Aarav Lad
Child Piano Prodigy
Aarav Lad is a nine-year-old piano prodigy from Bengaluru, India, who won second prize in the piano solo category (ages 9 to 11) at the 5th International Music of the World contest. Besides his passion for music, Aarav is also a gifted mathematician, excels in his studies, and is devoted to learning.
Anisha Oommen
Culinary Storyteller
Anisha Rachel Oommen is an Indian food writer, editor, and entrepreneur. She is the co-founder of Goya, a food and culture publication and media house focused on India and South Asia.
Aysha Tanya
Culinary Storyteller
Aysha Tanya is a seasoned cookbook author and creative director of Goya, a celebrated food and culture publication and media house focused on South Asia’s diverse and rich culinary traditions.
Chandra Mishra
Social Impact Activist
Chandra Mishra is a seasoned expert on Employonomics, with experience in working on employment policies across several Indian states. He is the founder of Beggars' Corporation and a pioneer in citizen journalism.
Debjyoti Saha
Animation Filmmaker
Debjyoti Saha is an animation filmmaker who also serves as the founder and director of Goppo Animation, an independent animation studio located in Bombay, India. His primary interest lies in exploring and narrating intricate stories about people and their environment.
Dr. Mubin Syed
Healthcare Advocate
Dr. Mubin Syed is a physician, researcher, and South Asian health advocate. He researches health disparities and has been featured in TRT World, HuffingtonPost, and AJ+.
Dr. Sanjeev Chopra
Author & Historian
is a retired IAS officer and former Director of LBS National Academy of Administration. He holds a Ph.D. in Management, as well as degrees in Law, History, and Literature. Dr. Chopra has received prestigious fellowships from institutions such as the World Bank, Cornell University, and the Brookings Institution.
Dr. Wendy Dickson
Choral Music Teacher
Dr. Wendy Dickson, a former literature professor, founded The Kiara Academy in 2006. The Academy has been performing on-stage since 2014 and focuses on choral music, voice training, and musical theater.
Nandita Jayaraj
Science Communicator
Nandita Jayaraj is a freelance science writer and co-founder of The Life of Science, an independent science and feminist media project highlighting the stories of Indian women in science.
Rajshekhar M
Independent Journalist
M Rajshekar is an Indian journalist with a focus on energy, environment, climate, and India’s rising authoritarianism. He holds an MA from Sussex University and enjoys running, reading, and cycling.
Sandhya Naidu Janardhan
Community Architect
Sandhya Naidu Janardhan is an architect and the founder of Community Design Agency, enabling marginalized communities to have agency over their built environments through empathic design processes.
Shama Karkal
Systems Leader
Shama Karkal has over 25 years of experience in health and social development, working with both urban and rural communities. She is known for her collaborative approach and commitment to learning and problem-solving.
Srinivas M R
Innovator & Puppeteer
M R Srinivas, Director of Rangaputhali Puppeteers, is on a mission to leverage technology to adapt and take this rare art form to younger generations across the globe.
Vaibhav Bhawsar
Designer & Technologist
is an interaction designer and technologist who explores the intersection of design, technology, and community building. His work aims to create meaningful and playful experiences that foster social connections and inspire collective action.