Banker + Mentor
For Chetna Vasishth, a break from her career as a corporate banker, following the birth of her baby boy, turned out to be the turning point of her life. She first set up and ran a training company for bankers in India and abroad, and then progressed on to start an online career-oriented talk show called ChetChat in 2015.
She realised that the youth of the country needs right guidance and motivation through a credible platform. Her YouTube channel ChetChat, where she offers an authentic career counselling has garnered over two million views.
Scientist + Art historian
Dilnavaz Mehta has an M.Sc degree in Microbiology and a diploma in Indian Aesthetics. This stark academic contrast is what this year's theme of 'Reboot. Rethink.' is all about. Out of interest and a quest to know her roots, she studied the languages of Avesta and Pahlavi - both ancient languages of the Zoroastrian religious scriptures. In her endeavour to increase awareness about rare, fascinating and historically relevant books, maps and prints she curates their exhibitions on a regular basis. Through her company Rare Finds, which she set up in the year 1996, she deals in antiquarian books, maps and prints. She also advises individuals, corporates and cultural organisations on maintaining their libraries and investing in art.
Physician + Business Consultant
Dr. Krishna is a Partner in Accenture's Financial Services Practice, helping Banks and Insurers globally, define the business strategy to stay relevant in today's changing world. Originally a Physician, graduating from AFMC Pune, he followed his passion and switched careers midstream, going on to do a MBA from IIM Calcutta.
An Aditya Birla Scholar in addition to being an avid Quizzer, he's been a fan of cerebral pursuits right from college days.
Lawyer + Author
Major Navdeep Singh is the one of the most decorated volunteers in the history of the Indian Territorial Army and is a lawyer by profession. He has been instrumental in the implementation and execution of certain Acts which help to respect serving soldiers better and has been a proponent of progressive changes in the Indian military judicial system. He is also a successful author, having released books that seek to inform serving personnel of their rights. He has also worked for the benefit of World War 2 veterans.
Pilot + Social Activist
Wg Cdr Puneet Sharma served as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force before moving to transport aircraft and commercial airliners. Inspired by the Prime Minister's call for a Swachh Bharat, he decided to do his bit. He founded the Swachh Pune, Swachh Bharat group. The group has massive youth participation and can be seen in different locations every Sunday cleaning up and beautifying. On 25 March they reached a milestone of having worked for 200 Sundays. What makes people with busy lives, take time out for this cause?
Engineer + Social Worker
With over 34 years of experience in the Information Technology and management sectors, this CEO (IT Division) of a major textile firm, along with a few of his colleagues in 2012, set out to work towards delivering IT education for the underprivileged. Through his unique model, thousands of his students from the slums are now computer literate.
Filmmaker + Writer
This National Award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter and professor of cinema wasn't born into the movie industry. He is a student of AFMC, Pune and a doctor. Apart from his interest in medicine, he had other talents as well. He makes movies. He started off writing poems for the much acclaimed film, Údaan.' Then his directorial debut won a National Award. In between his hectic schedule he takes time off to teach cinema at Mumbai University, and conducts screenwriting workshops such as AIB's popular First Draft.