Vivek is part of the India Leadership Team and leads the Markets function. He also leads Clients & Markets programme for the PwC Network’s Asia Pacific & Americas (APA) cluster. In his role, he helps harness the firm's vast capabilities to create tangible and long-lasting impact for our clients and society. Vivek is a resident of Mumbai and been a lifelong PwCer - joined in 1995 as an article trainee. He is a qualified chartered accountant and in his close to three decades of experience has led many assurance, due diligence and advisory engagements for some of the largest domestic and international clients within the banking, asset management, mutual funds, private equity and capital markets segments. He previously led the Financial Services sector for PwC India and the India-West region Assurance practice. Vivek is closely involved in various industry committees and is an active member at industry events and forums.

Vivek Prabhakar, the founder of Chumbak, is a trailblazing entrepreneur and a key figure in India's design and lifestyle industry. He co-founded Chumbak in 2010 with the vision of creating a globally-inspired, India-centric brand that brings joy and vibrancy to everyday living. A proud resident of Bengaluru, Vivek has transformed Chumbak from a modest startup offering quirky souvenirs into a leading lifestyle brand celebrated for its distinctive designs across home décor, fashion, and accessories. With a rich background in marketing and brand strategy, he brings over a decade of expertise in building and scaling innovative consumer brands.Rooted in Indian heritage yet soaring with global aspirations, Chumbak has expanded its footprint nationwide under Vivek's leadership, establishing a robust retail network and a dynamic online platform. He remains deeply involved in every facet of the business, from curating creative designs to crafting memorable customer experiences. Beyond Chumbak, Vivek actively contributes to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, engaging with industry forums and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. He is also an avid photographer.

Dr. Jitamitra Desai is a distinguished Professor of Operations Research in the Decision Sciences group at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), recognized for his groundbreaking work in mathematical and computational decision analytics. With a keen focus on developing large-scale optimization algorithms, his research has significantly impacted fields like aviation, transportation, location theory, energy analytics, and wireless communication networks. Jitamitra’s academic pursuits also extend to exploring networks and graphs, stochastic decision analysis, and emerging biological applications. Beyond academia, his passion for tennis, coffee, and the technology startup ecosystem fuels his creativity, while his role as a dedicated father adds a personal dimension to his multifaceted life. Renowned for his expertise in optimization theory and algorithm development, Jitamitra’s work bridges the gap between complex decision problems and practical applications, advancing both the theoretical and applied aspects of operations research.

Balram Vishwakarma is a Mumbai-based storyteller with a passion for documenting the lives of India’s urban labor class. His work shines a light on the resilience and quiet ambition of people in unorganized or gig economy jobs—hawkers, app-based workers, and self-employed professionals. Through his stories, Balram hopes to break down the misconceptions and biases surrounding these professions, encouraging empathy, respect, and a deeper understanding of their struggles and dreams. When he’s not telling stories, Balram co-runs a communications organization that helps brands connect meaningfully with their audiences. Whether through his personal projects or professional work, his focus remains on amplifying voices that often go unheard and building narratives that inspire real change.

Trilochan Sastry is a visionary academic, social entrepreneur, and professor at IIM Bangalore, dedicated to building a more transparent, equitable, and empowered India. As the founder of transformative initiatives like the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), he has spearheaded efforts to revolutionize electoral transparency in the country. Through Farmveda, he empowers farmers to become stakeholders in their prosperity, fostering economic self-reliance. His work with the Centre for Collective Development (CCD) has united small and marginal farmers into sustainable cooperatives, uplifting entire communities and promoting long-term growth. A true changemaker, Trilochan Sastry embodies the perfect balance of deep-rooted values and bold leadership, driving meaningful change in every endeavor.

