers in India. He is the author of the monthly research publication “Alpha Strategist”. He appears regularly on leading business media channels to give his views on markets and investments. He has also authored several articles on investments, capital markets, and economic outlook in several leading dailies and financial publications.

He has completed the Senior Leadership Program at Harvard Business School and is an HBS alumni. A business management graduate of the University of Bangalore in India, he began his capital markets career as a Research Executive for a leading regional brokerage firm. Subsequently, he worked in the asset management industry for over six years and the last 12 years in advisory, research, and product roles across wealth management platforms, including Head of the investment advisory at Standard Chartered Private Bank and Senior Director at Sarasin Alpen, India. He has won several accolades during his stint at these organizations. Ashish Shanker enjoys reading, playing table tennis, and listening to music outside of his professional duties. He has represented Maharashtra and Bangalore University in table tennis at the country`s highest level and won several championships.

Sumit Ramani is an actuary, entrepreneur, and author – an Information and Communication Technology engineer who transitioned into actuarial science.

He runs an actuarial consulting firm focused on enabling InsurTech, alongside a B2B tech start-up centered on comprehensive financial planning with specialized depth in insurance.

Sumit is passionate about personal finance and actively shares insights on Twitter under the handle @RamaniSumit.

Vivek has 20 years of experience as an active financial market participant and an entrepreneur with over 700 employees across his ventures. He is a chartered accountant and company secretary with an MBA from IIM Indore. He is highly passionate about education and technology and is an active knowledge contributor across social media platforms in finance, with over 1 million followers.

Sandeep Mall is a multifaceted individual who has made significant strides in various domains of life. He is not just an accomplished entrepreneur, but also a renowned wildlife photographer, a dedicated health coach, a respected mentor, and a devoted family man. His journey is a testament to his diverse talents and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Sandeep is the founder of LNM Auto Industries Pvt Ltd, a 100% Export oriented company that specialises in producing precision engineering components for a wide range of industries, including agriculture, mining, construction, and automobiles. His dedication to innovation and quality has earned LNM Auto recognition on a national scale. The Government of India honoured it twice as one of the Top 100 MSMEs in the country, in both 2016 and 2019.

Beyond the boardroom, Sandeep has a deep passion for wildlife photography. His talent in capturing the beauty of the natural world has been acknowledged through numerous accolades. He received the prestigious DJMPC India’s Best Wildlife Photographer award in 2014 and was named the ICICI Camaraderie National Winner in 2015. These honours underscore his ability to communicate the wonders of nature through his lens.

Sandeep Mall is not only a successful entrepreneur and photographer but also a Level 2 Health coach. He holds certifications in various aspects of health, including sleep, nutrition, stress management, and recovery. His commitment to holistic well-being is reflected in his role as a health coach, where he guides individuals towards healthier, more balanced lives.

His influence extends beyond his professional and creative pursuits. He serves as a mentor and coach to some of India’s prominent entrepreneurs and professionals, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience. He is the author of “Finding the Oasis,” a comprehensive book on deep health that covers all aspects of well-being. His commitment to empowering others shines through his mentorship and written work.

Sandeep’s life journey has taken him to 42 countries, providing him with a wealth of experiences and perspectives. His extensive travel has undoubtedly enriched his understanding of the world and its diverse cultures.

Sandeep remains a devoted family man. He lives with five generations under one roof, from his grandmother to his granddaughter. This strong family bond serves as a foundation for his life’s endeavours and underscores the importance of family values in his life.

Sangeet Kothari is the Co-founder of Echo Connect(www.ieecho.com), a boutique digital communications and outreach consultancy known for crafting thoughtful brand strategies, impactful storytelling, and integrated marketing solutions for niche and high-value audiences. Backed by a strong team of strategists, designers, and storytellers, Echo Connect helps brands articulate their purpose with clarity and consistency across platforms.

