Theme: Never Say Never

Our youth is the force, hope, and leaders of tomorrow, and yet, here we are succumbing under the eyes of others, fearing that we may not be enough and failing to push ourselves to unlock our true potential. Hence, with hopes to aspire and inspire our young minds to reach their potential. Here, experts and path-makers from diverse backgrounds will inspire us to unleash, learn, relearn, explore and shape tomorrow's landscape. We believe that an idea holds power. Unleashing, Unlearning and Relearning with a NEVER- SAY- NEVER attitude can be done through our personal experiences and observations of others who’ve been through these transitions. Learning allows us to expand our horizons and think outside the box. By expanding our minds, we open ourselves up to possibilities and opportunities. We unlearn through learning in the same way that darkness is eliminated by light. You do not truly unlearn a habit without learning a new one to replace it. Come and experience the life journeys of crème- de- la crème folks as they speak about the Never-Say- Never theme.

The Modern School Barmer
Near NH 68, Gadan Road, Barmer
Barmer, Rajasthan, 344001
India

Aabid Surti

Chairman, Drop Dead Foundation

National Award-winning (1993) author, Aabid has written around 80 books, which have been translated into almost every Indian language. An accomplished painter, he has held 16 exhibitions in India and abroad. In 1971, the Indian government commissioned a short film ‘ABID’ on his creative work. As a cartoonist, he created the lovable simpleton ‘Dhabbuji’. This was highly original and most popular comic-strip, and the longest-running (30 years) comic strip in India, Aabid has also created the first Indian comic book super-hero, ‘Bahadur’ (1976), which achieved cult status globally.

Adarsh Kishore

Youth Icon

Adarsh Kishore, a dynamic individual with an unwavering commitment to serving society, embodies the essence of leadership. As the NCC (National Cadet Corps) captain, he instilled discipline and camaraderie in his unit, inspiring young cadets to reach their fullest potential. Beyond his military role, Adarsh is a dedicated social worker, tirelessly advocating for underprivileged communities and spearheading initiatives that have provided employment opportunities to over 700 people. His magnetic charisma and motivational speeches make him a sought-after youth motivator, guiding the next generation towards success. Adarsh Kishore is truly a multidimensional force for positive change in the world.

Anwar khan

Padma Shri Award Recipient ; Vocalist

Padma Shri Ustad Anwar khan Mangniyar is one such highly respected and talented folk artist from Rajasthan and he is bringing about change to the society through folk music. Our country should be obliged to such eminent saviours of our heritage and culture. He has been felicitated by the President of India with the Sangeet Natak Akademy Award in 2017. The biggest and most satisfying award came in the form of the Padmashri, which is given by the Govt of India for their contribution to make their country proud. He believes in passing down his experience and training to the next generation and bringing them before the world audience. He established Parampara Folk Music and Art institute in Jaisalmer. Daily, hundreds of children come to his centre to learn folk music with complete dedication and enthusiasm. He has trained hundreds of young talented children and led them to perform confidently in front of international audiences.

Arun Purohit

Bureaucrat

Arun Purohit, a distinguished civil servant, emerged as the top performer in his RAS batch, setting a precedent for excellence. Armed with a Bachelor's in Engineering, his analytical prowess shines through in every endeavor. Currently serving as the Collector of Barmer, he embodies the dedication and competence expected of an IAS officer. Remarkably, Arun achieved this feat in his maiden attempt at the RAS exam in 1995, a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service and his ability to excel under pressure. His journey is an inspiration for aspirants and a symbol of his unwavering commitment to serving the nation.

Ayodhya Prasad Gaur

Thespian, Writer

Ayodhya Prasad Gaur is a Corporate Communication professional, theater artist, avid traveler, motivational speaker and a writer who roams around constantly. He started writing while pursuing his master’s degree in Geology and later worked for Dainik Bhaskar, Hindustan Times and India Today magazine. His first book ‘The Royal Blue’ is a biographical novel about the life and time of the last queen of Marwar. His second book ‘Durg Gaatha’ has been adapted for a Mega Light & Sound Show. His third book 'Chautha Dhandha' is a compilation of satirical stories highlighting the darker side of journalism, and the fourth book 'The Vulture's Feast' he has co-authored with renowned author Roshni Rajaram, is a story book on Indian media.