Raaghav Belavadi is the founder and CEO of Hype Luxury, India's leading luxury mobility startup. A mechanical engineering graduate from NIE Mysore with further studies at Oxford University, he left his position as Group Head at Accenture to establish Hype Luxury. The bootstrapped company is now valued at over ₹1,000 crores and operates a global fleet of luxury vehicles including private jets, yachts, and high-end cars, with a reported asset value exceeding $650 billion. Under Belavadi's leadership, Hype Luxury has become profitable without venture capital funding, focusing on creating a sustainable, family-oriented business model in the luxury transportation sector. He is scheduled to become India's first space tourist with Virgin Galactic in 2026, demonstrating his pioneering spirit. Through Hype Luxury, Belavadi aims to redefine luxury mobility while establishing India's presence in the global luxury market.

Dr. Renita Rajan is a prominent dermatologist and researcher specializing in skin of color. She authored 'Sunscreens in Skin of Color' published by Springer Nature, the first book focusing on sunscreen for darker skin types. As the head of RENDER Skin and Hair clinic and founder of CHOSEN by Dermatology, she combines clinical expertise with evidence-based skincare solutions. With over 220,000 Instagram followers, Dr. Rajan shares dermatological insights that bridge scientific research with practical skincare advice. Her work emphasizes the interaction between genetics and environmental factors (the exposome concept) in determining skin health. She focuses particularly on pigmentation challenges and inclusive dermatological approaches, making her a thought leader in her field. Dr. Rajan regularly speaks at prestigious venues, including TEDx IIM Bangalore, where she discusses the relationship between biological factors and environmental influences on personal well-being.

Dr. Sai Kaustuv Dashgupta, known as the 'Wheelchair Warrior of India,' is a globally recognized motivational speaker and India's first disabled Certified Happiness Coach. Living with a rare brittle bone disease that left him 90% disabled with 80% hearing impairment, he received the National Award for Individual Excellence from the President of India and is featured on the D-30 Disability Impact List. As the founder of 'Happiness Unlimited,' he has conducted over 1,000 sessions across 15+ countries, focusing on disability inclusion, workplace diversity, and mental wellness. A Guinness and Limca record holder, Dr. Sai serves as a UN SDG 10 advocate, inspiring millions worldwide through his work in accessibility and inclusion.

Pranjal Kamra is the Founder of Finology Ventures, a leading FinTech and Financial Education platform dedicated to simplifying the complexities of finance for individuals across the globe. Under his leadership, Finology has emerged as a trusted name, empowering millions to make informed financial decisions. He is the author of two bestselling books, 'Mint Your Money' and 'Investonomy,' which have helped readers gain clarity on personal finance and investment strategies. Pranjal is also a prominent financial YouTuber with a community of over 6.3 million subscribers. Through his content, he demystifies investing, personal finance, and wealth-building, making these topics accessible to everyone. A thought leader and influencer in the financial world, Pranjal Kamra continues to inspire individuals to achieve financial freedom and security.

Sudarshan Pattnaik is an internationally acclaimed sand artist from Odisha, India, and a Padma Shri recipient. Known for his masterful sand sculptures that address social, environmental, and cultural themes, he has won numerous international awards and represented India at global sand art competitions. As the founder of the Sudarshan Sand Art Institute in Puri, he trains aspiring artists while continuing to create stunning works that often grace the shores of Puri beach. Pattnaik has earned over 60 international sand sculpture championship prizes and holds several world records. His art has become a powerful medium for social messaging, covering topics from climate change to national celebrations, routinely drawing thousands of visitors and global media attention. Starting his journey at the age of seven, he has transformed sand art from a local beach craft into a respected art form, inspiring a new generation of artists while bringing recognition to India's cultural heritage.

Paddy Upton is a globally recognized high-performance coach whose impact spans across multiple sports and achievements. As a strategic leadership coach for the Indian cricket team, he played a pivotal role in India's 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup victory and their first-time achievement of becoming the World's No. 1 Test Team. His expertise further led the South African cricket team to become the first nation to simultaneously hold the World No. 1 ranking across all three cricket formats. With over 350 professional athletes from 20 different sports under his mentorship, including 5 world champions and 20 international sportspersons of the year, Upton's influence extends beyond cricket. Most recently, he served as the mental coach to the Indian Men's hockey team that secured bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics and to Gukesh Dommaraju, the 2024 chess World Champion. A professor at Deakin University and author of 'The Barefoot Coach,' he combines academic expertise with practical experience in sports psychology and leadership development.