As an independent consultant, she works closely with family businesses, creative entrepreneurs, and emerging enterprises to bring focus and direction to their communication and market-outreach efforts. Her consulting practice aligns vision with execution — helping clients refine positioning, design effective go-to-market strategies, and build meaningful connections across audiences.

With over two decades of experience in strategy, marketing, and digital communications, Sangeet blends business insight with creative sensibility. Clients value her for her ability to listen deeply, simplify complex narratives, and transform ideas into structured, result-oriented plans that balance authenticity with impact.

Sudipta Bhattacharya is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Adani Group and CEO for its North American operations. As CTO, he leads the Group’s digital transformation across IT, Analytics, Cybersecurity, and next-generation data centers, driving innovation with initiatives like the world’s largest industry cloud platform and an AI Lab.

As CEO for North America, Sudipta manages global business development and partnerships with leading technology companies. Previously, he served as CEO of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) and Chief Strategy Officer for the Group.

Before joining Adani, Sudipta held leadership roles at Invensys and SAP, and began his career managing operations and engineering projects with the Tata Group. His strategic vision continues to shape the Adani Group’s growth and technological leadership globally.

Atul Suri is the CEO of Marathon Trends Advisory, a professional investment advisory firm. With nearly 30 years of financial market experience, he is recognized for building disciplined and research-backed portfolio strategies.

Atul began his career in 1991 as a fundamental analyst at Parag Parikh Financial Advisory Services, developing deep expertise in identifying high-quality stocks. He later pursued a Masters in Banking and Finance in Sydney, expanding his capabilities in quantitative, technical, and systematic market analysis.

In the late 1990s, Atul joined Birla Sun Life Securities, where he led the Private Client Group, advising high-value investor portfolios. In 2003, he founded Marathon Capital, focusing on index derivatives trading, strengthening his command over market momentum and structured trading models. In 2008, he joined RARE Enterprises as an analyst, gaining exposure to high-conviction investment frameworks that later supported the creation of his own Portfolio Management Services (PMS) fund.

Atul currently manages the Trend Following PMS offering at Marathon Trends Advisory, combining fundamental research with technical trend analysis and risk-structured portfolio execution. His investment approach emphasizes consistency, resilience, and systematic adaptability.

His personal interests, including marathon running and scuba diving, have reinforced qualities central to his investment philosophy—patience for long-term compounding, disciplined progression, and calm decision-making in evolving environments.

Suparna is the CEO of the Watches and Wearables Division of Titan Company Limited. She is an electrical engineer from Jadavpur University and an MBA from IIM, Calcutta. She has business experience of 3 decades in the consumer lifestyle and retail sectors.

She has worked in several companies before becoming the Global Marketing Head – Titan in 2006. After this stint, she was the Regional Business Head- South for Titan Company Ltd where she was heading all businesses of Titan Company Ltd including watches, jewellery, and eyewear for the South region. Her last assignment was as the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for the Watches and Wearables division.

Suparna currently serves on the Board of Governors for IIM Kozhikode and is an independent director of Swiggy Limited. She has previously served on the board of Tata Power Solar.

She is currently leading the transformation and growth agenda of the watches and wearables business in Titan Company after the Pandemic era.

She has been recognized on many platforms including Fortune Most Powerful Women in Business in 2021, Business Today Most Powerful Women 2021, 2023 and 2024, BW Businessworld Most Influential Women 2022, ET Femina Most Promising Women Leaders Award in 2022 and Most Impactful CEO 2023 by ET Edge

Sumant Kothari is Co-founder of Echo Connect, a dynamic marketing outfit dedicated to delivering innovative marketing & branding solutions, market outreach consulting, and result-driven digital communication & tech services to entrepreneurs & SMEs, world over. With a combination of technology acumen and a strategic mindset, Sumant has been instrumental in helping businesses, across different domains, amplify their digital footprint and achieve measurable success.