Ayushi Sharma

Bureaucrat

Ayushi Sharma is an IRS ( Indian Revenue Service) Officer of 2015 batch and is serving the nation since past 8 years. She is a tech graduate and hails from Pink City, Jaipur. Ayushi, at the age of 23 cleared one of the most competitive and prestigious examination of our Country i.e UPSC Civil Services Examination in her very first attempt and secured All India Rank 155. She strongly believes in ethics and moral values and holds the opinion of being hardworking, dedicated and passionate towards her goals. In Spite of several obstacles in her life, she was determined to achieve her goals and strived to achieve the same. She strongly believes that “Opportunities don’t happen, you have to create them.” Pursuing her graduation in engineering which relates to the field of mathematics and circuitry she chose public administration as her main subject due to her interest and inclination towards working for the public and society at large.

Chandra Kanta

Writer; Mrs. UP Queen of Excellence

Chandrakanta is an accomplished homemaker and author who holds a deep passion for art, craft, and culture. She envisions a world that mirrors the elegance, beauty, and creativity inherent in women. Having secured the title of Mrs. Uttar Pradesh QE 2023, Chandrakanta aspires to promote the cherished Indian values of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (guest is god) and 'Harmony.' Her goal is to amplify these ideals by serving as the esteemed brand ambassador for Indian tourism.

Colonel Amardeep Singh

Sena Medal; Prolific Writer; Content Creator

Colonel Amardeep Singh, a distinguished 1993 Batch Infantry Officer with a rich military background, has served in challenging areas like Jammu and Kashmir, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Manipur, earning accolades including the Sena Medal. After 25 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2018 to follow his passion for mentoring and writing. He possesses extensive instructional experience, having trained officers and cadets from various military and paramilitary organizations. A prolific writer, he has authored poetry collections, research papers, and columns, earning the Army Commander's Scholar Warrior Badge. As a skilled speaker and motivator, he has conducted seminars and is a respected commentator on defense matters in the national media, demonstrating proficiency in English, Hindi, and Punjabi.

Dinesh Kunwar Patel

Trailblazer Educator; Poet & Actor

Dinesh Kunwar Patel is a multi-talented individual, excelling as an Educator, Scientist, Musician, Magician, Actor, and Poet. He's the ingenious mind behind "Shalu," an affordable humanoid robot teacher proficient in multiple languages. Shalu's numerous world records and recognition in top global humanoid rankings highlight Dinesh's innovation. With a background in AI and Robotics, he's gained accolades from Indian ministries and international bodies. As a keynote speaker at The World Summit 2022, he exemplifies his belief in Indian potential.

Dr. Sarika Mohta

Trendsetter Educator & Behaviour Analyst

Dr. Sarika, a distinguished educational trainer, trendsetter educator and behavior analyst, exudes fervor for motivating individuals, steering them towards their zenith under her dynamic leadership. With adeptness, she simplifies intricate concepts, rendering them attainable for all. She is a revered mentor in the realm of PhD guidance, seamlessly intertwining profound psychological acumen with a pragmatic approach. Her influence extends to curriculum shaping for varied prestigious institutions and universities. Under her diligent stewardship, DDPS has achieved the distinction of being the pioneering institution in Kota to bestow the privilege of Cambridge International Education; her guided initiatives have garnered laurels, including National HEM Virtues Excellence Award, Innovation in Training Award by ISTD. Her profound commitment to societal betterment is exemplified through one of her endeavors- Divya Daksha Pragya Shala.

Ganpat Singh

Associate Professor and Social Activist

Not all superheroes wear capes!” From bridging the gaps of education between rural and urban spheres to emancipate the poorest and uplifting youth in education and life, Ganpat Singh Rajpurohit is an Associate Professor who is no less than a role model for this generation, along with this he has also helped a huge number of students struggling with language barriers and dearth of quality content online. He is also the founder of History World- an online portal that serves students aspiring for civil services.