Anant Bhardwaj, the CEO and founder of Instabase, exemplifies the great Indian startup dream. Born in rural Bihar, Anant pursued his undergraduate degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Pune before moving to the United States in 2010. He earned a Master’s in Computer Science from Stanford University and later started a Ph.D. at MIT, which he left in 2015 to launch Instabase. The company uses cutting-edge AI to solve complex business challenges, with a focus on intelligent document processing and workflow automation. By transforming unstructured data into actionable insights, Instabase empowers organizations worldwide. Anant’s journey from academia to Silicon Valley showcases his determination, innovation, and vision for redefining business operations. And they’re just getting started!

Aviral Bhatnagar, investor at Venture Highway and founder of A Junior VC, has forged a distinctive path in India’s dynamic startup ecosystem. A graduate of IIT Bombay with a BTech in Engineering Physics, he later earned an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from IIM Ahmedabad. Aviral is deeply embedded in the venture capital and startup world, where his work is reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape of India and Southeast Asia. At Venture Highway, he invests in promising startups, while A Junior VC serves as a platform to demystify the startup universe, offering insightful, digestible content. Through these initiatives, Aviral addresses critical gaps in knowledge, resources, and mentorship, empowering entrepreneurs and driving the vibrant growth of the Indian startup scene.

Priyanka Mohite from Satara, Maharashtra, is a trailblazing mountaineer and scientist. In 2022, she became the first Indian woman to scale five peaks above 8000 meters, including Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Annapurna. Her journey began in Maharashtra's hills, leading to achievements like climbing Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Makalu, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Honored with the Shiv Chhatrapati State Award for Adventure Sports and the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award, Priyanka's story is one of passion and perseverance. Balancing her scientific career with her climbing pursuits, she inspires others to conquer challenges and achieve extraordinary heights.

Partha Das, the seasoned psephologist and political strategist, has etched a distinctive niche for himself in the realm of Indian politics. A proud alumnus of IIM Bangalore and NIT Surat, Partha initiated his career as a product manager at TIMES Media House. However, driven by an innate passion for understanding the intricate dynamics of politics, he pivoted into full-time political consulting. His journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by astute predictions and strategic counsel that have left an indelible mark on the political landscape. Partha Das, renowned for his accurate opinion polls, showcased exceptional foresight by precisely predicting the outcome of the Telangana elections. This prowess has established him as a trusted voice in political forecasting. Beyond predictions, Partha has been instrumental in shaping electoral outcomes, notably guiding Tejaswi Yadav and the RJD to power in Bihar. His strategic counsel is sought after by prominent political figures, leaving an indelible impact on the political landscape. In addition to his consulting role, Partha is the founder of Chanakyya, a platform that has revolutionized election analytics and management. It's the go-to source for accurate opinion/exit polls, precise election results at state, assembly, and polling booth levels, offering strategic insights that shape the future of political decision-making. Partha Das's journey is a testament to his commitment to bringing a scientific and strategic approach to the ever-evolving landscape of Indian politics.

Major Nithi CJ's remarkable journey encompasses diverse roles, transitioning from an Army Officer to a certified Yoga Wellness Instructor , FIT India Ambassador, and strategic advisor. Her military tenure involved field operations, language interpretation , and intelligence analysis, contributing to decision-making processes, for which she was awarded with the General Officer Commanding in Chief Commendation Card in 2015. Beyond the military, she broadened her expertise as a behavior analyst, non-verbal communication specialist, and graphotherapist. In 2022, she completed her Master's in Philosophy (Defence and Strategic Studies), showcasing her commitment to continuous learning. Major Nithi's professional versatility extends to consulting for military-grade de-risking and serving as a strategic advisor to businesses like The Vardi Store, a Military Upcycling Brand. Currently, she is the founder of Nira Wellbeing , where she imparts sustainable solutions for a better lifestyle and well-being through Yogic Management. Her journey is characterized by unwavering dedication, disciplined pursuit of skill, and a warm and approachable demeanor that has endeared her to colleagues. Invited to speak at TEDxlIMBangalore, Major Nithi is poised to share profound insights gained from her diverse experiences, offering valuable lessons from the multiple lives she has lived—an inspiring narrative of growth, adaptability, and purposeful exploration.