Having spent 12 years in the US for higher education (MBA in Marketing and Finance, MS in Software Development & Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems with a Minor in Finance) and working in large Fortune 500 global corporations, he is able to spearhead the organisation to serve businesses in different geographies. He is an alumnus of La Martiniere, Kolkata.

In addition to his life partner, his other loves include tennis, music & nature, and doting on his son.

Prachi is the Co-Founder/Brand Director at Teabox, the world’s first vertically integrated premium tea brand that is disrupting a $50 billion industry with its innovations in technology/supply chain. It has been widely chronicled as a disruptive idea in a 200-year-old industry and has raised funds from global marquee investors such as Accel Partners & Mr. Ratan Tata among others. Started in 2015, Teabox has shipped over 5bn+ cups of tea to customers in 150+ countries.

Through innovative design & storytelling under her leadership, the brand has been able to meaningfully communicate the story of the Indian Tea industry and has positioned itself as India’s first homegrown premium brand known for delivering incredible quality teas within days of production. That has garnered incredible coverage across The New York Times, CNN International, Discovery, Reuters, Sydney Morning Herald and Fortune India ranked Teabox as one of the five luxury brands to watch out for.

In addition to Teabox, Prachi also runs her personal Instagram page (3amwithprachi) through which she advocates the importance & benefits of using the early morning time to bring meaningful changes in one’s life with her community of 75k+ followers.

Prachi graduated with High Honours and by winning the Most Creative Student award with a Bachelor’s in Fashion Technology from the National Institute of Fashion Technology.

Srinivas Kamath is the Director of Kamath Ourtimes Ice Cream Pvt Ltd, where he has played a key role in retail and franchise development for over 15 years. Under his leadership, the company has continued to grow and thrive in the competitive ice cream industry.

An alumnus of the SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, where he completed his F.M.B program (2007–2009), Srinivas also holds a B.L.S L.L.B degree in Law from Government Law College (2002–2007). His educational background, combined with his extensive industry experience, has equipped him with a deep understanding of business management and strategic growth.

With a passion for innovation and quality, Srinivas continues to steer Kamath Ourtimes Ice Cream Pvt Ltd toward success, solidifying its reputation as a trusted name in the market.

Roshini Sheth, an impassioned architect with a blend of creativity and technical expertise, brings her deep understanding of architectural principles to every project she undertakes.

It’s been a significant 18 years since the Chennai-based Architect and Interior Designer rolled out her first creative blueprint. Graduating from the School of Architecture & Planning, Anna University, Chennai, Roshini has cemented lasting relationships with her projects and clients through her innate qualities and innovative ideas. Trust and deep-rooted professional values have been the strong foundation on which, her company’s image has been built slowly and steadily over the last two decades.

Her ability to seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality has created spaces that not only look stunning but also enhance the daily lives of those who inhabit them. Being the first Certified Mahavastu Consultant from Chennai, the designer over the years has studied and applied the various principles of this ancient science in several projects and cases. Roshini thrives on the challenge of transforming ideas into architectural designs that meet and exceed client’s expectations. Her portfolio includes a diverse array of projects ranging from high-end residences to innovative commercial spaces, all designed with the inherent belief that each space has a unique story waiting to be told.

A passionate artist, she creates bespoke fluid art in various compositions based on a moment of inspiration. Her art, as interpretative art is, always exudes a gentleness in sweep and texture…a medley of good thoughts, joy and celebration of life!

Abhishek has more than 18 years of experience in developing inorganic India entry strategies for Western European companies who want to come to India. His work focuses on strategy formulation, pre-transaction research, transaction management and post-transaction relationship and governance.

Abhishek co-founded Jivam Pharmaceuticals that exported pharmaceuticals products to Angola where the company built a marketing and distribution front-end, selling proprietary brands as well as exclusive distribution for generic as well as complex molecules and injectables from Mcleods Pharma, Serum Institute and seven others. The front-end got acquired in mid-2024.