Gaurav Trivedi

Entrepreneur

He is the first-generation Entrepreneur & the founder of multiple organization i.e. The Business Mentors (Training company), Trishentures (diversified businesses) & Logiklee Digital Pvt. Ltd. (Software consulting company); before stepping into Entrepreneurship he has tasted the ground realities by working meticulously, passionately and dedicatedly in many industries like Academics, Information Technology, Training, FMCG, Safety & Security, Internet Service Provider, Textile, Automobile, Diamond, Gems & Jewellery, Real estate, Chemical, E-commerce, Hospitality, Footwear, Medical, Engineering, interior designing & home furnishing, solar, coal, fashion photography, Oil & petroleum, financial services, placement consultancy and a lot more. He has worked with famous filmmaker, social activist and a best seller author Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri as his blog writer and managed his blog I AM Buddha for more than a year.

Iqbal Khan

Cricketer

Iqbal Khan is Vice Captain of Indian Divyang Cricket Team (Differently Abled Cricket Council of India BCCI). He represented the Indian team in all three formats of cricket, Test, ODI, and T20 and played in more than 8 countries. he also scored his first T20 century against South Africa in 2014. He was awarded as the best bowler in Asia Cup in 2015-16 with 18 wickets. Moreover, he received the Mathuradas Mathur Award by the Rajasthan Cricket Association and was selected as the Best Cricketer of the Year. The Indian Divyang cricket team won the World Series held in August 2019 in England.

Jobin Mathew

Life & Relationship Coach; Content Creator

Jobin Mathew is a multifaceted individual whose expertise spans across various domains. As a life coach and psychiatry nurse, he is dedicated to early intervention of disorders in children and psychiatric patients. His rich engagement in academics and clinical practice is paralleled by his role as an author, crafting essential textbooks for students. His contributions go beyond as he offers guidance in life matters through life coaching. A notable feather in his cap includes his former position as an state in-charge of the National Mental Health Program. Rooted in critical thinking, his pursuits reflect a deep-seated passion for peace and the well-being of humanity.

Kavya Saxena

Entrepreneur & Rural Content Creator

Ms. Kavya Saxena is Founder of Craftpotli, the brand aims to bridge the gap between native Adivasi communities and audiences by creating mindful products and experiences. She undertook the massive #Kavyaonquest where she was on road continuously for 8 months documenting the villages and heritage of India from Oct 2020 to Jul 2021. She now lives and operates from the hinterlands of Koraput forests in Odisha full time and works with some of the most vulnerable tribes in India. Kavya is also WICCI President of Arunachal Pradesh, striving to uplift the tribal heritage of communities. She is consultant to Gujarat Tourism for rural initiatives and constantly works with different Government bodies to uplift rural crafts and culture. She has been featured in all national dailies like Hindu, Times, HT, Indian Express and has featured on TedX Unplugged Mumbai Nov’2018. Her work with Kondha tribe is now a full time case study at prestigious TISS, Mumbai.

Mukesh Pachauri

Academician

Mukesh Pachauri is a charismatic orator, author, anchor and is currently following his passion to drive youth towards literature as Associate Professor. With his M. Phil in Theatre and his PH.D in Media & Literature, he has a finesse of artistic expression that made him maneuver his way out as an exceptional academician. He has been an Editor and Co-Director of India's first news reporting channel ‘PARAKH’ and hosted news channels like NDTV, IndiaTV, Times Now. Being an avid reader, voice-over-artist and an expert storyteller, he hosts a YouTube channel ’AchhiKhabar’ with his two cents motivational stories. Having a flair for languages, he has developed a passion for literature in youth and carved many literature enthusiasts.

Navneet Pachauri

Trendsetter Educationist & Principal

Navneet Pachauri- a visionary educationist, reflective practitioner and a dynamic leader with an experience of 30+ years of non conventional education. Her resilience with ‘never-say-die-spirits’ made her establish a school of her dreams. With her vision of ‘schooling for life’ her school is a home for 1400+ students. An exemplar mix of anthophile, entrepreneur and a philanthropist , she’s a constant support system and inspiration for youth. She believes that each one of us can bring a positive change in the society simply by networking and sharing our knowledge and resources.