Praveen Gopal Krishnan has been working for more than five years at The Ken, one of the foremost subscriber based digital publication providing business news.Serving as the Chief Operating Officer, he oversees various aspects of the business, including product, engineering and sales. He’s also the pen (read: the keyboard) behind The Nutgraf, India’s leading paid weekly newsletter, connecting the dots on cause and effect in the business and technology sectors. His lifetime of enquiry went through Electronics Engineering from NIT Trichy and a PGP from IIM Bangalore, along with roles in product management at Myntra, InMobi and journalism at The Economic Times. This is coupled with a stint in a handwriting recognition startup and a theatre company.

Sourav Mukherji is a distinguished academic and professor at IIM Bangalore, specialising in Organization Design with a keen research focus on sustainability and inclusivity. A BTech (honours) graduate from IIT Kharagpur and a PhD from IIM Bangalore, he has a robust background in product management at IBM and Oracle (1993-1998) and strategic consulting at the Boston Consulting Group (2002-2003), Mukherji brings valuable industry experience to his teaching and research. His passion for inclusivity and social entrepreneurship is evident through numerous published case studies and papers in both academic and practitioner-oriented journals. Mukherji has been recognized with journals. prestigious fellowships, including the UNDP Fellowship for Research in Inclusive Business Models and the Villgrow Fellowship for Research on Social Entrepreneurship. As an educator, Mukherji teaches postgraduate and doctoral courses in Organization Design, Inclusive Business Models, Strategy Process Research, and Organization Learning. He is highly regarded by both MBA students and industry practitioners, receiving accolades such as the IMB Alumni Award for Faculty of the Year and the IBM Faculty Award. His commitment to leadership roles at IIMB, including Chairperson of various programs and committees, showcases his dedication to institutional development. An inspiration to his many students, he serves as an example and lights the way for the many lives he has touched.

Pariksha Rao, a resilient entrepreneur, holds an MSc. in Health and Nutrition. She is certified as a diabetes educator, advanced dietary supplements advisor, and nutrigenomics expert. Additionally, she has a postgraduate diploma in Dietetics & Public Health & Nutrition. Passionate about health awareness, Pariksha consults for multiple healthcare startups specializing in digital health businesses. Adding to her impressive repertoire, Pariksha is also the ex-founder of Lil'Goodness, the founder and CEO of NuWe.ai, a health-based venture, a national advisory board member for the ImpactNutrition platform, and a global leadership panel member for Fight Cancer Global. Pariksha is an enthusiastic leader, who is all about searching for new solutions and reinventing the health sector. Her continuous endeavors have earned her a spot in The Times of India's list of 20 Successful Indian Changemakers in 2023. Her book, Well at Heart - Natural Foods to Fight Diseases, and NuWe's recognition as the Best Startup 2023 in Mother & Child Nutrition further establish her position as an extraordinary contributor to the field of nutrition and wellness. For Parisha's venture, NuWe, she drew inspiration from her motherhood journey to collect data on children's dietary patterns, aiming to enhance their growth and development.