Abhishek has studied MSc Economics at the University of St. Andrews UK, MSc Finance and Chartered Financial Analyst from ICFAI India and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Mumbai.

Abhishek is always up to go on a hike. Live performances of any kind, is more attracted to live cultural performances. He always tends to seek them out even if it means traveling more for them. He likes to find interesting food – a clean, healthy but different meal is always sought after.

Anshul Punjabi is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of expertise in the fashion jewellery and raw materials industry. As a wholesaler, exporter, and importer, he has built a stellar reputation for delivering high-quality products to a diverse range of clients, including fashion houses and global brands.

With his vast experience and deep understanding of the industry, Anshul has the unique capability to cater to the specific needs of any client, offering tailored solutions that align with their creative vision and market demands. His commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made him a trusted name in the fashion jewellery business, contributing significantly to its growth and innovation.

A Chartered Accountant and an Accounting Major, Shaina Shah is the Director of ICECD, a United Nations-recognized foundation driving impactful CSR projects in health, education, entrepreneurship, skill development and environmental change. Shaina co-founded Limelight Pictures, a production house responsible for feature films, documentaries, and ad films along with producing, directing, editing and acting in various feature films, ads, short format films and podcasts. She further founded Limelight Pictures Film School, which has trained over 300 students and conducted numerous workshops in association with Vancouver Film School. Shaina also leads Satyameva Jayate International School as the Creative Director and Trustee. SJIS is a one of a kind school which provides a validated curriculum for entrepreneurship from grade 1 through 10. As a contemporary artist, Shaina’s portraits, murals and abstract paintings have been exhibited in prestigious galleries across India and form part of collections in countries like the USA, UK, Panama, China, UAE, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. She is also the founder of The WOW Women Project, an initiative celebrating inspiring women from every country to amplify their voices and spark global change. Her accolades include the “Gem of the Profession” award from ICAI, “Woman of Change” from HCG Hospitals, and recognition as one of Gujarat’s 50 inspiring women. She was also awarded the Best Editor, Best film and other awards for her Feature Films from the Government of Gujarat, Film and Broadcast Division. Shaina is also a trained classical dancer in Kathak and Odissi, an avid marathon runner, and an aspiring triathlete.

Prasoon Pandey is one of the world’s most acclaimed advertising filmmakers and a pioneer of storytelling in Indian advertising. A graduate of the National Institute of Design, he launched his creative journey through theatre and large-format visual productions before becoming one of the most respected commercial film directors globally.

Founder of Corcoise Films, he is known for iconic campaigns such as the Fevicol ads, and has been ranked among the Top 25 Advertising Directors Worldwide. In 2024, he served as the President of the Film Craft Jury at Cannes Lions—the only Indian in that position.

Prasoon’s work blends cultural insight with creative precision, and he continues to mentor creators, emphasizing imagination, authenticity and intuitive craft as the future of storytelling.

Dr. Ram Charan is a globally respected business advisor, author and speaker whose decades of experience have shaped strategy, leadership and execution at some of the world’s most influential companies. A doctorate-holder from Harvard Business School, he began his career in academia with faculty roles at leading institutions before moving into full-time advisory work with CEOs, boards and senior leadership teams.

Over the years, Dr. Charan has written several bestselling books—including Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done and What the CEO Wants You to Know—which have become essential reading for business leaders worldwide. His insights on organisational performance, execution excellence and practical leadership have earned him recognition from Fortune magazine as “the most influential consultant alive.”

Today, he continues to guide global corporations on talent strategy, governance, innovation and business growth. Renowned for his clarity, pragmatism and actionable frameworks, Dr. Charan remains one of the most sought-after thinkers for organisations looking to move from strategy to measurable results.

Mr. Pravesh Dudani is the Founder and Chancellor of Medhavi Skills University (MSU), Sikkim, and the Founder & Director of Medhavi Foundation and Medhavi Aspire Pvt. Ltd. A visionary in higher education and skill development, he is committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry to enhance employability for India’s youth. An alumnus of IIT Kharagpur with further business education from Stanford University, he brings over 16 years of experience in the education and skilling ecosystem.