Nivrutti Avhad

Bureaucrat

The speaker is a mechanical engineer by education and an IAS officer by profession. With diverse work experience in private and government sectors, he currently serves as Assistant Collector (under training) Barmer, Rajasthan. Hailing from Gulvanch village, Nashik, he is an ardent believer in life being a constant journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning.

Paati Purohit

Gender Activist

Paati is an avid Gender Researcher, Activist and Consultant. She works towards Gender Sensitisation and Intersectionality with an aim of equal space and opportunities. She holds a Master's in Gender Studies from Ambedkar University, Delhi. She believes, gender is a part of every human being and not an issue.

Pradeep Pagaria

Scientist

I am Dr. Pradeep Pagaria, working as an associate director and deputy registrar at the agriculture university in Jodhpur. I got my PhD in 2004; subsequently, I joined KVK Barmer as a scientist; and in 2017, I was selected as a senior scientist and head of KVK. I even wrote over 60 research papers and ten books. I have received numerous national and international awards and have also travelled to China, France, Nepal and Mexico to promote innovative technologies, particularly in arid region.

Prateek Mutha

Content Connoisseur, Youth Icon, Youtuber

Prateek Mutha is a highly accomplished content creator who has made a significant impact in the field of promoting the regional language Rajasthani. As a young and ambitious entrepreneur, he began his career at an early age and has since achieved great success in the form of millions of views on his content. He is a highly respected member of the Rajasthani language community and has been honored with the prestigious Mayad Bhasha Seva Samman award for his dedication and contributions to the language. Furthermore, Prateek has also been appointed as the brand ambassador for the Municipal Corporation of Jodhpur, a testament to his influence and reach within the community.

Preetika Venkatakrishnan

Educator, Senior Vice President, Karadi Path Education Company

Preetika is the Senior Vice President of Karadi Path Education Company that seeks to close the global English literacy gap through a ‘skill over syllabus’ model. Preetika, along with her team, designs and develops scalable English language solutions for privately-run schools and large-scale government projects in India. She has a deep understanding of India’s diverse learner demographics through extensive fieldwork and believes in honing the prediction skills of learners to obtain higher language outcomes. She holds a master’s and MPhil. in English, has taught English at Stella Maris College and WCC, has written for journals and presented papers, and has conducted over 500 workshops for school heads on language learning.

Ravindra Kabra

Founder @ Gokul, Anthophile

He’s an impeccable source of inspiration for thousands. Personifying ‘age is just a number’, he nurtures 11000+ plants and is an anthophile who transformed his passion to purpose. With a heart of gold and pursuit of steel, he’s an epitome of strength and determination. He’s currently collaborating with several government & multinational projects and contributing his part to make this world a better place to live.

Ravindra Maru

Thespian; Experiential Educator

Dr. Ravindra Maru was born in Bikaner, a city full of literature and cultural heritage, and got his primary education there. Presently working as a resource person on the subject of "Drama in Education" in Azim Premji Foundation, Barmer. Active in theatrical activities with children, youth and teachers for almost 15 years. Studies: M.A. (Hindi Literature), M.A. (Psychology), M.A. (Education), B.Ed., .Ph.D. (Drama in Education). Keenly interested in child psychology and theatrical activities, he is continuously working with students, teachers in various universities, colleges and schools recognized by different boards.

Roshni Rajaram

Writer

Roshni Rajaram is a Delhi based author. She is a passion-driven professional with over 15 years of rich and diverse experience in Corporate Communication, Brand Management and Content Creation. Roshni holds a management degree from IIM Indore and is a CELTA (Cambridge University) certified language trainer. In her professional stint, Roshni has worked with top multinationals, reputed media houses and has consulted Ministry of Agriculture (Government of India) in various capacities. A corporate trainer and motivational speaker, she is a guest at many eminent public platforms and universities of repute. Her first published work as a co-author is The Vulture’s Feast- Stories of Storytellers, that highlights the darker side of journalism. Her solo debut ' The Cold Truth' was published by Bloomsbury and is being converted into a film. Roshni is also the national brand ambassador for ‘Roshni Helpline’- a social campaign for women welfare