Dr. Suresh Bhagavatula did his undergraduate from Shivaji University, Kolhapur. He then went on to do his MS in the University of Flensberg, Germany and his PhD in entrepreneurship at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam. The founder of Headstart Network Foundation, a venture to promote positive ecosystems for start-ups, Dr. Bhagavatula has ventured into several spheres including women empowerment. Currently he is a part of the IM Bangalore Faculty in the domain of Entrepreneurship. Previously, he worked at the Tata Research and Development Centre as a Process Engineer and in the Krishi Vigyan Kendra as a Micro-entreprise Coordinator. His interest in social networks and entrepreneurship has led him to publish several pieces in various journals on the allied topics. His areas of interest in entrepreneurship are Indian low- and high-tech companies. He is interested in learning how social capital affects team and entrepreneurial performance in the context of social networks. The Journal of Business Venturing (JBV), Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice (ETP), Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal (SEJ), and IIMB Management Review have all featured his research. He has also presented on the topics of micro-entreprises, technology and entrepreneurship, in addition to refereed presentations. Dr. Bhagavatula is a passionate and enthusiastic professor, focused on fostering the spirit of ideation and enterprising thoughts in young minds.

Anand Kadali, as the Secretary of Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, plays a crucial role in overseeing the growth of the flagship Annapoorna Morning Nutrition Programme. Dedicated to providing free daily morning nutrition to over 3 million school children across 24 states and 3 Union Territories in India, the initiative operates in over 40,000 predominantly rural schools. Anand, with a corporate background exceeding 15 years, made a notable transition to full-time community service, leveraging his experience from global organizations like Hewlett Packard, HCL, and Dimension Data, specializing in computer networking and security. He is also a Certified Independent Director. Anand is a seasoned speaker and inspires volunteers, professionals, and students to engage in community service. Under his leadership, the nutrition program has attracted over 500 volunteers, and collaborative efforts with government officials have led to increased school retention, student enrolments, improved academic performance, and better health profiles among rural school children. Holding a bachelor's degree in engineering from GITAM and an MBA from ICFAI University, Anand resides at Muddenahalli, near Bangalore Airport, where Annapoorna's headquarters are located. His unwavering commitment to providing nutrition to underprivileged children has left a significant impact on the lives of countless beneficiaries. Anand's dedication reflects a remarkable fusion of corporate expertise and passion for community service.

Professor R Srinivasan's areas of research include strategies of multi-sided platform organisations; digital public infrastructure & digital public goods; strategy processes in rapid growth organisations and competitive, corporate, & international strategies. He has authored a book on Platform Business Models (also translated in German),which serves as the go-to guide for those looking to leverage platforms and create network synergies, from entrepreneurs to seasoned executives. Srinivasan has been teaching courses on platform business models, competitive strategy, and corporate strategy for MBA and Ph.D. students at lIM Bangalore. He serves as a visiting professor at Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) Germany, teaching courses on Platforms and digital transformation. He co-leads an international executive programme on Leading Digital Transformation, in cooperation with the FAU, Nuremberg and Fraunhofer Institute of Integrated Circuits lIS, Germany. He has facilitated customised interventions on digital transformation, platform business models, visioning and strategy for various multinational, government, public and private organisations. He earned his doctoral degree in Management from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IMA), worked as faculty at Indian Institute of Management Lucknow and Indian Institute of Management Bangalore. Over his 25 year teaching career he has held a variety of administrative roles during his career, including Chairperson PCP & PGPBA, Chairperson Executive Education Programmes, Chairperson Admissions (at IMB) and Chairperson Placements (at IIML).

This legendary artist started her career as a co-singer alongside Lata Mangeshkar. She is also the recipient of Padmashri award and has more than 25,000+ songs to her name in 16+ languages.

A Movie Trade Analyst predicts the box office business. He hosts various TV shows and is also an editor of a film magazine.

Madan Padaki is an Indian entrepreneur and business executive. He is the co-founder and director of Sylvant Advisors,CEO and MD of Head Held High Services, a social enterprise for rural youth, and former co-founder of MeritTrac Services.

An international triathlete who is the South Asian Champion and is the first to represent India at the Triathlon World Cup. Along with sports, Pragnya is a qualified CA and is pursuing CPA

An alumnus of IIM-A and IIT-B, he has 24 years of experience working in various roles. He co-founded Visilogix which offers supply chain solutions

Tejasvi Surya is the Member of Parliament from Bengaluru South constituency, having been elected to the 17th Lok Sabha at the age of just 28