He founded Medhavi Foundation in 2012, which now supports over 5 lakh beneficiaries annually and partners with NSDC and multiple state missions. In 2021, he established MSU, a pioneer in industry-aligned, work-integrated higher education, serving more than 20,000 students and earning national recognition, including top rankings and awards.

Widely regarded as a thought leader, Mr. Dudani has been honored with several accolades, including the National Social Impact Award, recognition among India’s top entrepreneurs, and multiple leadership awards in the education sector

Rachna Lanewala is the Studio Director at The One Off (India), a globally renowned design agency where she leads a 30-member multidisciplinary team delivering award-winning brand environments across retail, real estate, and hospitality. With over 27 years of experience, she has worked with marquee clients such as Brookfield, Reliance, Škoda, and Sheraton, shaping spaces that seamlessly merge creativity with commercial strategy.

A design leader who thrives at the crossroads of innovation and business impact, Rachna is equally passionate about mentoring young designers and fostering cross-cultural collaboration within global teams. Her leadership is marked by curiosity, clarity, and a deep respect for craft.

Beyond work, Rachna finds inspiration in travel, art, and food—curating experiences that reflect her belief in mindful living. Through her writing and reflections, she often explores themes of design, wellness, and leadership.

Rajnikant Joshi is an engineer by education and an entrepreneur by profession. He has led an IT services business for over 15 years, with a focus on advanced technology solutions, including what is widely referred to today as AI services. He also actively explores new-generation ventures, most recently in the B2B SaaS and robotics simulation sectors—domains aligned with scalable software platforms and simulated automation environments.

His professional curiosity is marked by continuous experimentation with emerging startup ideas, reflecting a long-term interest in innovation-led business building and structured product ecosystems.

Rajnikant applies a similar analytical and exploratory philosophy to fitness and personal well-being. After engaging with activities such as running, cycling, and long-distance walking, he has presently established a consistent routine with badminton—a sport he values for its discipline, focus, and long-term engagement potential.

He is married and a father to two children. Demonstrating a strong personal milestone, he recently developed and completed his family residence in Ahmedabad. He now lives with his family in the city, considering this phase an important part of his personal journey and stability framework. Ahmedabad

In addition to his entrepreneurial and personal pursuits, Rajnikant is committed to student development and mentorship. He regularly supports and guides young learners, particularly as they pursue structured ambitions in technology and related domains. His involvement emphasizes practical enablement, academic encouragement, and long-term capacity building.

Rajnikant’s biography reflects a balance of engineering, entrepreneurship, product exploration, athletic discipline, and purposeful contribution to the learning ecosystem.

Sachin is a seasoned business professional with over 20 years of experience, specializing in the area of market entry strategy, customer relationship management, product management, strategic business alliances and partnerships across startups, turnarounds, and businesses in an exponential growth phase. He currently is the Chief Business Officer at Autovert Technologies which he co-founded and is now a fully owned subsidiary of Ecofy – promoted by Eversource Capital, India’s leading climate impact investor.

Sachin has served a variety of industries ranging from BPO and Banking to Printing Solutions and Integrated FM & Food Solutions in different functions through his career.

Sandeep Shenoy is based out of Kuwait, is a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO with over 25 years of experience in Middle East’s dynamic landscape. As the founder of V3 Technologies Co. W.L.L., he has built a reputation as a sharp strategist and visionary leader, driving innovation across sectors from banking, Telecom, Oil & Gas, Retail to Insurance. His deep market insight and commitment to ethical growth have positioned him as a trusted force in shaping scalable, future-ready enterprises. Under his leadership, V3 Technologies has become a catalyst for transformation, blending cutting-edge solutions with a culture of excellence and agility. Recently, has expanded business to the UAE and has plans to expand to other parts of the GCC countries.