Sanjaya Chaturvedi

Litterateur; Novelist; Orator; Poet

Sanjaya Chaturvedi is a Navodayan and alumnus of University of Allahabad . He is a logician and ‘rebellion thinker’ who believes in the ‘lateral thinking’ and ‘questioning the status quo’. He has done significant research in scientific connection of mythology and spelt own hypotheses on various subjects. Sanjaya is a vivid writer, composer, singer and writer.’Chand Par Chandani Nahin Hoti’ is the book that contains his poetry work. He has different explanations for various phenomena pertaining to behaviour of human, plants and our ancient beliefs.

Shilpi Mohan

Strength Conditioning Coach

She is a transformational fitness coach and speaker, who has more than 10+ years of experience in the world of fitness. A housewife who was once diagnosed with high blood pressure and was struggling with obesity and depression and was advised by doctor to change her lifestyle as her health was deteriorating. She decided to take control of her life at the age of 39 and hit the gym to stay fit. Soon she graduated to doing rigorous fitness training and was spotted by a renowned fitness trainer for her stamina and strength. She invited her to be part of her group after which Shilpi never looked back. The trainer was impressed with her passion and dedication. She has trained more then 500+ women in the last six years and has made difference to their fitness and health. She is regarded as a role model at age of 51 by women who are in their 20s. It is a real life story of a normal woman who is today an inspiration to many. She is ready to give the message “That her story, can be your story”.

Shobhit Nirwan

YouTube Content Creator

Shobhit Nirwan or as his followers say "Shobhit Bhaiyya" is making a huge contribution in helping students to overcome the fear of exams and excel in them with flying colors. He started his channel "Shobhit Nirwan" in 2019 when he was in first semester of his college (IIT Vadodara) and touched 1 lakh subscribers mark in less than a year. Right now He has more than 1.5 Million subscribers with more than 100 Million views and is currently one of the top Educational Channels in India. He has already achieved financial freedom at the mere age of 19. He is an educator, a content creator, and most importantly, an explorer. This is not an individual's claim but the claim of his students, and it is also reflected in the number of successful students who have benefitted from his guidance.

Tribhuwan Singh Rathore

Social Activist

A scion of the former royal family of Barmer, he has dedicated his life's work to serving the families of martyrs and honoring gallantry-awarded heroes. Through his unceasing commitment and the collaborative efforts of the people of Barmer, he has initiated the "Thar ke Veer" program, shedding light on the true heroes of our nation. With an unshakeable belief in the power of positivity, he carries the conviction that nothing is beyond reach when pursued with perseverance & determination. No obstacle, whether it be geographical, temporal, circumstantial, or interpersonal, is insurmountable in his view. He inspires others to embrace a positive outlook on life. At the helm of numerous NGOs in the vicinity of Barmer, he has left an indelible mark on the community. His tireless efforts and dedication have earned him the prestigious Rajasthan Patrika "Most Powerful 40 under 40" award, recognizing his capacity to effect transformative change in both individual lives and society at large.

Vinod Sharma

Political Editor, Diplomatic Correspondent

Vinod Sharma, a seasoned journalist with over 45 years of experience, is the Political Editor of Hindustan Times, a prominent English newspaper in New Delhi. With a career spanning from United News of India to Hindustan Times, he's held diverse roles including Chief of Political Bureau and resident representative in Islamabad. An expert commentator on regional politics, Sharma contributes to major news channels like BBC and Al Jazeera. He's a founding member of South Asian Free Media Association, serving as its regional President. His extensive involvement in think tanks, commissions, and associations reflects his commitment to journalism and media.

Vinod Vithall

Metricist

Vinod Vithall is a Poet, Journalist, Social Scientist and Public Intellectual with five books. Having long experience of working with Radio, Television, Newspapers, Magazines, Judiciary and Corporates. Gold Medalist in Law and Journalism and Mass Communication, Vinod has been travelling from Mythology to Meta World and story telling to international issues.