Sandeep’s leadership philosophy centers on innovation, scalability, and ethical growth. He is deeply committed to building resilient digital ecosystems and empowering businesses to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world. His strategic foresight and operational excellence continue to position V3 Technologies as a catalyst for transformation across the region.

Prasoon Pandey is one of the world’s most acclaimed advertising filmmakers and a pioneer of storytelling in Indian advertising. A graduate of the National Institute of Design, he launched his creative journey through theatre and large-format visual productions before becoming one of the most respected commercial film directors globally.

Founder of Corcoise Films, he is known for iconic campaigns such as the Fevicol ads, and has been ranked among the Top 25 Advertising Directors Worldwide. In 2024, he served as the President of the Film Craft Jury at Cannes Lions—the only Indian in that position.

Prasoon’s work blends cultural insight with creative precision, and he continues to mentor creators, emphasizing imagination, authenticity and intuitive craft as the future of storytelling.

Shubham Singhi is an explorer, travel photographer, and wildlife enthusiast who has journeyed across the world with a deep curiosity for cultures, nature, and the planet’s most remote places. He holds the remarkable distinction of being the youngest Indian to visit over 100 countries across all 7 continents, including expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctica, Africa’s wild reserves, and some of the world’s most untouched landscapes.

With a camera always in hand, Shubham captures powerful moments—ranging from dramatic natural scenery to close encounters with wildlife—blending storytelling with a strong visual style that inspires thousands of people online. His travels reflect a commitment to understanding the world deeply, connecting with local communities, and showcasing the beauty of animals and the natural world.

Driven by curiosity and a love for adventure, Shubham continues to explore new countries, document unique cultures, and raise awareness about wildlife and conservation through his work.

Padma Shri awardee Sunitha Krishnan is an activist, author and film producer, and the Founder of Prajwala—Asia’s largest anti–sex trafficking organization. Since 1996, she has led the rescue of more than 31,000 women and children across 12 countries and prevented over 17,000 minors from being trafficked.

She spearheaded powerful movements including Swaraksha, #MenAgainstDemand, and #ShameTheRapist, influencing landmark judicial reforms such as blocking rape videos online, setting up the national cybercrime portal, and driving India’s most comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation. Her survivor-led shelters are recognized globally as best-practice rehabilitation models.

Sunitha has shaped national policies, authored training manuals for the judiciary and law enforcement, and produced award-winning films including Naa Bangaaru Talli and Dahini The Witch. Her memoir I Am What I Am is widely regarded as one of India’s most compelling activist narratives.

Tejas Toro is a Soul@Work Coach who helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations align purpose with performance. He has coached CXOs, entrepreneurs, Olympic gold medalists, politicians, and professionals across eight countries, guiding them to bring their Soul@Work — connecting their natural strengths with a higher purpose to become their best versions.

A Pune University engineering topper, Tejas realized early that before engineering the world, one must first engineer the self. His six-year journey across India, immersed in spirituality (a non-religious pursuit of truth and self-understanding), shaped his life’s purpose: to translate deep wisdom into practical tools for modern leadership and work.

He is a Certified Peak Performance Coach, holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Experiential Learning, and is a Certified Creative Movement Therapist and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

Tejas has worked with leading organizations such as Adani Group, Tata AutoComp, Faurecia, Emerson, HDFC, Kirloskar, Umicore, NTPC, Malpani Group and the Karnataka Police, among others.

His work embodies a new vision for the future of organizations — Soul@Work — where workplaces become ecosystems that nurture not just performance, but purpose, meaning, and human potential.

Ideal Insurance is the brainchild of Rahul. At a very early age he envisioned the opportunities in the Indian Insurance Industry and hence, ventured into the Insurance Business in the year 2001. He started off by joining Max New York Life as an Insurance Agent. He became the youngest MDRT for MNYL at the age 20 and was sent to New York life Annual MDRT Conference, 2002 at New York to represent India. He later started Ideal Insurance while pursuing his MBA from SPJIMR in 2005. And grew it totally bootstrapped until 2018, when Ideal raised a small round from VCATs primarily to fund their acquisition of Emkay Insurance Brokers.

Rahul Agarwal was recognized as India’s youngest Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) while still in college. Today, he’s a thought leader on entrepreneurship, business strategy, and insurance, invited by top institutions like ISB, IIM-A, IIM-C, KJ Somaiya, and S.P. Jain Institute of Management.

Ideal Insurance boasts a team of over 350 professionals and operates in more than 60 cities, including major metro areas such as New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Pune. The company serves a vast client base of over 70,000 individuals and businesses. Ideal Insurance has secured total funding of $1.96 million, valuing the company at ₹300 crore as per last round.

Rahul, along with Mr. Rahul Mohata, started Business Network International (BNI) in Kolkata, which is now World’s No. 1 Region out of 900 regions with 32 chapters and almost 2000+ members.

Rahul has been associated with many Organizations like TIE, CII Young Indians, Round Table India and Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) and is extremely well networked. He is also a member of Mumbai Angels Network and has invested in over 10 start-ups and is himself a very integral part of the start-up ecosystem.

Vijay Mahnot is an Blitzscaling Strategist and Mentor to Business Owners.

He is a strategic transformation leader with 28+ years of experience guiding organisations across FMCG, Plastics, PVC & Piping, MDF, Textiles, Construction Materials and Manufacturing. His leadership spans Supreme Industries, Greenpanel, Kriti Industries, BSL Limited, Signet Industries, Satya Infrastructure and the Aditya Birla Group’s Hindalco.

After working into various Leadership roles, CEO, Vijay founded, VM Management Consulting & Advisory (VMMCA)in March 2024.
Vijay also Founded Ek दिशा and ek दिशा Moments, where leaders, professionals, and seekers are invited to pause, re-examine, and realign their inner compass. Born from his deep belief that growth without direction is merely noise, Ek Disha blends storytelling, dialogue, and mindful provocation to challenge complacency and awaken clarity.
Through curated Ek sessions and Ek Disha Moments

He is also Advisor to McKinsey & Company,
Consultant – Stanford Seed Program, Stanford GSB
Faculty – IIM Indore (Family Business Management)
Board Member – TiE MP

A seasoned finance professional and entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in chartered accountancy, capital markets, investment advisory, and corporate governance. A triple-qualified expert — CA, CMA, and CS — with a strong record of building businesses, guiding investors, and promoting ethical financial practices.

Founder and promoter of successful ventures Shri Venkatesh Stock Broker Services India Pvt Ltd across Broking,Divya Fittings In manufacturing, and Disa Finacial Services in financial services, demonstrating deep expertise in strategy, operations, and sustainable business growth.Consistency and patience are the main ingredients for wealth creation as Sanjiv tells his clients.

Committed to professional development and social impact, recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, Founder member & Past President of the Rotary Club of Raipur Royal, and Founder Member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), Raipur Chapter.

Focused on contributing to business, professional, and social ecosystems with integrity, leadership, and long-term vision.

Amrit Mathur is a seasoned cricket administrator, author, and strategic advisor with over three decades of experience in sports governance and management. His journey in Indian cricket governance has placed him at the heart of the game’s evolution — he has observed and influenced pivotal changes in structure, media, and administration. Under his stewardship, he has guided organizations and teams through dynamic shifts in the sport’s business-landscape.

Amrit is also the author of “Pitchside: My Life in Indian Cricket”, a candid memoir that offers rare, first-hand insight into the inner workings and transformations of Indian cricket over decades. Through his deep understanding of sport and business, he continues to mentor emerging talent, shape policy perspectives, and lend strategic counsel to sport-governing bodies and related ventures.

Sandhya Gokhale is a civil-rights lawyer, screenwriter and filmmaker whose work bridges law, art and activism. After practising as a civil-rights advocate in the United States, she returned to India and gradually moved into writing for theatre and cinema, bringing a strong social conscience and a deep love for Indian classical music into her work.

She has authored multiple feature-film scripts, many of them centred on powerful women and complex emotional worlds. Paheli (The Riddle), based on Vijaydan Detha’s story Duvidha, was chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars in 2006. Among her most cherished projects is Bhinna Shadja (Note Extraordinaire), a documentary on Padma Vibhushan Kishori Amonkar’s musical legacy. Together with her husband and creative collaborator Amol Palekar, she continues to use cinema and public engagement to reflect, question and gently push for social change.

Baibhav Agarwal, 39, is the CEO of Padrea Global Services Limited and a Chartered Accountant. In 2024, he served as the Chair of Young Indians Kolkata, the youth wing of CII.

At Padrea Global Services, his work spans minerals and agri-products trading, minerals handling and supervision, solar EPC consulting, and technology-led operational support services, grounded in integrity, collaboration, and long-term value creation.

He is married to Priyanka Agarwal, also a Chartered Accountant, and is a father to Nishannt (7) and Samarth (1.5). He attributes much of his perspective on balance and purpose to his family.

Bhaibhav is the author of The Cost of Ambition, reflecting on ambition, discipline, and life-work equilibrium.

His personal philosophy is centered on humility, gratitude, and consistent value creation. He believes in applying one’s potential fully, contributing meaningfully, and “dying empty”—a principle he interprets as finishing the journey with no effort held back, no capability unexplored, and no intent left unrealized. For him, leadership, business, learning, and personal growth are all extensions of this belief: to give completely, build responsibly, and leave a purposeful impact.

Pooja Banthia is a homemaker and mother of three, rooted in the values of a close-knit Marwari joint family. Known for her warmth and nurturing presence, she plays an active role in caring for the five children in her household, creating an environment filled with joy, togetherness, and connection.

Alongside managing her home, Pooja also supports her family’s business, regularly assisting her father-in-law and contributing wherever needed. Grounded and people-oriented, she believes deeply in the importance of health, simplicity, and meaningful relationships.

Pooja enjoys travelling, meeting new people, and curating memorable experiences for those close to her. In her free time, she loves movies, music, and long conversations — moments that reflect her appreciation for balance, bonding, and the beauty of everyday life.

I like to think of myself as the Ravindra Jadeja of everyday life.

A little batting here, some bowling there, a surprising amount of fielding everywhere—basically doing whatever it takes to keep the match (a.k.a. my life) going. The fact that Jadeja is considered one of the world’s most valuable all-rounders gives people like me immense hope. If he can do everything, why can’t I do… well… everything?

Which probably explains why I’m usually juggling half a dozen projects at once—preferably the kind most people look at and declare, “Yeh kis kaam ka hai?” Those are my favourite.

I run a small farm so friends and family can eat organic food.
I curate spaces, graphics, conversations, and—on brave days—dinners.
I co-founded and help run Trisys Communications, an advertising and financial communications company that believes deadlines are a myth but excellence is not.
I’ve made corporate films, ad films, directed photo shoots, and now edit social media reels like a teenager with too much screen time.

At some point I even decided to backward-integrate into the glamorous world of post-press processing—binding, crafting high-end wedding cards, and making gift packaging that looks more expensive than the gifts inside.

Then I constructed a five-storeyed building, because why not, and now earn rent from it. Found the terrace empty, so I promptly started a dance and fitness studio there—which, to my surprise, has become a rather well-known space in the city.

Totally unrelated but equally important: I also helped bring two functional humans into this world. All while being married to someone who juggles thirty ideas at any given moment—which, honestly, is a full-time job that should come with a medal.

Basically, I’m not saying I am Ravindra Jadeja…
I’m just saying that if life were cricket, I’d definitely be diving around point, pulling off unexpected run-outs, and looking very busy while doing it.